Spalding sets out £20m redevelopment vision

April Lara
-
0
Spalding sets out £20m redevelopment vision

The Spalding Town Board has released a ten-year plan outlining how £20m of government funding could be invested to revitalise the town centre.

Key proposals include a permanent canopy at Hall Place to enhance the market area, along with pedestrian-friendly improvements around High Bridge. Plans also feature the redevelopment of vacant properties to support new businesses, community spaces, and food-led ventures.

River access is a focus, with two new pedestrian bridges and floating piers proposed. Seating would be introduced near Ayscoughfee Hall, and upgraded facilities are planned for the town’s water taxi service.

Heritage is positioned at the centre of the scheme, with a shared public space called Heritage Court proposed between Spalding Gentlemen’s Society and the Methodist Church. Public art, lighting, and landscaping improvements are also suggested to improve neglected areas and discourage anti-social behaviour.

The board aims to support year-round events focused on food and entertainment to drive footfall. It is also exploring measures to improve signage, widen footpaths, and create more green space.

The consultation runs until 28 October, with the top community priority identified so far being the reduction of anti-social behaviour and the creation of safer, more inclusive spaces.

West Yorkshire sets sights on six business sectors in £7bn bid for growth

Tess Egginton
-
0
West Yorkshire sets sights on six business sectors in £7bn bid for growth
West Yorkshire leaders have committed to a new, flagship economic approach following the approval of six ‘Cluster Action Plans’ at the most recent meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The plans kickstart a new era of public-private partnerships, designed to spur on multibillion-pound business growth opportunities and create tens of thousands of jobs. The new plans see six sectors targeted for investment and support, as the West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin looks to build the right infrastructure for businesses to thrive. Firms will be supported with access to finance, skills, workspace, innovation, markets and promotion, and benefit from investment to build a better-connected region. Two years in the planning, each of these six sector plans represents a major step forward in realising the region’s £7bn growth plan. The first priority of the Local Growth Plan, launched in December of last year, is to boost the region’s fastest growing business sectors, in order to create jobs and economic growth at speed and at scale. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “The approval of these new plans will be a genuine catalyst for growth and a gamechanger for our region. “By focusing our collective energy on the sectors where we have world-class strengths, we are sending a clear message to the world: West Yorkshire is where opportunity lives. “We are not just talking about growth – we are delivering it through a new, dynamic partnership with our brilliant businesses, creating skilled jobs and powering our region’s contribution to the UK’s economic success.” The sectors which will be targeted for major growth opportunities are advanced manufacturing, financial and professional services, healthtech, digital and technology, creative industries, and green economy. Each of the six business-led cluster plans sees the Combined Authority pioneering a new model of public-private partnerships, providing each sector with a dedicated plan of action to drive innovation and develop specialist skills to help them grow and succeed. Mandy Ridyard, Mayor’s Business Advisor and Chair of the West Yorkshire Business Board, said: “The approval of these plans is a significant moment for our business community. “The clarity and focus of the cluster approach gives businesses the confidence that we have a robust, long-term plan in place to drive sustainable growth. “This joined-up approach will be the catalyst for the next decade of prosperity.” Combined Authority interventions to support each sector include: Advancing manufacturing Leveraging the North’s largest manufacturing workforce of over 112,000 people, the Combined Authority is investing nearly £1.6 million to help ensure a pipeline of talent for major infrastructure projects like the future Mass Transit system and affordable housebuilding programme. Financial and professional services As England’s biggest financial district outside of London, the Financial and Professional Services cluster plan will support growth in start-ups and scale-ups by delivering a new West Yorkshire FinTech accelerator. This initiative will work with partners to open large-scale datasets, enabling firms to test AI/Machine Learning models and risk analytics tools. Healthtech Cementing West Yorkshire’s position as a world-leading centre for digital health innovation, this sector is supported by a £160 million investment programme, Europe’s largest teaching hospital and a globally significant business cluster. The plan includes leveraging existing partnerships, such as the West Yorkshire-Nashville ‘Healthtech Bridge’, which has been the foundation for exploring new collaborative opportunities following last year’s trade mission. Digital and technology As the UK’s number one location for tech scale-ups, the plan is designed to accelerate growth in specialisms like AI and data analytics across the region. Tangible interventions will include building new, international strategic relationships as part of an AI alliance and developing world-class infrastructure, such as the new Microsoft hyperscale data centre in Leeds. Green economy Driven by the commitment to achieve net-zero carbon by 2038, the plan supports the growth of the sector to a projected £11.1 billion by 2026. Tangible interventions include the Home Energy West Yorkshire retrofit program, which is designed to improve energy efficiency and support the creation of up to 30,000 well-paid jobs in the green sector, and a business support program that has already helped businesses to access £126 million in new sales opportunities. Creative industries As one of six national “priority places” for the creative industries, West Yorkshire has secured a share of £150 million in government funding to accelerate new initiatives and attract private investment. Announced last week alongside the signing of a major new partnership with Sport England, the action plan aims to nearly double the size of this sector to £4.1 billion, creating 50,000 new jobs by 2035. Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director of Inclusive Economy, Skills and Culture at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “We have worked hard with our partners to create one of the most ambitious growth plans in the country, putting West Yorkshire firmly on the map. “This cluster-led approach sends a clear signal to local, national and global businesses, that this is a region with a clear, confident plan for the future.”

