Leeds Building Society tackles financial crime with new educational initiative

April Lara
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Leeds Building Society tackles financial crime with new educational initiative

Leeds Building Society has introduced a free fraud prevention programme across its 51 UK branches. The initiative offers one-to-one sessions designed to educate customers on protecting themselves from financial crime, reflecting a growing concern among its members. Recent research revealed that 42% of Leeds Building Society’s members are concerned about becoming victims of financial scams.

The programme, run by branch managers, offers 30-minute appointments tailored to address specific customer concerns. These sessions cover a broad range of topics, from online banking fraud to advanced payment fraud (APP) and scam mail. The focus is on practical advice, enabling participants to understand the risks and learn how to safeguard their finances.

Open to both members and the general public, the sessions are available by appointment, either over the phone or in-person. Leeds Building Society aims to empower attendees with the knowledge and confidence needed to recognise and avoid financial fraud, contributing to overall financial resilience.

In light of UK Finance’s report of £1.17 billion lost to fraud in 2024, Leeds Building Society is committed to providing tools that help combat this growing issue.

Mayoral Business Advisory Group launched in Doncaster to drive economic growth

Tess Egginton
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Mayoral Business Advisory Group launched in Doncaster to drive economic growth

Working on a new chapter in its economic development, City of Doncaster Council has launched a new Mayoral Business Advisory Group. The strategic advisory board is designed to bring together the city’s business leaders, innovators, and community voices.

The private sector advisory body will offer the mayor and cabinet expert insight, challenge, and leadership across sectors. Its mission is to help shape Doncaster’s economic future through collaboration, strategic alignment, and inclusive growth. Chaired by Dan Fell MBE, chief executive of Doncaster Chamber, the group will include up to 20 members from across key industries, SMEs, education, infrastructure, and the voluntary and community sectors. This aims to ensure that the full breadth of Doncaster’s business landscape is reflected in the city’s economic strategy. Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “This is a unique opportunity for business leaders to help shape the future of Doncaster. The launch of our new Business Advisory Group marks a pivotal step in ensuring Doncaster’s economic future is shaped by those who know it best – our local business community. “It will be a platform for bold ideas, strategic influence, and meaningful collaboration. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and build a more prosperous, resilient city for everyone.” Dan Fell MBE, chief executive of Doncaster Chamber, said: “This is about putting business at the heart of the conversation, not just as a stakeholder, but as a partner of equals shaping Doncaster’s future. “With some constructive challenge, alongside the Mayor and Council leadership, we can ensure that local employers help steer the borough’s economic strategy to match local ambition.” The Mayoral Business Advisory Group will convene bi-monthly, with members serving a two-year term.

Decarbonisation specialist doubles turnover

Tess Egginton
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Decarbonisation specialist doubles turnover
A Yorkshire-based building services engineering company at the forefront of the renewables industry has doubled its turnover to £12m and invested in a new fleet of electric vehicles, as part of its ambition to become a net-zero business. Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric vans now form a large part of GW Power’s fleet, which have all been wrapped with the company’s branding by Hull-based signage and livery specialist, Designs. GW Power was established in Hull in 2014 by managing director, Daniel Haley, and provides renewable energy, mechanical and electrical solutions. In its last financial year, GW Power has grown from £6m to £12m turnover and is on track to hit more than £16m in the next 18 months. Daniel said: “A large part of our recent growth has come through the expansion of our energy department, which specialises in solar PV and battery storage solutions, as well as securing more projects in the construction sector, thanks to our ability to work collaboratively with main contractors during the pre-construction stages. “As part of this we must practice what we preach and back in 2022, we set ourselves an ambitious target of becoming a net-zero business by 2030. Although many companies in the construction sector talk about becoming net-zero, it’s much more than a box ticking exercise for us. “We have a carefully planned roadmap that we created in-house and it’s aligned with how we help clients decarbonise their own estates, and we’re making measurable progress against it. “Later this year we’ll unveil plans for a new and sustainable HQ building that will boast all the latest green technology and alongside this, investing in electric vehicles is another way that we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. “Although there are challenges to overcome, and especially for our vans travelling long distances to sites outside the region, we’re confident we can do it. These new vans are ideal for all our local projects and they look fantastic, with a futuristic style and a very distinctive livery, that represents the future of our brand, thanks to the team at Designs.”

