UK economy returns to slow growth in August

Tess Egginton
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UK economy returns to slow growth in August
The UK economy returned to growth in August, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Monthly GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have increased by 0.1%, following a revised fall of 0.1% in July and a growth of 0.4% in June. It reflects, across key sectors, services showing no growth month-on-month, construction output dropping by 0.3%, and production output increasing by 0.4%. For the three months to August, real GDP grew by 0.3%, compared with the three months to May, a slight increase following growth of 0.2% in the three months to July. This saw services output grow by 0.4%, production output fall by 0.3%, and construction output increase by 0.3% in the three months to August, compared with the three months to May. Ben Jones, CBI lead economist, said: “Today’s figures confirm that growth over the summer was slower than during the first half of the year. Activity remains patchy across sectors, with many businesses reporting subdued demand and higher operating costs. And firms are choosing to sit tight on hiring and investment until there’s more clarity on the policy outlook. “The Budget provides a critical opportunity for the government to reaffirm its commitment to growth. Going further on planning reform is a positive first step and firms will be looking for further supportive interventions on November 26th. “This includes delivering the strategic reforms required to simplify the tax system, positioning business to invest in the skills they need through a fully flexible Growth and Skills Levy and exploring further measures to address the UK’s high energy costs.”

CEG enters administration as new firm acquires key assets

April Lara
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CEG enters administration as new firm acquires key assets

Commercial Estates Group (CEG) has gone into administration following a shareholder dispute. KRE Corporate Recovery has been appointed to manage the process for the Leeds- and London-based business.

A group of former CEG executives — Matt Farrell, Tom Gaynor, Antonia Martin Wright, Jon Allen, and Gerard Versteegh — has established a new company called RPG, which has acquired certain CEG assets.

CEG was responsible for major UK property developments, including Temple Leeds, EQ Bristol, and the £600 million Kirkstall Forge project. The administration affects only the management services arm, with the property-owning entities continuing to operate independently.

Haulage firm secures new ownership to preserve operations

April Lara
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Haulage firm secures new ownership to preserve operations

Driffield-based haulage company BI Halder & Son Ltd has been sold through a pre-pack administration process, safeguarding all 45 employees. The sale was completed on 8 October 2025 to Halder Transport & Storage Limited following the appointment of joint administrators from Leonard Curtis.

The business, which has operated for more than half a century, providing haulage and storage services to the agricultural sector, had faced sustained financial strain. Rising fuel prices, higher interest rates, and ongoing cost pressures following the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine led to reduced cash flow and limited refinancing options.

Joint Administrator Sean Williams said: “BI Halder & Son Ltd had established a great reputation over five decades and by facilitating a successful sale we have protected jobs and set the business on a stronger footing for the future.”

Director Louise Halder commented: “Our priority was to retain our loyal workforce and continue providing high quality haulage and storage services for our customers. Building in resilience for future challenges has also been important.”

Despite efforts to secure a financial turnaround, the company entered administration to facilitate the sale. The transition enables the new entity to continue operating under a revised structure designed to enhance long-term stability and safeguard local employment.

The case highlights the continuing financial pressures facing small and medium-sized logistics firms across the UK. Increased operating costs, narrow margins, and limited access to funding continue to challenge many hauliers, prompting further consolidation within the sector.

Northern Group expands footprint with Leeds acquisition

April Lara
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Northern Group expands footprint with Leeds acquisition

Northern Group has completed the acquisition of Sovereign House in central Leeds, marking its first expansion outside Greater Manchester. The Grade II listed building occupies a prime corner on South Parade, Park Row and The Headrow, positioning it within the city’s main commercial and leisure area.

Originally constructed for The Bank of England, Sovereign House has undergone a £1.8 million investment to transform it into a mixed-use site. The property features a multi-level leisure unit spanning approximately 16,000 sq ft, currently occupied by a dual Flight Club and Electric Shuffle venue. The upper floors offer modern Grade A office spaces available in CAT A and fully fitted options.

The purchase signals Northern Group’s move to strengthen its presence across major northern cities and reflects growing confidence in Leeds’ property and business markets. The company said the location offers significant long-term potential for value creation due to its proximity to the city’s retail and leisure hubs.

