Northern Gritstone leads £4m Seed investment into University of Sheffield spinout

Tess Egginton
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Northern Gritstone leads £4m Seed investment into University of Sheffield spinout

Northern Gritstone has led a £4 million Seed investment into the University of Sheffield spinout, Exciting Instruments, the single-molecule platform company.

Single-molecule microscopy is one of the most powerful tools to understand disease and develop targeted therapies, however it has often been limited by complex workflows and limited accessibility, restricting its use so far to select and specialist research environments.

Exciting Instruments has developed and delivers a practical and efficient new platform for single-molecule detection, opening up adoption to an unconstrained user base spanning pharma, healthcare and other industrial applications.

Its platform technology allows users to visualise and analyse individual molecules and their interactions, whilst also providing high throughput processing and automation of analytics, advancements that are critical for improved efficiency and productivity.

Early customers of Exciting Instruments’ platform are already using it to drive new discoveries in drug development, clinical diagnostics and a range of research applications in both the pharmaceutical industry and within leading research laboratories.

Where incumbent approaches have failed to scale, Exciting Instruments is demonstrating a new path that will totally redefine molecular analysis and transform global health outcomes.

Co-investors into the round include Empirical Ventures, NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance, and serial entrepreneurs Stan Boland and Jonathan Millner.

Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, said: “Northern Gritstone is delighted to support Exciting Instruments’ internationally renowned team from the University of Sheffield. Their technology will open up a broad range of health-related research and discovery and will also support job creation in Sheffield’s thriving tech cluster.

“I’m particularly pleased that the funding round for Exciting Instruments has been over-subscribed which is another validation of the quality of deep tech investment opportunities that exist within the Northern Triangle.” 

Tim Craggs CEO and Rob Bell COO, Co-Founders of Exciting Instruments, said: “Our vision at Exciting Instruments is to bring the power of single-molecule detection to every academic and pharma lab across the globe.

“We’re not just building technology—we’re creating a new era where single-molecule insights become the foundation for breakthroughs that will redefine what’s possible in human health.”

Sheffield businesses get sharper focus on customer metrics

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield businesses get sharper focus on customer metrics
Sheffield Business Improvement District has launched the BID Barometer, a tool designed to provide comprehensive insights and trends around customer spending, sector performance, customer catchment areas, and demographics. This initiative is in direct response to feedback from our BID levy payers, who have expressed the need for more detailed and actionable data beyond traditional footfall metrics. While footfall data has been a useful indicator, it often serves as a blunt measure of city centre performance. To address this, Sheffield BID has partnered with Beauclair to bridge the data gap and deliver more nuanced insights. The BID Barometer will be a monthly report, providing summary metrics that highlight key trends. Additionally, the data can be analysed in greater detail to create tailored reports that address the specific needs of individual businesses and decision makers. Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “The BID Barometer represents a significant step forward in how we understand and support the economic health of Sheffield’s city centre. “By providing more detailed insights into customer behaviour and spending patterns, we can better support our BID levy payers and help them make informed decisions. “This tool will enable us to move beyond simple footfall counts and offer a richer, more detailed picture of city centre performance. It will also help to determine the impact of major events on customer spend, helping businesses to optimise their operations effectively.”

