£3.4bn awarded to build electricity ‘superhighway’ between Scotland and Yorkshire which could power 2 million homes
A £3.4 billion funding package has been awarded by Ofgem to build a proposed new subsea and underground 500km cable between Scotland and Yorkshire which could power up to 2 million homes.
Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) is the first of 26 projects to complete a fast-track process to secure funding through Ofgem’s new Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework. ASTI accelerates the funding process by up to two years, allowing electricity generated by offshore wind to be delivered to British consumers sooner.
The projects delivered via Ofgem’s ASTI programme are a vital part of the work to upgrade the energy system and allow more renewable energy to be brought onto the grid. This will help to deliver Government’s goal of clean power by 2030 and reduce our reliance on volatile international gas markets.
EGL2 will deliver a 2GW high voltage electricity ‘superhighway’ cable link between Peterhead in Aberdeenshire and Drax in North Yorkshire, which will help harness the potential of British offshore wind power. Most of the cable (around 436km) will be under the North Sea with the remaining 70km buried underground onshore. Two converter stations, one at each end of the cable, are planned to help feed the electricity transported by the cable into the grid and from there onto consumers.
As part of its mission to upgrade the energy system at least possible cost to customers, Ofgem scrutinised the developers’ proposal and identified over £79m of savings which have been cut from the project costs without impacting delivery or quality.
ASTI projects will not only help provide millions of consumers with access to homegrown wind energy, but by boosting grid capacity they will deliver an estimated £1.5bn of savings by reducing the need to compensate generators who are currently asked to turn off production, during times of high wind, due to lack of grid capacity.
Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem CEO, said: “Ofgem is fully committed to supporting the government to meet its aims of getting clean power by 2030. Today’s announcement is a further step in putting the regulatory systems and processes in place to speed up network regulation to achieve its aim.
“Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) accelerates approval times for projects such as Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) by up to two years. However, streamlining the process does not mean blank cheques for developers as we are able to step in and make financial adjustments to maximise efficiency and consumer benefit.”
Work on the project is expected to begin later this year and to be complete by 2029.
Ofgem has announced a proposed funding allowance of £294.8m for another project in its ASTI cohort, the Yorkshire Green Energy Enablement (GREEN) project. The project involves a proposed upgrade to the local electricity network to help transport energy generated by Scottish and North Sea windfarms to consumers.
Plans include building new substations, underground cables, over 7km of overhead lines and cable sealing end compounds (where underground cables meet overhead lines). Ofgem’s proposed funding allowance are now subject to consultation with the project currently slated to be operational by 2027.
Leading leisure company chosen to run Sheffield venues
Sports and Leisure Management’s Everyone Active has been named the new operator of Sheffield’s sport and leisure venues, as of January 2025.
Last year, Sheffield City Council revealed that the city’s leisure and entertainment venues were set to receive £117 million of investment including rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield’s Utilita Arena and City Hall.
As part of these plans, in June 2023, a competitive procurement process was launched in a bid to attract the best in leisure and entertainment provision to run Sheffield’s venues.
Earlier this year, ASM Global was announced as the new operator for the entertainment venues, Utilita Arena Sheffield and Sheffield City Hall.
Following the final stage of the highly competitive tender process, Everyone Active, part of Sports and Leisure Management (SLM), has now been announced as the new operator of Sheffield’s citywide sport and leisure centres, and golf courses.
Founded in 1987, Everyone Active manages over 220 leisure and cultural centres across the UK in partnership with more than 60 different local authorities.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is a city of sport, and we are incredibly proud of our sporting heritage and facilities.
“Thousands of people enjoy our sport and leisure facilities every day, and our incredible venues have played host to major sporting events over the years. Our facilities have also cultivated talented athletes that have gone on to compete in the Olympics, world championships and who have reached the highest level in their sport.
“Everyone Active will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help elevate our sport and leisure offer across the city, even further.”
Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, added: “We are committed to ensuring that every person in Sheffield has access to facilities and services that support them in being more active, more often.
“Everyone Active share these ambitions and have shown their commitment to help us tackle health inequalities across Sheffield, which is why we are delighted to welcome them onboard.”
From January 2025, Everyone Active will take over the management of three golf courses and seven leisure facilities across the city, including the English Institute of Sport (EISS), one of seven high performance centres across England providing access to high quality facilities that are specifically designed for elite athletes. These include boxing, paralympic table tennis, paralympic badminton and table tennis.
