York and North Yorkshire sets out long-term growth priorities

April Lara
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York and North Yorkshire sets out long-term growth priorities

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has published its first Local Growth Plan, a 10-year strategy designed to drive productivity, investment, and job creation across the region. The plan, which has secured government approval, outlines how the combined authority will build on its established economic strengths while supporting the UK’s broader growth ambitions.

The Growth Plan identifies five Competitive Advantage Sectors – food and farming innovation, engineering biology and life sciences, clean energy, rail innovation and security, and the creative industries – with defence listed as an emerging sector. These industries are expected to lead efforts in improving productivity and supporting the region’s transition toward a carbon-negative economy.

Complementing the plan are several aligned strategies, including an Adult Skills Strategy aimed at matching workforce capabilities with future opportunities, a Strategic Place Partnership focused on housing delivery, and a Local Visitor Economy Partnership that supports a sector attracting around 40 million visitors annually.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said the plan builds on the region’s strengths while focusing on quality of life and sustainable growth. “Growing York and North Yorkshire’s economy goes hand-in-hand with building healthy and thriving communities. York and North Yorkshire is a spectacular place to live with one of the highest performing economies in the North of England. We have a proud history of feeding the UK, powering the UK, connecting the UK, healing the UK, inspiring the UK and protecting the UK – and by continuing to harness all those strengths, we are growing the UK. We need government to recognise our strengths as we take our place on the national stage, strengths that can support the UK’s growth ambitions but also help to address issues that face our residents today. This plan has been created with those who live, work and do business in York and North Yorkshire at its heart, to deliver better quality and more secure jobs, more affordable homes and provide better connectivity. My ambition is simple: to help create places where people can thrive – where good health, good jobs, and a good quality of life are part of everyday experience, not just ambition.”

York and North Yorkshire’s economic development strategy positions the region as one of the North’s strongest performers, with York recognised as the most productive city in the UK. The plan aims to sustain that performance through targeted investment, innovation, and collaboration across business, academia, and local government.

INEOS to cut 60 jobs in Hull

Tess Egginton
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INEOS to cut 60 jobs in Hull
INEOS has announced that it is cutting 20% of the workforce at its Acetyls plant in Hull. The firm said the 60 jobs are being lost as a direct result of high energy costs and anti-competitive trade practices, as importers “dump” product into the UK and European markets. INEOS explained that cheap, carbon-heavy imports from China, produced using coal and emitting up to eight times more CO₂ than its UK operations, are now flooding the market. INEOS is calling on the UK Government and European Commission to introduce urgent anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese and US importers to protect the chemicals sector. The company warns that unless action is taken, more sites will close and thousands more jobs will be lost. David Brooks, CEO of INEOS Acetyls, said: “This is a very difficult time for everyone at the Hull facility. We have a leading-edge, efficient and well-invested site and the team here is highly skilled, professional, and dedicated. Making the decision to cut 60 roles was not taken lightly. “We have explored every possible alternative but in the face of sustained pressure from energy costs, combined with unfairly low-cost imports into the UK and Europe, we’ve been left with no other choice. Our priority now is to support those affected and protect the long-term future of the site.” INEOS recently invested £30 million at the Hull site to switch from natural gas to hydrogen, cutting emissions by 75%, the equivalent of taking 160,000 cars off the road. “This is a textbook case of the UK and Europe sleepwalking into deindustrialisation. INEOS has invested heavily at Hull to cut CO₂, yet we’re being undercut by China and the US while left wide open by a complete absence of tariff protection. If governments don’t act now on energy, carbon and trade, we will keep losing factories, skills and jobs. And once these plants shut, they never come back.”

Data On Demand makes board appointment

Tess Egginton
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Data On Demand makes board appointment
Data On Demand, the provider of data and insights that help organisations create better outcomes for consumers, has appointed Denise Crossley to its board. Crossley is the former Group CEO & current NED of Lantern Group and served for more than 20 years as a non-executive director of the Credit Services Association (CSA). She brings extensive experience in debt recovery, operational governance and the responsible treatment of vulnerable customers, in addition to her work as a NED and consumer duty champion at Snap Finance UK. The appointment follows a period of strategic momentum at Data On Demand, including the buy-back of shares from its original investor and enhancements to the company’s Go-To-Market capability. Stuart Murgatroyd, CEO of Data On Demand, said: “Denise is a highly respected leader whose practical insight into debt recovery and vulnerability will be invaluable as we scale. “We are targeting 100% year-on-year ARR revenue growth in the next two years and are excited that Denise will be with us on this journey.” Denise Crossley said: “I’m delighted to join Data On Demand. The team’s commitment to responsible data use – improving engagement, protecting vulnerable customers and driving better outcomes – aligns with my values and experience. “The next three years will be an exciting time for the business and I’m thrilled to support the team as they enter their next chapter of growth.”