£200m project will protect more than 1,000 businesses from flooding

Stuart Pearcey
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£200m project will protect more than 1,000 businesses from flooding
More than 1,000 businesses and 33,000 jobs in and around Leeds will be protected from flooding of the River Aire thanks to completion of a £200m project featuring pioneering technology. It offers a one-in-200-year level of protection against extreme flooding along the River Aire, as experienced following Storm Eva at Christmas 2015 which caused up to £37million in direct costs of damage in Leeds and more than £500m in recovery costs to the wider region. Completion of the scheme was marked today with a celebration event at a new flood storage area by the riverside near Calverley in Leeds hosted by the Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis joined by representatives of project partners the Environment Agency, BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald, along with technical advisors AECOM, Bradford Council and other key stakeholders. Stretching from Apperley Bridge to the source of the River Aire at Malham about 40 miles upstream from Leeds, the range of measures includes the planting of around 750,000 trees and soil and land management measures across 1,700 football fields’ worth of land  in the upper Aire catchment. This work, managed by the Environment Agency in partnership with Leeds City Council, White Rose Forest and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, will capture and slow the flow of water down the river and aims to reduce peak flows by up to five per cent, further enhancing the overall effectiveness of the flood scheme and allowing it to adapt to the impacts of climate change through to 2069. Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis said: “This is a very important and proud day for our city as the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme can now help protect thousands of homes, communities, businesses and jobs across Leeds and beyond from the increasing threat posed by flooding and climate change.  We all remember the devastation and misery caused by Storm Eva and recent extreme weather events, and the confidence this scheme offers will be immeasurable in our city for decades to come. “This has been a mammoth project, one of the biggest ever undertaken in Leeds in terms of its importance, scale and ambition, and everyone involved in it can rightly be proud of the part they have played, especially all those who campaigned and worked so hard to ensure it would be completed in full as quickly as possible. As a city we say thank you to everyone who has helped make this scheme a reality, for the benefit of all those who live and work in Leeds and beyond.”  John Wilkinson, Chief Operating Officer, BAM UK & Ireland, and Richard Risdon, Mott MacDonald UK & Europe MD said:  “The BMMJV is proud to be part of this major engineering project that has been led by Leeds City Council and the Environment Agency to use innovative engineering solutions in combination with natural flood management. The combination of solutions delivered is the result of the partnership approach taken by everyone involved, to maximise the benefits to the city, while minimising the carbon and visual impact. “The impact of Leeds Flood Alleviation scheme extends far beyond our involvement over the last ten years. This enhanced flood protection provides climate resilient flood protection for the city, and helps further unlock Leeds’s immense regeneration potential in the years ahead.”

Government plans £140m spend to create construction apprenticeships

Stuart Pearcey
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Government plans £140m spend to create construction apprenticeships
Uo to 5,000 more construction apprenticeships could be made available every year thanks to investment of £140m in skills hubs for the industry. More than 30 Homebuilding Skills Hubs will deliver fast-track training to areas that need more housing, while giving apprentices vital skills to boost housebuilding in the UK and drive forward the government’s growth mission. Minister for Skills Jacqui Smith, said: “If we are to meet this ambitious target and fix the foundations of our economy, we need to ensure we have a skilled workforce, and give more apprentices a foot on the career ladder.” The purpose-built hubs will provide a realistic working environment for training for key construction trades, including bricklayers, roofers, plasterers, scaffolders, electricians, carpenters and more. The government is working with the Construction Industry Training Board and the National House-Building Council to launch them. Working hand in hand with Skills England to identify the areas that need construction workers the most, this will ensure employers and businesses have access to high quality apprenticeship training, kickstarting economic growth and creating jobs across England. The fast-track apprenticeships offered by the hubs can be completed in 12-18 months, up to half the time of a traditional 24-30-month construction apprenticeship. This means more construction workers can be trained quickly, unlocking economic growth by getting more people into highly skilled jobs.

Employers offered free advice to support abuse victims

Stuart Pearcey
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Employers offered free advice to support abuse victims

Lincolnshire employers are being offered free training and guidance to help them support staff experiencing domestic abuse.

More than 30,000 people as young as 16 and as old as 74 experience domestic abuse each year in Lincolnshire, creating significant challenges for businesses, with 1 in 5 employees saying they would stop going into work or take days off due to the impact of the abuse they were experiencing, with 1 in 10 quitting their job. The Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership now offers training and advice packages to help employers to identify domestic abuse, assess risk and ensure positive, effective action is taken to support staff when they need it. Lincolnshire is believed to be one of the first places in the country to offer such in-depth support free of charge. Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive member for community safety, said: “Over the last few years, the council has been working more closely with local businesses to tackle domestic abuse. These new support packages will build on that good work, helping businesses to do even more to improve the safety, mental health and wellbeing of their staff. “Employers can provide vital support to those impacted by domestic abuse and can help identify cases that might perhaps go unnoticed. We want to give them the tools and the confidence to support those that feel they have nowhere to turn for help, because a good response from an employer can make all the difference.” One business that has already benefited from support is Wilkin Chapman LLP Solicitors, for whom a spokesman said: “The Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership delivered an awareness session to our HR and Wellbeing Ambassador teams. The session helped our teams to identify the signs and symptoms of domestic abuse and how to support and signpost individuals in our environment who may be experiencing difficult situations. “Although this is a very sensitive topic, it was delivered with great compassion and with an outstanding knowledge of the subject. We have no doubt that our human resources and wellbeing teams are now much better equipped with the knowledge to help and support those who may need it within our environment.”