The EISS has a rich sporting history. It is home to a range of professional sports clubs and has supported some of the country’s most successful athletes who have trained at the venue, including Sheffield’s Dame Jessica Ennis Hill, Anthony Joshua during his time on the GB Boxing programme, World Champion Para Badminton player, Jack Shepherd and Will Bayley, the world’s number one paralympic table tennis player.
It is also home to several National Governing Bodies and influential sporting organisations as well as community gym and indoor athletics facilities.
Everyone Active will also operate Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, which is home to City of Sheffield Swim School and City of Sheffield Diving; the home of Paris 2024 bronze medallist Yasmin Harper. It is one of only a dozen Olympic sized swimming pools in the UK and also home to Europe’s deepest diving pool.
Alongside Ponds Forge, Everyone Active will operate IceSheffield, the home of British Ice Skating and the Sheffield Steeldogs. It is also a centre of excellence for figure skating, ice dance and hockey and one of the only two facilities in the UK that has two Olympic sized ice pads.
Hillsborough, Concord and Springs Leisure centres and Heeley Pool, will also come under Everyone Active control next year, followed by Graves, Thorncliffe and Wisewood Leisure Centres in 2026.
David Bibby, Managing Director at Everyone Active, said: “We feel privileged to have been chosen as the new operator for Sheffield’s sport and leisure venues. There is an incredible array of facilities within the city, renowned for hosting major sporting events and cultivating world-class athletes.
“As a company that started out 37 years ago running a single site, it is fantastic to continue our growth in new areas of the UK, now reaching more than 240 leisure and cultural facilities.
“Sheffield is an amazing city, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Sheffield City Council to serve the vibrant communities within it. We take huge pride in offering opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and interests to engage in physical activity.
“Our experience of managing elite facilities across the country means we are well placed to continue the legacy of Sheffield’s iconic venues, and we look forward to keeping the spirit of sport and exercise alive across the city.”
Councillor Kurtis Crossland added: “As we enter this new exciting chapter, we would also like to thank the amazing teams at Sheffield City Trust and Places Leisure, who have done so much for our venues and to keep our communities active over the years.
“The majority of these teams will transfer to Everyone Active and continue their hard work to help keep Sheffield Moving More.”
Latest milestone reached in work to transform Halifax Borough Market
A new, impressive steel and glass canopy is the latest milestone in work to transform Halifax Borough Market.
Work is continuing on the £4.5m Future High Streets fund project to update the Victorian market, helping to secure its thriving future as a focal point for shopping, business and leisure in Halifax.
Recent progress has included the completion of the new canopy over the Albion Street entrance to the market. The canopy has been designed to complement the existing Grade II* listed building and make the entrance to the market more visible, encouraging visitors.
The works taking place across the market are extensive and as well as improving the look of the market to promote and support current and future market traders, they aim to preserve an important part of Calderdale’s heritage and contribute to climate action by creating a more energy-efficient building.
Works to the roof are continuing, making the market watertight, supporting improvements to heating and allowing more natural light into the building. The ceiling and iron structure have been redecorated in tones of blue, green, gold and cream, in keeping with the market’s historic colours.
Following the completion of glazing work to the roof in the north-east corner, the scaffolding is being taken down to reveal the improvements. The work on the roof will now move to the south-east side of the market, which will be the final section of roof works.
The distinctive central clock has been redecorated to complement the wider redecoration of the market, with specialist work to reinstate this heritage feature to its former glory. The clock hands have been refurbished and the lantern’s Perspex panes have been replaced with glass, in keeping with their original design.
The clock will be fully operational once further work in this central section is complete. New benches are due to be installed around the clock, along with specialist new cast-iron octagonal planters including the Halifax Borough Market logo, which are being created by local Halifax company, Hargreaves Foundry.
In the Albany Arcade, work is underway to transform this area into a new event space. Acoustic panels have been installed to improve the sound quality, with audio and visual equipment to follow at a later date. The concrete section of the stage area has been removed and work is progressing on the foundations for the new bespoke gates.
Sample stalls with the updated market design are complete, showing how the market stalls could look when the Council starts to modernise vacant ones. Existing and new traders will be able to test and give feedback on the various storage and display options in the sample stall.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said: “Great progress is being made on upgrading the Borough Market and with the completion of the new canopy we’re really starting to see how the new additions to the market are complementing and enhancing its existing features.
“One of the market’s most iconic features is the central clock and this has been restored by specialists, including careful redecoration and the fitting of new glass panels replicating the original ornate lanterns. Progress on the roof is also improving the look and feel of the building, with energy efficient measures supporting its climate credentials.