Coppice acquires PFF Group, safeguarding jobs and expanding reach

April Lara
-
0
Coppice acquires PFF Group, safeguarding jobs and expanding reach

Packaging manufacturer PFF Group, based in Keighley, has been acquired by Coppice Alupack Ltd after entering administration. The deal preserves 239 jobs across PFF’s sites in West Yorkshire and Stockton-on-Tees.

PFF, with turnover of around £40m, specialises in sustainable rigid plastic packaging for the food sector. Rising input costs and reduced consumer demand weakened its working capital position, prompting administrators to oversee an accelerated sale process.

The transaction transfers staff and assets to Coppice, which supplies packaging to food manufacturing, processing, baking, catering and non-food markets. The addition of PFF strengthens Coppice’s innovation capacity and broadens its product range.

The move reflects ongoing consolidation in the UK packaging sector, which has faced sustained pressure from high costs and softer demand. For Coppice, the acquisition enhances its ability to offer customers flexible, sustainable solutions while extending its reach in food and healthcare packaging.

The deal is viewed as a significant step in ensuring business continuity, protecting jobs, and positioning the enlarged group for further growth in a challenging market.

Gleeson and Lloyds join forces on northern PRS developments

April Lara
-
0
Gleeson and Lloyds join forces on northern PRS developments

Gleeson Homes has partnered with Lloyds Living to expand its presence in the private rental sector, delivering 170 properties across three mixed-tenure schemes in the North of England. The developments are located in Knottingley, Wakefield; Chopwell, County Durham; and Goldthorpe, Barnsley.

The partnership reflects the growing demand for professionally managed rental homes in regional markets, with Lloyds Living overseeing operations and Gleeson leading construction. Both companies emphasise the importance of sustainability in new housing delivery, with most units set to feature air-source heat pump technology to reduce running costs and lower emissions.

Work is already underway across the sites, with phased completions scheduled between 2025 and 2027. The agreement highlights the growing importance of large-scale partnerships in accelerating the rental housing supply, particularly in areas where affordable, energy-efficient homes are in short supply.

Graham Prothero, CEO at MJ Gleeson plc, commented:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Lloyds Living again. We both share a vision for a future where everyone has access to high-quality housing without compromising on value. We’re proud to be part of building thriving communities that will be around for years to come.”