South Yorkshire’s £7m health initiative sets new standard for preventative care

April Lara
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South Yorkshire’s £7m health initiative sets new standard for preventative care

South Yorkshire is embracing a pioneering £7 million public-private partnership aimed at transforming regional health outcomes and reshaping how physical activity is integrated into everyday life. The partnership between the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Sport England, and Westfield Health aims to boost physical activity levels, promote preventative healthcare, and stimulate local economic growth.

The initiative is centered around the launch of the Sport Legacy Institute (SLI), located at the Olympic Legacy Park in Sheffield. This facility will serve as a hub for research, policy development, and innovation to improve public health, particularly in underserved communities. It represents a shift from treating illnesses to preventing them through physical activity, mental health support, and wellness programmes.

The SLI, backed by a £7 million investment, will focus on six key areas: enhancing health and wellbeing, supporting economic growth, increasing physical activity among young people, promoting active transport, creating inclusive spaces, and driving health-related innovation. The project also aims to attract private investment, drive business growth in health and fitness, and reduce NHS strain by focusing on long-term wellness strategies.

This collaboration highlights the growing importance of integrating preventative health measures into urban planning and daily life, positioning South Yorkshire as a leader in health innovation. The project is expected to generate new jobs, encourage start-ups, and offer valuable research in the health, wellbeing, and sports sectors.

York’s tourism sector continues to grow, but challenges remain

April Lara
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York’s tourism sector continues to grow, but challenges remain

York’s tourism sector is becoming an increasingly significant contributor to the city’s economy, despite visitor numbers still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels. According to a new report from Make It York, the sector generated £2.01bn in 2024, marking a 5.04% increase over the previous year.

The report reveals that retail, food and drink, and accommodation were the largest sectors for visitor spending. Retail saw 34% of visitor expenditure, followed by food and drink (27%) and accommodation (25%).

Visitor numbers in 2024 reached 9.4 million, still falling short of pre-pandemic figures. Although the city has seen growth in both domestic and international tourism, the pace of recovery remains slower than anticipated. Overseas visitors made up nearly a quarter of the tourism revenue.

The tourism sector also experienced employment growth, with 16,788 people employed in the industry, representing a 4.8% increase compared to 2023.

Overnight stays in York also saw a slight rise to 1.7 million, with more than half of these visitors opting for serviced accommodation such as hotels. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of short-term rentals on the housing market, and Make It York is looking into ways to balance tourism growth and sustainability.

The organisation is also exploring the broader social impact of tourism, such as encouraging public transport use to avoid over-tourism and ensure long-term benefits for both locals and visitors.

Sika UK secures major space at Sherburn42 industrial park

April Lara
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Sika UK secures major space at Sherburn42 industrial park

Sika UK has leased 42% of Sherburn42, a state-of-the-art industrial park in North Yorkshire, marking a significant move for the global construction and manufacturing company. The lease covers 280,000 sq ft of the park, which totals 660,000 sq ft across four units.

The Sherburn42 site, situated near Tadcaster, has been designed to meet the highest sustainability standards, boasting the highest BREEAM energy efficiency and net-zero targets. Firethorn manages it on behalf of Cain International, which is behind the development of this leading logistics space in the UK.

This deal highlights the park’s appeal to large-scale, international tenants, with Sika UK joining other major businesses in the region. As the last three units remain available, further leasing discussions are underway, with plans to attract additional high-quality tenants to the space. The park’s strategic location positions it as a key hub for manufacturing, distribution, and innovation across northern England.

Seafront development opportunity in Chapel St Leonards up for auction

April Lara
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Seafront development opportunity in Chapel St Leonards up for auction

A 1.1-acre site on Chapel St Leonards’ promenade in Lincolnshire will be available for auction, offering potential for 67 beach huts. This prime location in a popular holiday area between Skegness and Mablethorpe has a guide price of £175,000.