“The significant investment in the market and across the town centre will create opportunities for Halifax’s high street and support our priority for thriving towns and places.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Silvia Dacre, said: “The Grade II* listed Borough Market is being transformed, with improved facilities to support existing and future traders and welcoming spaces to encourage people to shop, eat, drink and spend time.
“It’s great to see work progressing and we’re continuing to keep traders up to date with the plans and working hard to minimise any associated disruption.”
Leeds-based Passmore Group expands into Otley with acquisition
Leeds-based Passmore Group has expanded into Otley after completing the acquisition of Yorkshire Plumb Supplies (YPS).
The latest acquisition is the business’s third expansion in the last decade, after the company acquired Charms Bathrooms of Harrogate in 2017, and later opened a 1,000 sq ft concession at Whiteleys Garden Centre, in Mirfield, in 2019.
Yorkshire Plumb Supplies is a local independent kitchen and bathroom showroom founded in June 2006 by Sam and Michelle Barghout. As part of the acquisition, Sam is semi-retiring to explore other passions while Michelle joins Passmore Group in a sales and design capacity.
Commenting on the announcement, Tony Passmore, company Chairman of The Passmore Group, said: “As part of our growth strategy, we’re always keeping our eye on the market and analysing opportunities that would allow us to increase our footprint.
“For the last five years, Otley, and the surrounding villages and towns, have been a priority location we have wanted to expand into, in line with our central hub strategy.
“Next, we want to know we’re acquiring a business that shares our principles and values. Yorkshire Plumb Supplies epitomises that. Sam and Michelle have built a highly reputable local business over the last 19 years, and we’re delighted to have been trusted by Sam to take the company forward.”
Sam Barghout added: “Our original ambition was for YPS to be kept in the family and passed on to future generations. The pandemic and current economic changed a lot and in 2022, we were looking for a new succession plan for the business.
“Tony and Passmore Group have a great reputation and from the first meeting, it became clear that they were the ideal fit to take YPS forward. I admire what they’ve achieved over the years, and I don’t think I could leave the company I set up in better hands.”
Over the next month, Passmore Group will be working with the YPS team of fitters, contractors, customers, and suppliers to ensure as smooth a transition as possible, with the new branding being implemented imminently at the showroom.
Later in 2024, Passmore Group will begin to integrate its core brands, More Kitchens, More Bathrooms, and More Ability, into the Otley-based showroom, while continuing to offer services delivered under the More Build and More Bedroom brands.
Business activity rebounds in July, rising at fastest pace since April 2023
The NatWest Regional Growth Tracker showed a turnaround in the fortunes of the Yorkshire & Humber private sector, as business activity rose at the strongest pace since April 2023. After decreasing in June and placing at the bottom of the regional rankings for output across the UK, local activity levels rose for just the third month in the year-to-date.
The headline Yorkshire & Humber PMI Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – increased by four points from 47.7 in June to 51.7 in July, a 15-month high and signalling a modest expansion in private sector business activity.
Malcolm Buchanan, Chair of the NatWest North Regional Board, said: “After a difficult start to 2024, which saw Yorkshire & Humber consistently rank as one of the weakest-performing parts of the UK, our regional tracker for July finally brought with it a slew of positive trends.
“Not only did business activity rise at its quickest pace in over a year, but demand for Yorkshire & Humber goods and services also expanded at a strong pace and business confidence surged to its highest level in over two years. Local employment benefited from the region’s economic upturn, with the rate of job creation accelerating.
“The hope will be that this new-found momentum can carry on through the second half of the year, although the resurgence of stronger price pressures is something to monitor closely, as this could scupper the recovery.”
Performance in relation to UK
Yorkshire & Humber businesses reported a strong influx of new work at the start of the third quarter, with new order growth aligned with the UK average after a sustained period of underperformance by the region.
The seasonally adjusted New Business Index rose sharply above the 50.0 no-change mark, signalling a rejuvenation of demand for local goods and services. In fact, the expansion in sales was the most marked since March 2022.
There was also a sharp rebound in business confidence, as signalled by the Future Activity Index rising by over 12 points from June’s 20-month low to its highest level in just over two years. Company investment plans, confidence in the economy, new product launches and forecasts of strengthening sales performances underpinned optimism, anecdotal evidence revealed.
July survey data signalled further gains for the local labour market, as net private sector employment increased for a third month in a row.
The rate of job creation across Yorkshire & Humber accelerated slightly to the quickest since June 2023 and was well above the survey average. Where workforce numbers grew, this was linked to stronger demand, the filling of vacancies and efforts to raise output potential.