Sheffield Sporting Lunch brings businesses together to support local charities

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield Sporting Lunch brings businesses together to support local charities
Over 350 guests from Sheffield’s business community came together for the first Sheffield Sporting Lunch, which took place at the Cutlers’ Hall on Friday to raise funds for four local charities. The event was sponsored by EDGE, the multi-disciplinary property and construction consultancy. The inaugural celebration of sport, community and giving welcomed special guest Sir Geoff Hurst – famed for his hat-trick in England’s historic 1966 World Cup final victory. The event successfully raised £47,500 in support of four nominated charities – Fuse Alternative Provision, Links Sports Trust, Net4All and Always an Alternative. Each of these organisations works tirelessly to support children and young people in Sheffield’s local communities, providing education, sport, and mentorship to enhance wellbeing, promote social connection, and empower the next generation with the mindset and skills to thrive. Nick Phelan, director at EDGE, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have organised the first-ever Sheffield Sporting Lunch. It’s been a fantastic occasion that not only celebrated sport in our city but also raised vital funds for some truly incredible charity organisations. “To see the city’s business community come together in this way has been inspiring, and we’re delighted to have played a part in making it happen. At EDGE, we are committed to giving back to the communities in which we work and helping create opportunities that make a real difference.” Guests enjoyed lunch and performances from award-winning comedian Lea Roberts and the event’s compare Alan Keegan. In addition, attendees were also joined by Sheffield sporting legends Mel Sterland, Imre Varadi, Tony Currie, Terry Curran, John Lowe, Carl Asaba and TV personality Tommy Cannon. Francesca Hanson, director at Fuse Alternative Provision, said: “We had an amazing time at the Sheffield Sporting Lunch! The whole EDGE team made us at Fuse feel so welcome and took the time to really understand our pupils and the work we do. Their enthusiasm to make a difference was truly inspiring, and we’re so grateful to have been one of the four charities supported. “The generosity and community spirit on the day were incredible and the funds raised will have a real impact on the young people we support. Thank you to everyone at EDGE and everyone who attended for your kindness, passion, and commitment to making a difference! We’ll continue to share our journey and show how the money raised is helping to support our pupils.” Proceedings included a raffle and auction of signed sporting memorabilia. Marie Hadfield, office manager at EDGE, said: “The very first Sheffield Sporting Lunch has been a real success. It’s brought the community together in such a positive way. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their support, which has helped turn this idea into a reality and ensured the event could make a lasting impact for young people in the city and beyond. “An extra thank you must also go to John Green who was integral to the organisation of the event.”

DX Group expands capacity with new site in West Yorkshire

April Lara
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DX Group expands capacity with new site in West Yorkshire

DX Group has opened two new distribution facilities in Birstall and Wellingborough, expanding its DX-2 network to nine Super Sites across the UK.

The Birstall site, based on Norquest Industrial Estate, covers 35,000 sq ft, while the Wellingborough facility spans 10,000 sq ft at Ise Valley Industrial Estate. Both locations are part of the company’s continued investment in infrastructure to support growth in its two-person delivery division, which specialises in handling large and heavy consumer goods.

The DX-2 network now operates 19 depots, including the nine Super Sites, and runs a dedicated fleet managing over 100 daily routes. Around 450 employees support the division, which delivers to homes and commercial properties nationwide.

By expanding its Super Site network, DX aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce travel distances and emissions, and strengthen customer service. The investment follows several years of network development across the Group, including upgrades to IT systems, vehicles, and equipment.

