Elite Caravan Transport Group Ltd, a Hull-based haulage firm specialising in the transport of static caravans and prefabricated homes, has doubled its transport capacity seven months after launching as part of plans to expand its fleet and workforce. With over 35 years of combined experience, Darren Naylor and Paul Wadsworth founded the business in February 2025. The founders experienced strong early demand and after originally operating across 10 vehicles, it quickly doubled the capacity of its fleet with the support of a six-figure Invoice Finance facility from Lloyds. The investment enabled the business to expand its team, hiring additional staff across both driving and administrative roles, including the recent appointment of a new transport manager. The company has also launched a structured driver development pathway, with the aim to bring in and train up more drivers in the Hull area. It is also looking to fill additional roles later this year. Darren Naylor, managing director and co-owner of Elite Caravan Transport Ltd, said: “From day one, we have built this business with ambition and purpose. We knew there was a gap in the market for a transport provider that not only delivers excellent service but also creates skilled jobs and long-term career paths. “We also wanted a funding partner who could see our growth in real time. That’s why it was important to bring Lloyds in from the very beginning. Having that visibility meant they understood our ambitions and the pace we were moving at. “When we needed funding to support the next stage of the business, they moved quickly to give us the financial headroom we needed. Without that support, we wouldn’t have secured the 20-vehicle licence when we did.” Peter Bould, associate director (invoice finance) at Lloyds, said: “What sets Elite Caravans apart from traditional logistics and haulage businesses is that it allows for impressive growth without compromising on its environment and investment in people. “Darren and Paul understand that nurturing a new business goes beyond just funding and relies on building strong relationships and involving multiple stakeholders when mapping a path for the future – be that the team at Lloyds, drivers who have been with the business from day one, or new hires starting out in their industry. “I look forward to seeing where the team go next and supporting them with the funding and advice needed to capitalise on the growth opportunities that come their way.”

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.

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.