Community to be consulted on next stage of plans at York Central
Avove and Aqua Consultants form five-year partnership
Avove, a UK provider of infrastructure and engineering services, has entered a five-year strategic partnership with Aqua Consultants, an environmental consultancy. The collaboration focuses on delivering design and engineering solutions across water and environmental sectors.
The partnership combines technical expertise and delivery capabilities to support non-infrastructure projects, including clean and wastewater schemes, storm overflows, and Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) initiatives. The companies aim to drive efficiencies, value engineering, and scalable solutions across Avove’s frameworks.
Avove holds two major design and build frameworks for AMP8 and serves as an Enterprise Design and Construct partner for United Utilities. Aqua Consultants supports projects such as Severn Trent Design and Build Lot 1, covering feasibility, outline, and detailed design for MCERTS flow monitoring across nine sites while ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory standards.
The agreement strengthens Avove’s position in the UK water sector and enables both companies to address environmental challenges, including nutrient removal and storm overflow management. The partnership emphasises collaboration, innovation, and delivering measurable value to clients.
Work completes on new homes in Wakefield’s Civic Quarter
Cllr Jack Hemingway, cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said: “It’s great to see the creation of high-quality new homes in an historic part of our city where people can live, work and socialise.
“The transformation is part of our ambitious regeneration plans to breathe new life into this part of the city centre and to ensure its stunning historic buildings are restored for future generations. As well as boosting our local economy.”Manufacturing output volumes fall in three months to September
Sheffield manufacturer secures funding to expand international operations
Gripple, a Sheffield-based maker of wire joining and tensioning devices, has secured an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to support global expansion.
The company operates across North America, Europe, India, and has recently launched operations in Japan. The international expansion is projected to increase sales by 20 per cent this year.
Funding from HSBC UK will also finance a new 40,000 sq ft warehouse in Sheffield, designed to strengthen export capabilities. Gripple plans to grow its workforce to 1,400 employees by 2028 and expects a 10 per cent increase in turnover over the next 12 months.
Irwin Mitchell advised on the refinancing, providing legal and specialist real estate support. The transaction reinforces the firm’s focus on assisting businesses in Sheffield and beyond with complex banking and finance matters.
North Lincolnshire businesses drive local skills and community support
Companies in North Lincolnshire are combining efforts to strengthen local talent pipelines and support charitable initiatives.
Through a coordinated network, businesses provide mentoring, career guidance, and practical opportunities for young people, while also directing resources to community projects via a shared charity foundation. These activities are designed to expand workforce readiness and ensure economic growth reaches a wider segment of the local population.
Fifteen organisations are currently participating, with further membership expected. The network facilitates regular collaboration and information sharing, allowing businesses to align community engagement with local economic development objectives.
Weekly meetings are held in Scunthorpe. Interested companies can request participation via email.
Home Bargains distribution milestone supports national growth
Home Bargains’ automated distribution centre in Merseyside has reached a key operational milestone, strengthening the retailer’s nationwide supply network. Opened in May at Omega Business Park near the M62, the facility currently serves 200 stores across the UK. It handles more than 25,000 pallets weekly, picking and dispatching close to two million cases, alongside over 1,000 store deliveries. Automation already accounts for over 60% of all case processing.
The centre will pause scaling operations for peak trading before resuming in January 2026, when it is expected to supply 312 outlets. Development continues on a new Doncaster distribution facility set to open in Summer 2028, which will support over 300 additional stores and increase overall supply chain capacity.
Home Bargains is also recruiting seasonal staff to meet demand during its busiest trading periods, reflecting its ongoing expansion across the UK retail sector.
GoCardless launches Northern Hub in Leeds
GoCardless, the UK-based bank payment company, has chosen Leeds for a new office, aiming to strengthen its presence in the North and access regional talent. The office will open later this year and initially employ 50 staff across sales, partnerships, corporate services and operations. The company plans to scale the office in line with its London and Riga hubs.
The Leeds location is intended as a centre for innovation and regional economic growth, supporting businesses of varying sizes across the UK. GoCardless will operate alongside established financial institutions in the city, including Leeds Building Society, the Bank of England, and the Financial Conduct Authority, as well as fintech and tech companies such as Pexa, LHV UK, and Microsoft.
The expansion aligns with national initiatives promoting financial services growth and regional development. Leeds contributes significantly to the UK economy, with its financial and professional services sector representing 40% of the city’s Gross Value Added.
The new office reflects broader trends of financial technology firms diversifying beyond London to tap into regional talent pools while enhancing local business support.
Sheffield solicitors take on 10k for four legged friends
Dewsbury bed manufacturer expands with new jobs and NBF membership
Adjust-A-Bed, a Dewsbury-based electric adjustable bed manufacturer, is expanding operations and recruiting new staff as it launches a new product range. The company plans to hire five full-time employees this autumn and additional staff throughout 2026 to meet growing demand. Founded five years ago, Adjust-A-Bed currently employs 35 people and has recorded a sales increase exceeding 25% on the previous year, while expanding gallery partnerships with independent UK retailers.
The firm produces adjustable beds commonly used by people with chronic conditions, including arthritis and back pain, and is now also targeting younger customers seeking adjustable beds as lifestyle products. The new range features redesigned bed bases and additional mattresses.
Adjust-A-Bed recently completed the audit process to join the National Bed Federation (NBF), the UK and Irish trade association for bed manufacturers and suppliers. Membership provides the company with a platform to increase its sector presence and participate in networking events.
The business emphasises rapid order fulfilment, with customers able to receive beds in 10–14 days through its retail network. The company cites the local West Yorkshire workforce as a key factor in its growth, benefiting from skilled candidates and low staff turnover.