Barnett Waddingham names new non-exec Chair

Stuart Pearcey
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Barnett Waddingham names new non-exec Chair
Leeds-based consultancy Barnett Waddingham has named Baroness Helena Morrissey, pictured above, as Non-Executive Chair of its Management Board, effective from 1 January 2025. She will work with Senior Partner Andrew Vaughan and four new managing partners who are future-proofing the firm by balancing a maintained excellence in pension schemes with a strengthened diversified offering across risk, insurance, and investment. As Non-Executive Chair, Helena will act as a strategic sounding board for the management team, promoting open dialogue and constructive challenge while championing the firm’s commitment to service innovation, technological advancement, and cultivating talent. She will provide valuable external perspective to help drive the firm’s continued evolution while preserving its core values and culture. She brings an abundance of experience to the role, including a 15-year tenure as CEO of Newton Investment Management, where she successfully grew assets under management from £20 billion to £50 billion. She currently chairs the Boards of Fidelis Insurance Group and Altum Group and has previously held a number of other non-executive roles, including Chair of the Investment Association from 2014 to 2017. Helena takes over the Non-Executive Chair position from Elizabeth Renshaw-Ames, who leaves the role after six years. Elizabeth has chaired the board with professionalism, enthusiasm, and skill, resulting in excellent service outcomes for clients and an impressive growth trajectory for Barnett Waddingham. She said: “BW is a hugely exciting company. Its impressive growth ambitions, strong culture, and high calibre of people and talent set it apart as a truly leading consultancy. I look forward to working with Andrew and his team to build on the firm’s growth and evolution.”

Insect farm business moves into South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone

Stuart Pearcey
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Insect farm business moves into South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone

Fairman Knight and Sons UK have taken office space in the innovation space at the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, at the heart of the UK Food Valley.

Fairman Knight upcycles organic food waste using ‘bioconversion’ into Black Soldier Fly larvae which is then dried and used as sustainable pet, animal, and aquaculture feed as a sustainable low carbon alternative to soya. The waste from production makes a high quality fertilizer and the larvae can be further rendered to a highly anti-microbial bio-oil that could supplement antibiotics. The sustainable family farming business moved from its former base at a farm north of Grantham and is developing an operational site in Spalding. Fairman Knight have been supported by the UK Food Valley team by linking them to funding opportunities, office space and helping them to connect with fresh produce businesses in the region. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at the county council, said: “Fairman Knight is clearly an innovative business and has chosen to benefit from the opportunities on offer by being located at The Hub. Food and farming is evolving and sustainability and research will be at the heart of it. “The South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone is leading the way nationally in supporting this vital sector.” The Hub has been gradually filling up with tenants who are taking advantage of its fantastic location, modern work spaces and proximity to world-leading research and development facilities on-site. Julian Knight said: “My co-founder William and I wanted to set up a sustainable family farming business that would stand the test of the next 30 years. Essentially we produce a low carbon animal protein and one of most sustainable fertilizers possible – and we have zero waste. “We wanted to be close to our partners in the University of Lincoln and close to our main production site. We are an Agritech business so we want to be based in this new centre for the industry. “We plan to have two production sites operational in 2025 in Greater Lincolnshire with a minimum of 20 staff employed.” The company has recently received three grants – Grants4Growth from South Holland District Council, a grant from the South Kesteven District Council Rural Prosperity Fund and also won the Innovate UK Competition for Eastern England Agri-tech.