The land will be part of SDL Property Auctions’ online auction on 31 July, which features over 225 properties and land plots. The development proposal is expected to receive approval from East Lindsey District Council, making it a valuable opportunity for developers targeting the growing coastal tourism sector.

Beach huts have gained popularity as leisure spaces, with demand for unique coastal experiences rising. Chapel St Leonards, known for its classic British seaside appeal, draws thousands of tourists each year. As UK staycations continue to grow, the site offers significant potential for developers aiming to capitalise on the area’s tourism growth.

Jaguar Land Rover to reduce UK workforce by 500 jobs

April Lara
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Jaguar Land Rover to reduce UK workforce by 500 jobs

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is set to cut up to 500 management jobs in the UK, a decision prompted by pressure on sales and profits, partly due to US trade tariffs. The cuts, which amount to about 1.5% of its UK workforce, will be part of a voluntary redundancy programme. This move is seen as part of “normal business practice” as the company adapts to changing market conditions.

JLR reported a decline in sales for the three months to June, influenced by a halt in exports to the US due to tariffs, as well as the phase-out of older Jaguar models. The carmaker had already warned that the 10% tariff imposed by the US on British car exports would negatively impact its profits. Despite this, JLR remains optimistic about future investments, particularly following the UK-US trade agreement that has reduced tariffs on a limited number of vehicles.

The company’s strategy includes a shift towards electric vehicle production, which has led to an increase in the mixed workforce. The ongoing global trade challenges, including the imposition of a 25% tariff on UK car exports earlier this year, have caused significant disruption.

JLR, a key player in the UK automotive sector with over 30,000 employees, continues to face complex market dynamics as it navigates this period of change.

Leaders gather for groundbreaking of Doncaster digital tech hub

Tess Egginton
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Leaders gather for groundbreaking of Doncaster digital tech hub

Tech leaders descended on Doncaster yesterday (Thursday 17th July) for the groundbreaking of Gateway One, the £32m digital tech hub set to transform the city’s AI ecosystem.

Due for completion in January 2027, Gateway One spans 52,000 sq ft and will bring together AI companies, innovative local business, and attract global entrepreneurs providing them with the tools to scale in Doncaster. Attending the ceremony was global AI company Automated Analytics, based in Doncaster, anchor tenants of Gateway One, who announced their plans to create an AI Incubator providing support to early-stage ventures. The groundbreaking of Gateway One marks the start of Doncaster’s ambition to become an AI Growth Zone, with the digital tech hub set to unlock inward investment, create jobs and enable delivery of aspirations within the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “There is significant momentum and interest behind Doncaster’s fast growing AI industry, with Gateway One providing a new home for early-stage companies to locate and scale. “The fact that our Gateway One development is attracting interest from global companies is a testament to the success of current Doncaster companies succeeding here such as Automated Analytics, who are shining a spotlight on the City’s unique ecosystem engineered to drive growth and deliver opportunities for our residents and businesses.”

Esselle acquires Facetheory in strategic retail move

April Lara
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Esselle acquires Facetheory in strategic retail move

Esselle, a retail group based in Lancashire, has acquired Agden Consulting Limited, trading as Facetheory, in a transaction that saw the skincare brand enter pre-pack administration. This acquisition, which includes the transfer of 28 employees and the Regent Street retail store, strengthens Esselle’s presence in the consumer goods market.

Facetheory, founded in 2013, has built a loyal customer base with its sustainable skincare products. The brand holds certifications such as B Corp and PETA, reflecting its commitment to eco-conscious practices. However, the company faced financial difficulties, reporting a loss of £1.1 million for the year ending April 2024, despite a turnover of £13.7 million. The challenges were compounded by a disruptive rebranding and the recent departure of founder Jamie Shuker.

The acquisition aligns with Esselle’s growing portfolio. Esselle, launched in 2023, initially acquired Arthouse, a home furnishings business, for £1.5 million. Esselle, owned by retail entrepreneur Suraj Lalvani, plans to expand Facetheory’s reach in the clean beauty sector, assuring customers that there will be no disruption in fulfilling current or future orders.

The deal signals Esselle’s commitment to scaling Facetheory’s innovative skincare products and building deeper customer relationships in the growing clean beauty market.

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