Ian Truesdale, Chief Executive Officer of DX Group, commented: “We are delighted to have opened these additional new DX-2 Super Sites in Birstall and Wellingborough. They will provide our DX-2 operations with greater capacity, further increase capability and get us closer to our customers’ customers. They also help to make us more efficient and reduce our stem mileage, which in turn will lower our overall carbon emissions. We continue to focus on setting market-leading service standards. We have invested significantly in our depot network over the past few years and will continue this programme across the Group, including IT, vehicles and equipment.”

Kiril Mischeff expands portfolio with Primepak Foods acquisition

April Lara
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Kiril Mischeff expands portfolio with Primepak Foods acquisition

Kiril Mischeff Group has acquired East Yorkshire-based Primepak Foods Ltd, continuing its expansion in the UK food manufacturing sector.

The Nottinghamshire-headquartered company, established in 1935, is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of food ingredients and products to manufacturing, retail, and foodservice markets. The addition of Primepak Foods strengthens the group’s product range in cheese, cooked meats, and sandwich fillers, which are produced under the Wolds Edge brand and private labels.

Primepak Foods, a family-run business, operates as a specialist processor and manufacturer serving retail, delicatessen, and foodservice clients. The acquisition aligns with Kiril Mischeff’s strategy to diversify its product lines and consolidate its position in the convenience food and ingredients market.

Dimiter Mirchev, Managing Director of Kiril Mischeff Group, commented: “Primepak Foods is a family owned and run business, that offers synergies with our existing products and services. This acquisition will allow us to expand and develop our offering and we welcome the Primepak team to the Kiril Mischeff family of companies. We look forward to working together for a mutually successful future.”

Advisory support for the transaction included Schofield Sweeney and Affinia for Kiril Mischeff, while Primepak Foods received guidance from DSW Corporate Finance, Bradbury and Co Accountants, and Wilkin Chapman Rollits.

The deal further extends Kiril Mischeff’s operational footprint in the UK food production landscape, reinforcing its vertically integrated supply capabilities across multiple categories.

HSS Hire completes £1 sale and shifts focus to digital marketplace

April Lara
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HSS Hire completes £1 sale and shifts focus to digital marketplace

HSS Hire Group has finalised the sale of its UK hire business, The Hire Service Company (THSC), to Project Mansell Newco Limited, a firm backed by investment funds managed by Endless LLP. The transaction, valued at £1, includes a £26 million contribution from HSS to facilitate the deal.

The divestment marks a strategic shift for HSS as it moves away from traditional asset-heavy operations to concentrate on its capital-light digital platform, ProService. In line with this transition, the company has entered a five-year agreement with Speedy Hire, naming it the primary equipment supplier to ProService.

Following completion, HSS will rebrand as ProService Building Services Marketplace, with Speedy Hire acquiring a 9.99% stake in the business. The arrangement includes an option to extend the partnership for an additional three years.

As part of the deal, approximately 100 Speedy employees will transfer to ProService, while around 300 from THSC will move to Speedy. Speedy will also assume lease liabilities for several THSC distribution centres.

In delayed results for the 15 months ending 31 March 2025, HSS reported a pre-tax loss of £130.1 million on revenues of £379 million, citing challenging market conditions during its structural reorganisation.

Work begins on new low-carbon homes in Hull regeneration zone

April Lara
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Work begins on new low-carbon homes in Hull regeneration zone

Construction has started on 34 new homes in Hull’s Orchard Park area as part of the city’s ongoing regeneration programme. The development at Isledane will deliver energy-efficient properties for social rent, built to meet high environmental standards.

The project, commissioned by Hull City Council and delivered by Caddick Construction, involves the installation of air-source heat pumps to reduce energy costs and lower carbon emissions. It forms part of a broader effort to expand sustainable housing supply and support Hull’s decarbonisation goals.

The scheme complements 99 affordable homes already under development at nearby Dane Park. It contributes to the council’s Housing Growth Strategy, which aims to enable the delivery of almost 6,000 new homes over the next six years.

Funding has been provided through a combination of national and regional housing programmes, including Homes England’s Affordable Homes Programme, the Ministry of Housing’s Brownfield Land Release Fund, and the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Land Fund.

Completion of the Isledane development is scheduled for early 2027.