Yorkshire tech firm secures multi-site AI deal with Hovis

Tess Egginton
-
0
Yorkshire tech firm secures multi-site AI deal with Hovis
Yorkshire-based tech firm IntelliAM has secured a major expansion to its commercial partnership with bakery brand, Hovis. The expanded contract – which represents a ninefold increase on the original agreement – will see full deployment of the IntelliAM platform across multiple manufacturing sites. It will also include integration of IntelliAM smart sensor interfaces across production lines, alongside ongoing consultancy services to drive measurable gains in reliability, productivity, and asset availability. The anticipated productivity improvements are expected to deliver full return on investment within the first year, accelerating Hovis’ journey towards AI-powered, proactive manufacturing excellence. In September 2024, IntelliAM secured an initial contract with Hovis to deliver reliability consultancy services across three key sites. The project successfully delivered gap analyses, criticality assessments, and tailored maintenance strategies that enabled targeted, data-driven improvements to production reliability. Chris Bradley, chief operations officer of Hovis Limited, said: “We are pleased to be making this next step investment in IntelliAM’s services and AI platform, following a detailed analysis of the outcomes from our initial engagement.” Tom Clayton, CEO of IntelliAM, added: “This expanded contract represents a significant milestone for IntelliAM, validating the commercial value of our AI-driven solutions. We are proud to be deepening our relationship with Hovis and to be helping them lead the way in transforming UK manufacturing productivity. “IntelliAM exists to transform productivity in the manufacturing industry. We are committed to powering a new industrial revolution through artificial intelligence and machine learning – helping manufacturers tap into billions of machine data points to enable intelligent asset management and deliver transformational change.”

Accent Housing secures £33.8m Government funding to expand affordable homes programme

Tess Egginton
-
0
Accent Housing secures £33.8m Government funding to expand affordable homes programme
Accent Housing has secured £33.8m in new government funding through its Strategic Partnership with Homes England. The funding, part of a £2bn top-up announced in Spring 2025, will enable Bradford-based Accent and its partners to deliver 301 additional affordable homes, most of which will be for Social and affordable rent. Accent is already a Strategic Partner with Homes England under the Affordable Homes Programme 2021–2026. The new package will enable Thrive Homes, one of Accent’s partner housing associations, to deliver a further twenty-two social and affordable rented homes in Borehamwood, while Accent will deliver the remaining 279 across its development programme. Nick Apetroaie, chief executive of Accent, said: “This latest funding is a great vote of confidence in our place-based development programme and our people. It means we can go further and faster in delivering the affordable homes that communities across the country desperately need. “With demand higher than ever, we are determined to play our part in tackling the housing crisis and providing secure, quality homes for those who need them most.” Steve Morris, interim executive director for development and sales at Accent, said: “Our Development programme has gone from strength to strength since becoming a Strategic Partner for Homes England. “We currently have over 700 homes under construction on 18 sites from Surrey to Yorkshire, including the regeneration of a large estate in Bradford due to complete in Spring 2026. This additional support gives us confidence to keep building, while we await announcements around the Government’s longer-term funding plans.” Chantelle Barker, director of development at Thrive Homes, said: “This is fantastic timing. We have just gone into contract on our 186-home development with Hill Investment Partnerships (The Hill Group) at Lyndhurst Farm, Borehamwood. This funding confirmation gives us security to deliver the last phase of 22 homes on that site, which will include homes for social rent.”

Redditch Medical acquired by Schülke & Mayr

April Lara
-
0
Redditch Medical acquired by Schülke & Mayr

German healthcare company Schülke & Mayr has acquired Redditch Medical, a UK-based manufacturer of cleanroom contamination control products. The transaction delivers an exit for investment firm Traditum, which backed a management buy-out of Redditch Medical’s parent company Entaco Group in 2024.

Redditch Medical, founded in 2012, produces the InSpec range of disinfectants and detergents for life sciences and provides technical support through microbiological and chemical analytics. The business employs 44 staff, with exports driving most of its turnover.

Following Traditum’s investment, the business expanded production capacity, opened a laboratory, strengthened its management structure and launched new product lines. This led to growth in both domestic and international markets.

Schülke & Mayr’s purchase gives it a stronger foothold in cleanroom solutions, complementing its infection prevention portfolio across pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Redditch Medical will continue operations under its current leadership while pursuing further expansion in European and global markets.

Traditum retains a stake in Entaco’s other divisions, which continue to manufacture surgical needles and medical devices in Worcestershire.

David Mitchell, CEO of Traditum, said: “Redditch Medical shows how strong leadership and supportive investors can unlock the potential of a business. Under Steve’s direction and with Traditum’s support, it has undergone a remarkable transformation in a little over a year. Becoming part of schülke will open up new opportunities as it enters the next stage of its growth journey.”