Northern Group’s recent portfolio growth includes assets such as 76 King Street, 19 Spring Gardens and Sir William Siemens House in Manchester, alongside residential developments in Ancoats. The Leeds acquisition extends its focus on delivering design-led commercial and mixed-use spaces across the North.

Construction begins on energy-efficient homes in North Yorkshire

April Lara
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Construction begins on energy-efficient homes in North Yorkshire

Lindum has started work on 58 new homes at Saxon Fields in Amotherby, North Yorkshire. The development, led by Yorkshire Housing, will provide affordable rent, social housing, and shared ownership options.

The project features houses and bungalows with two, three, and four bedrooms, constructed with timber frames. Each property will feature solar panels, air-source heat pumps, ground-floor underfloor heating, and electric vehicle charging points.

The inclusion of renewable energy systems and sustainable materials positions the site as one of the first gas-free housing developments in Yorkshire Housing’s portfolio. The initiative aligns with the organisation’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions through the use of modern construction techniques and low-carbon technology.

The Saxon Fields project marks another step in the region’s move towards more sustainable, energy-efficient housing solutions that reduce environmental impact and operating costs for future residents.

Northern business leaders urge Prime Minister to back Northern Powerhouse Rail in full

Tess Egginton
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Northern business leaders urge Prime Minister to back Northern Powerhouse Rail in full
76 Northern business figures have written to the Prime Minister urging the Government to commit to delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) in full – connecting the North’s major city regions and unlocking growth across the country. In an open letter coordinated by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP), senior executives and entrepreneurs from across the North’s infrastructure, education, professional services and manufacturing sectors have made the case that NPR is essential to realising the North’s economic potential. The letter – signed by figures including Rami Baitiéh, CEO of Morrisons, and Chris Oglesby, CEO of Bruntwood & Bruntwood SciTech – argues that building a new high-speed line from Liverpool through Manchester, Bradford and Leeds, with onward connections to Sheffield, Newcastle and Hull, will transform connectivity and productivity in the North. “Northern Powerhouse Rail is the answer,” the letter states. “It would put 3.8 million more northerners within 90 minutes of four or more northern cities, more than double the number of people who can reach Manchester Airport within 90 minutes, and add £14.4bn in GVA annually by 2060.” The signatories stress that this investment would create jobs, attract private investment and drive regeneration, while providing confidence to developers and employers that the North’s infrastructure ambitions are being realised. The letter adds that NPR should be “radically different to HS2,” developed from the bottom up in partnership with local government and business, using innovative delivery models and focusing on regeneration, housing and growth outcomes first and foremost. Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “It is welcome that the Chancellor and Transport Secretary remain publicly committed to investing in better connectivity across the Pennines. Furthermore, there is no more committed supporter of the long-term opportunity of the North to contribute more to growth of the UK than the Prime Minister himself. “The business community is committed to a way forward which matches the available resources to a prioritised plan. We will continue to work constructively to get a solution that whether it be in Bradford, Liverpool or Sheffield ensures they benefit from improvements and new lines where necessary to maximise the benefits and further to the existing investment going on electrification and upgrades between Manchester, Leeds and beyond towards the North East.”

UK spinout investment hits record £3.35bn in 2024

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UK spinout investment hits record £3.35bn in 2024

Investment in UK university spinouts reached a record £3.35bn in 2024, marking a 44% rise on the previous year, according to new data from Parkwalk and Beauhurst. The figures highlight renewed investor confidence following a slowdown in 2023, with average equity investment climbing from £4.96m to £7.49m.

Life sciences remained the leading sector for capital raised, particularly in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, supported by continued interest in research commercialisation. Deep tech, AI, and data infrastructure firms also attracted significant backing, reflecting alignment with national innovation priorities.

Parkwalk emerged as the most active spinout investor during the year, completing 41 deals, or 54 when including transactions through its parent, IP Group.

The report points to a growing reliance on long-term capital and policy stability to sustain momentum in university-linked innovation. Analysts note that while the UK continues to demonstrate global strength in research translation, access to scale-up funding remains a decisive factor for future growth.