Talion Cyber Security raises £2m from existing backers

Tess Egginton
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Talion Cyber Security raises £2m from existing backers
Talion Cyber Security, a managed security service provider (MSSP) forged out of BAE Systems, has raised £2m from existing backers including NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and Crown Fund S.C.A. SICAV-RAIF. The funding round will accelerate Talion’s growth as a trusted partner for the mid-market, a segment that faces escalating cyber risk yet remains underserved by both small providers and the largest enterprise players. The Talion team was founded in 2010 as part of BAE Systems when the UK government tasked it with protecting the 2012 London Olympics. It became independent in 2020 through a management buy-out. The Leeds-based business now employs a team of veteran cyber experts from defence and enterprise backgrounds. As part of this phase of growth, Keven Knight has taken over as CEO and Matthew Briggs has joined as Chair. Matthew is the former CEO of ECSC Group, the UK’s longest running full-service cyber security provider, and oversaw its sale to Daisy Group in 2023. The investment will expand access to Talion’s services for mid-market organisations while scaling the company’s footprint across the UK and US. Keven Knight, CEO of Talion, said: “The mid-market is in a gap-zone of cybersecurity: too complex for basic tools, too niche for enterprise-level bespoke providers. “Talion’s Hybrid Defence model fills that gap by offering transparency, shared control, and solutions scaled to the needs of firms that are growing fast but can’t afford to be overcharged or left exposed. With this investment, we can accelerate our innovation in MDR, threat intelligence, and service delivery for mid-sized enterprises.” NPIF and Mercia first invested in Talion in 2021. Dawn Tyler, investment director at Mercia Ventures, said: “Talion is highly rated by clients and has attracted some well-known names. “However, we believe the real opportunity now lies with medium-sized companies, whose needs are too complex for small providers but who are being overcharged and underserved by the big players. This funding will help it to establish a strong foothold in this part of the market.” Crown first invested in Talion in 2022. Dr Roland Rausch, chairman of Crown, said: “Crown, a regulated Luxembourg investment fund, is delighted to support the growth of Talion particularly as it seeks to expand its geographic reach with other Crown portfolio companies.”

Yorkshire’s new matchmaker for charities and businesses sees successful first quarter since launch

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Yorkshire’s new matchmaker for charities and businesses sees successful first quarter since launch
Selby based social enterprise, Cause Matcher, is marking a successful first quarter since launch, with more than 35 Yorkshire charities in need of support now signed up, along with 20 businesses and skilled volunteers already offering their time and expertise completely free of charge to help them thrive, including Leeds Building Society. Founder Chris Worthington, who launched the free online matching platform in May, says the early traction proves that “Yorkshire’s business community is hungry to make a measurable social impact.” “In just a few months we’ve delivered real, practical help – far beyond what cash donations alone can do,” Chris explains. “From new websites and marketing strategies to hands-on maintenance and mentoring, we’re seeing purpose-driven partnerships spring up right across the region. I created Cause Matcher because I could see so many brilliant charities struggling to access the specialist skills and support they need to thrive. “At the same time, I knew there were businesses and individuals out there who wanted to help, but didn’t know how or where to start. My goal is to bridge that gap and build a thriving ecosystem of social value across Yorkshire.” Some of the organisations helped by Cause Matcher so far include a children’s charity in Sheffield, which now has a brand-new website; an arts charity in Bradford that’s expanded its audience through a new digital marketing campaign; a charity in Leeds benefiting from hands-on volunteer support to improve its respite lodges; and a CIC in Doncaster now reaching more donors thanks to social media training. Speaking about how Cause Matcher has helped The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, Kerry Magson, partnerships and engagement manager, The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, said: “Chris and the team Cause Matcher have been instrumental in helping us match amazing volunteers with projects that make a real difference to the lives of the families we support. “Thanks to this partnership, we’ve been able to welcome dedicated corporate volunteers to help maintain and improve our respite lodges, ensuring they remain a safe and welcoming haven for children across Yorkshire who are facing poverty, illness, disability or trauma.” In-kind services delivered include IT support, Google Ads strategies, HR and recruitment guidance, cybersecurity audits, on-site electrical and mechanical work, painting, gardening, and expert business mentoring. Brandesburton-based off-site construction specialist, Premier Modular, is the latest company to sign up. “We’re proud to be partnering with Cause Matcher, an exciting platform that connects companies with charities to build impactful, purpose-driven partnerships. By registering, we’re becoming part of a growing network that’s all about amplifying social value and supporting amazing causes – we can’t wait to get started,” says David Harris, Premier Modular’s managing director.
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