Backlogs of work decreased in July, suggesting efficiency gains and adequate operating capacities to process workloads in a timely fashion. The decrease was only mild, however, and the slowest seen in 16 months.
Sharp cost pressures persisted for Yorkshire & Humber companies in July, with prices charged subsequently rising further as firms endeavoured to protect margins.
The seasonally adjusted Input Prices Index remained well above the 50.0 no-change mark in July, signalling a further steep rise in operating costs. The rate of increase signalled by the data was the strongest for three months. Higher shipping costs and wage pressures were cited by panellists.
Prices charged for Yorkshire & Humber goods and services subsequently rose as firms shared cost inflation with their customers. The overall extent to which selling prices were marked up was the greatest in four months, but below the UK average.
Cranswick renews street food partnership with Hull City
Cranswick is to support Hull City as official street food partner again this year,
Cranswick COO Chris Aldersley said: “As a business that was founded in East Yorkshire nearly 50 years ago, and now employing over 5,000 colleagues at our Hull-based sites, we are extremely pleased to be supporting the local area. We are immensely proud of the great food we produce in Hull, and it is fantastic to be the ‘official street food partner’ once again.”
Martin, Meat Procurement Manager at Cranswick Country Foods, added “I am really pleased that Cranswick are renewing their street food partnership with Hull City. The club means a lot to me and my family, as I often visit with my two daughters, and it is brilliant to see our business supporting the local community here in Hull. I know that it is greatly appreciated by many of our employees.”
ABP appoints new head of procurement
Associated British Ports has appointed Sanyalax Morrison to the newly-created role of Group Head of Procurement.
Joining ABP from her role as Strategic Procurement Director at National Highways, Sanyalax brings extensive procurement leadership capability with over 15 years’ experience across various industries including defence, pharmaceuticals, and heavy industry.
ABP Deputy CFO Mani Atwal said: “The Group Head of Procurement role has been created to further sustainable business growth through effective purchasing and supplier management, and to maintain close relationships with our vendors and suppliers to ensure the procurement process runs smoothly, providing them with the best possible experience.”
Sanyalax added: “I’m excited to be taking on the role of Group Head of Procurement at Associated British Ports and look forward to bringing my multi-sector experience to help enhance the end-to-end procurement process at the UK’s biggest port operator.”
First new homes secured through Rotherham homebuilder initiative
Rotherham Council is working in partnership with Allert Building and Construction Ltd. to deliver the very first homes to be brought through its Small Sites Homebuilder Initiative.
Launched in 2023, the initiative has been purposely designed to help local small and medium enterprise developers unlock sites for much needed new, high quality, affordable homes in the borough.
The scheme provides a fast-track route for developers to bring forward sites which they either own, or can acquire, with the Council committing to buy the homes off-plan for an agreed price before construction begins.
The Council can also offer staged payments at agreed intervals through the construction phase, to aid funding of the builds.
South Yorkshire based Allerts will be delivering seven new, high specification homes for the Council at Infirmary Road, Parkgate which, once complete, will be available for Council rent.
In addition to being energy efficient, the homes will also be future proofed through the inclusion of air-source heat pumps for the supply of heating and hot water to help reduce energy bills for tenants.
The new development is due to complete later this summer and will be named Blacksmiths Court, a nod to the site’s previous use as a horses paddock and farriers.
Karl Leatham from Allert’s said: “It has been a real pleasure working with Rotherham Council to deliver the first scheme under the new initiative, delivering much needed council homes. We look forward to working with the team again to deliver more affordable homes in the borough in the future.”
The new homes will support the Council’s pledge to deliver hundreds of new high-quality homes across the borough by 2026 through its Housing Delivery Programme.
Since January 2018, the Council has delivered 565 new homes for Council rent or shared ownership, and is in contract to deliver a further 85 homes.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Sarah Allen, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with local builders, Allert’s on this project. With the demand for Council Housing continuing to rise, it is vital that the Council looks at all opportunities to build good quality, affordable homes for our residents.”
The Council worked in collaboration with Local Partnerships to develop the initiative. Local Partnerships occupy a unique position in the public sector and provide capacity and capability to local authorities to meet the rising demand for services, including the provision of quality affordable homes.
Linda Raynor, Director of Place at Local Partnerships, said: “We are thrilled to see this initiative helping to unlock the delivery of quality affordable Council homes whilst simultaneously supporting the local SME sector to continue to play its role in meeting local housing needs.”