Lithia expands UK presence with Hatfields deal

April Lara
-
0
Lithia expands UK presence with Hatfields deal

Lithia UK has completed the acquisition of Hatfields Group, finalised on 30 September 2025. The transaction covers four Land Rover dealerships and an OMODA JAECOO site, marking the group’s first move into the Chinese brand in Britain.

The deal takes Lithia UK’s Land Rover footprint to 11 locations, many also offering Jaguar services, with new coverage across Hull, Liverpool, Pickering, and Shrewsbury. The Hatfields operations will be integrated into Lithia’s Stratstone luxury and exotics division while continuing under the Hatfields name. Staff will remain in post.

The OMODA JAECOO dealership in Hull will join Lithia’s Evans Halshaw division, which already works with brands including BYD, Ford, and Vauxhall. This brings a new OEM partner into the portfolio at a time of growing interest in emerging global marques.

Hatfields, established in 1922, has a long-standing history with Jaguar Land Rover, including recent industry recognition. Lithia UK confirmed the move strengthens its representation of Jaguar and Land Rover’s full model range while broadening its geographic reach in the North of England.

BHP records highest trainee intake in over a decade

April Lara
-
0
BHP records highest trainee intake in over a decade

Accountancy firm BHP has recruited 54 trainees this year, marking its largest intake since before 2015. The new cohort reflects rising demand from SMEs and mid-market firms for specialist financial support.

The group includes 29 graduates, 17 non-graduates, and seven placement students. For the first time, permanent roles have also been offered to individuals who previously joined BHP through its Work Experience Academy, which provides early exposure to accountancy and finance careers.

BHP, which operates across Sheffield, Leeds, York, Chesterfield and Cleckheaton, runs a development programme giving trainees experience across its full range of services while they study for professional qualifications. Over the past five years, more than 190 individuals have progressed through the scheme into permanent roles within the firm and the wider industry.

Karen Arch, chief people officer at BHP, said: “In an uncertain world, it’s crucial that we have the right talent in place for businesses and organisations looking for trusted advice, now and in the future.

“We are hugely proud of the development opportunities we offer to people through our leading training programme and it’s especially pleasing to be able to offer employment to the highest number in ten years despite the wider mixed economic outlook.

“A fifth of those joining us in this cohort are actually coming back, having previously worked with us during their year in industry at university or taken part in our Work Experience Academy, which is testament to our positive environment and values-driven culture.”

The firm said the latest intake supports its long-term strategy of building talent pipelines across accountancy, payroll, and IT, as regulatory requirements continue to expand for its client base.

Yorkshire law firms gain ground in national rankings

April Lara
-
0
Yorkshire law firms gain ground in national rankings

Yorkshire’s legal sector has secured a strong presence in the 2025 edition of The Legal 500, with nearly 550 rankings across 45 practice areas.

The guide assesses almost 1,200 UK firms and more than 13,000 lawyers. In Yorkshire, Walker Morris, DLA Piper and Addleshaw Goddard led the listings, recording 24, 24 and 23 firm rankings respectively, alongside more than 40 individual lawyer rankings each. Pinsent Masons and Irwin Mitchell completed the top five, achieving 19 and 18 firm rankings.

The year saw notable consolidation. Wilkin Chapman and Rollits merged, creating a wider presence across Hull, York, and Beverley. Sheffield-based Bell & Buxton joined Sills & Betteridge in September, while Lupton Fawcett was acquired by Flint Bishop, strengthening Leeds as a key hub.

In Leeds, Walker Morris retained its position as the city’s leading independent firm, with Clarion close behind on 16 total rankings. Sheffield’s main players highlighted were CMS, DLA Piper and Irwin Mitchell. Hull continued to demonstrate a distinctive market identity, with Andrew Jackson, Gosschalks and the newly merged Wilkin Chapman Rollits performing strongly.

The 2026 edition of The Legal 500 will be the first to include a law firm comparison tool, enabling side-by-side analysis of rankings, matters, and lawyer recognition.

1...131415...1,060Page 14 of 1,060