Plans submitted for new mixed-use development in Boston

Tess Egginton
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Plans submitted for new mixed-use development in Boston

Boston Borough Council has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of the Crown House site on the Rosegarth Square regeneration scheme.

The Crown House proposal, subject to planning consent, would see a new mixed-use building featuring retail units on the ground floor and apartments on the remaining two storeys above. The scheme will also be enhanced with landscaping, parking and cycle storage to complement the overall Rosegarth Square masterplan. The scheme aims to transform Rosegarth Square as a thriving community space. It will provide the opportunity for the retail units to offer outside dining as well as the wider area being used by family and friends to meet up and enjoy this part of the town.
Within these proposals the Council has also taken the opportunity to provide new public toilet facilities and to relocate the existing Changing Places facility. In addition, the council has also submitted demolition notices for both Crown House and the former B&M buildings, marking an important milestone in transforming this area of the town centre. These plans follow in the footsteps of the recently approved planning consent for the proposed public realm works, which features new artwork, external social spaces, and a new entrance/drop-off area for the Len Medlock Centre. It will also include a sensory garden designed for quiet contemplation and reflection, as well as an amphitheatre-style seating area. Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “The submission of the planning application is another major milestone in transforming this run-down part of town into an exciting new space for everyone. “By integrating with the wider Rosegarth Square redevelopment, the proposal is expected to bring lasting benefits to Boston, improving the area’s visual appearance, accessibility, and community potential. “It’s been a long-held aim of mine to be able to respond to resident’s concerns regarding the provision of public toilets so I am delighted that we are able to offer these improved facilities much nearer to the town centre. “The plans reflect our commitment to bring a brighter future for our town and a place where Boston people, businesses and visitors can all be proud of.”

Eddisons selected to sell portfolio of nine commercial properties

Stuart Pearcey
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Eddisons selected to sell portfolio of nine commercial properties
Leeds-based property group Eddisons has been appointed to sell a portfolio of nine, mostly retail and hospitality properties across the UK with a collective guide price of £7.5m. The Fenwall portfolio includes the Stafford branch of Barclays Bank, a Loungers venue in Malvern, and two Costa outlets in Bolton and Norfolk. A large, and currently vacant, Grade II-listed Regency building on Cheltenham’s famous Promenade, and an ornate three-storey Victorian property in Malvern, let to hospitality group Loungers UK, are among the nine properties in the portfolio. Stephen Hawkins, Eddisons’ regional managing partner, said: “These are diverse and high-performing assets that we have been instructed to sell as a whole or individually. A strong tenant profile includes Costa, Vodafone, Barclays Bank, Loungers UK, restaurant chain Cote and health testing company Randox.

Huddersfield company becomes employee-owned

Tess Egginton
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Huddersfield company becomes employee-owned
Greengauge, a building and engineering consultancy specialising in sustainable, low energy design based in Huddersfield in Yorkshire and Bradford upon Avon in Wiltshire, has become employee-owned. Its founding directors, Hannah Jones and Toby Cambray, have recently taken the bold step of transferring ownership of the company to an Employee Ownership Trust for the benefit of its employees. This means the employees have a greater say in the business, its strategy and direction as well as the opportunity of financial benefits. John Lewis is probably the best-known example of employee ownership in the UK. In making this move, Greengauge, which has 16 staff, will enable its employees to have more involvement in how the company works, while also ensuring that the business retains its unique culture and ethos into the future. Hannah Jones, Managing Director of Greengauge, said: “This is an exciting next step in Greengauge’s journey, ensuring that staff will be integral to the company’s decision-making and benefit from any profits. “Starting 14 years ago from a houseboat, we have grown exponentially, with our portfolio of services now ranging from MEP design, Passivhaus and AECB design through to certification along with more specialist hygrothermal risk analysis and complex 3D thermal bridge modelling.” The transfer to an Employee-Owned Trust was supported by Jeremy Kirk of SouthWestFD, which provides financial management and strategic input to Greengauge, along with the legal team Stephens Scown, led by Gavin Poole, and Forth Accountancy, led by Claire Forth.
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