There is no closing date for the Small Site Housebuilding Initiative and the Council welcomes applications from all developers on any current or future schemes.
The Council is particularly keen to hear about developments which could complete by March 2026.
Nicholas Associates Group appoints new director of specialist recruitment brands
Nicholas Associates Group has appointed Tony Jackson as the new director of its specialist recruitment brands, which include Nicholas Associates Engineering and Construction, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, and Main-Board.
This strategic appointment is part of the Group’s ambitious growth plans aimed at enhancing its market position and expanding its geographical footprint.
Tony Jackson, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the recruitment industry, will be driving these specialist brands forward. His expertise and leadership are expected to play a pivotal role in the company’s ongoing development and success.
In conjunction with Tony Jackson’s appointment, Paul Brammer, the previous director, has been named director of talent solutions. Paul will now focus on supporting the Group’s learning and development brands, including the Apprentice Employment Agency, Graduate Career Solutions, and Stafforce Training division.
Paul Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Nicholas Associates Group, expressed his enthusiasm about these leadership changes: “We are thrilled to welcome Tony Jackson to his new role. His appointment aligns with our strategic vision for growth and excellence. Tony’s extensive industry experience will undoubtedly drive our specialist recruitment brands to new heights.
“Additionally, Paul Brammer’s transition to director of talent solutions will further strengthen our commitment to developing talent and providing comprehensive learning and development services. This is a period of significant investment, transformation, and growth for our Group.”
Tony Jackson shared his excitement about the new role: “I am honoured to take on this role at such a dynamic time for Nicholas Associates Group. The specialist recruitment brands have a strong foundation, and I am eager to build on this success and drive our growth plans forward.
“I look forward to working with the talented teams across Nicholas Associates Engineering and Construction, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, and Main-Board to achieve our ambitious goals.”
Paul Brammer also commented on his new position: “I am excited to focus on our talent solutions and learning and development brands.
“The Apprentice Employment Agency, Graduate Career Solutions, and Stafforce Training division are crucial to our mission of nurturing talent and providing exceptional career development opportunities. I am committed to driving innovation and excellence in these areas.”
Wykeland appoints experienced property professional as associate director
Commercial development and regeneration specialist Wykeland Group has appointed experienced property professional Andrea Morley as associate director.
Mrs Morley, whose career in property spans more than three decades, said Wykeland’s “creativity and ethos” took her back to why she first joined the industry.
The daughter of a building contractor whose passion lay in period and listed properties, Mrs Morley saw at first hand the positive impact regeneration can have on local communities.
She has now joined Hull-based Wykeland as associate director, with a remit to help the company’s 500-plus occupiers reach their full potential, as well as exploring new opportunities to expand the developer’s portfolio.
Mrs Morley has joined Wykeland from Yorkshire-based property and regeneration company Harworth Group, where she was director of asset management.
She said: “As someone who has worked in Yorkshire’s property and development scene for many years, I’ve always been very aware of Wykeland and the work they do.
“I love the ethos of the company and you can see the principles and personality of the business come through in the way they approach projects.
“I’m very proud to have joined a quality developer that strives for change and to make a positive social impact in everything they do.
“Wykeland are a bright light in the region and that light shines through the projects they deliver.”
Mrs Morley grew up in Louth in Lincolnshire and studied building surveying at Lincoln University before completing a degree in Urban Land Economics at Sheffield Hallam University.
Her career began at Shop and Store Developments, where she focused on high street retail, working with national chains including Boots, Waterstones and Edinburgh Woolen Mill.
A successful spell at developer Bayford Group followed, where she worked as a senior surveyor, before Mrs Morley joined Lidl as the retailer’s acquisitions manager.
Prior to joining Wykeland, Mrs Morley’s role at Harworth Group involved overseeing the company’s portfolio of industrial and logistics properties and developments.
She said: “We’ve now got more than 500 occupiers across our developments at Wykeland. Those occupiers are incredibly diverse in what they do, working across all sectors.
“I’m really focused on making sure the spaces those businesses occupy meet their needs, which are ever-changing and evolving, and also their growth aspirations.
“The relationships Wykeland has developed with both its occupiers and partners struck a chord with me. It’s a company doing things for the right reasons and with a real moral investment in the areas they work in.”
Wykeland Managing Director Dominic Gibbons said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrea to the business. She has a very strong track record in asset management, particularly of business and retail space, which are areas in which we specialise.
“Her appointment brings additional experience and expertise to our team to enable us to continue to retain and grow our portfolio and deliver excellent service to occupiers.”