Micronclean begins work on £20m carbon-zero cleanroom laundry campus

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Micronclean begins work on £20m carbon-zero cleanroom laundry campus

Micronclean has started work on what it says is “the world’s first operationally carbon-zero industrial laundry.”

This £20m project is being developed on a newly acquired 20-acre site on the outskirts of Skegness, which will become home to Micronclean’s innovative Cleanroom Campus, an advanced facility designed to shape the future of the company’s UK operations over the next decade.

The campus will be developed in a phased manner to support expansion, innovation, and long-term prosperity for both the company and the community.

The multi-phase development plan includes the construction of a GMP Grade B (ISO Class 5) Cleanroom Laundry, new manufacturing facilities for medical devices and cleanroom consumables, a modern warehouse, and a new head office. Phase One is now underway and will focus on delivering the world’s first operationally carbon-zero cleanroom laundry. The initial phase is scheduled to be operational during 2028. “This project is proof of our vision for a sustainable and innovative future,” said Greg Cochran, director. “We are proud to lead the way in developing world-class facilities that align with our commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards in cleanroom contamination control services.” “This investment demonstrates Micronclean’s long-term commitment to Skegness and Lincolnshire,” added Greg. “Over the past decade, our headcount in Skegness has more than doubled to 300, reflecting our continued growth and confidence in the area. This project ensures that we can continue to provide stable, high-quality employment for years to come. We are proud that our success not only supports customers worldwide, but also creates opportunities here in our local community.” Sue Bowser, the landowner, said: “We are delighted that Micronclean has chosen to remain in Skegness and expand its business on the Skegness Gateway site. This land has been part of our family for many years, and we’re delighted that it will now be used to support the development of another local family business. It gives us a real sense of pride to see the land being used to secure jobs, support local people, their livelihoods, and the wider community.”

Planning permission secured for luxury apartment scheme in Hull as landmark Victoria Dock Offices acquired

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Planning permission secured for luxury apartment scheme in Hull as landmark Victoria Dock Offices acquired
PIP Group, the property investment firm, has acquired the iconic Victoria Dock Offices in Hull and secured planning permission to convert the landmark building into six luxury apartments. The acquisition marks another milestone in the company’s expanding portfolio, as it continues to invest in key regeneration areas across the North of England and the Midlands. The Victoria Dock Offices occupy a prime waterfront position on Plimsoll Way and South Bridge Road, offering views of the Humber Basin. The maritime-themed property, which stands three storeys high, features a unique turret styled as a lighthouse and a rooftop terrace. The company plans to transform Victoria Dock Offices into six apartments, comprising three 2-bedroom apartments and three 1-bedroom apartments. Arv Soar, founder and managing director of PIP Group, said: “The acquisition of the Victoria Dock Offices is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into a building that holds both historical and architectural significance. “Hull is a city undergoing significant regeneration, and we are thrilled to be part of its continued growth. Our vision is to create high-quality, modern living spaces that retain the character of this beautiful landmark while offering residents a contemporary lifestyle and exceptional views of the Humber Basin.”

Government gives green light to major Lincolnshire solar farm

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Government gives green light to major Lincolnshire solar farm

The UK government has approved plans for what is set to become the country’s largest solar farm, to be built near Glentworth in Lincolnshire. Covering around 3,000 acres, the Tillbridge Solar project will supply power to approximately 300,000 homes once completed.

Classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, the development was approved by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, following a review that concluded the project’s benefits outweigh its local impacts. The decision adds to a growing list of large-scale clean energy projects, marking the seventeenth national approval since mid-2024.

The Tillbridge project is a joint venture between Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy. It will connect to the National Grid through infrastructure at the Cottam substation in Nottinghamshire.

Lincolnshire has emerged as a focal point for solar expansion, with two other major projects (Gate Burton and Mallard Pass) approved in 2024. Local councils have raised concerns about the cumulative effect of such large developments, while national energy planners view the region as critical to the UK’s renewable capacity goals.

Once operational, Tillbridge Solar will contribute to the government’s wider strategy of reducing dependence on volatile gas markets and accelerating the transition to low-cost renewable energy sources.

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