Sheffield tech consultancy expands into Leeds to meet growing demand

April Lara
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Sheffield tech consultancy expands into Leeds to meet growing demand

Sheffield-based software consultancy, The Curve, has entered the Leeds market, responding to increasing demand for its technology services across the North of England. Specialising in custom business-critical systems, IoT solutions, and connected devices, the company has secured office space at Platform, a tech hub located next to Leeds train station. This move follows a surge in business, with turnover nearing £2m.

The Curve has also appointed Alina Eden Cornea as the regional partnerships and growth lead. Eden Cornea brings significant experience across multiple sectors, including engineering, logistics, and telecommunications, having been involved in coding and 3D modelling since the age of 11. Her role will focus on strengthening The Curve’s relationships in Leeds, where the company has already engaged with the local tech community through events like the Leeds Digital Ball.

The company, founded in 2019, has recently experienced a 49% growth in annual turnover, reaching £1.76m. The expansion into Leeds is part of The Curve’s organic growth strategy, which also includes the creation of 10 new technical roles in the coming year. With a workforce of 28, the company is poised to continue its growth trajectory in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and professional services.

Google partners with UK government to modernise public sector tech

April Lara
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Google partners with UK government to modernise public sector tech

The UK government has struck a partnership with Google to provide free technology solutions for various public sector services, including the NHS and local councils. The deal aims to phase out outdated technology across government systems, with a focus on upgrading to cloud-based platforms that are more secure and efficient.

Under this agreement, Google will invest significant resources into public sector infrastructure without requiring any direct financial payment from the government. Importantly, the deal ensures that public sector data will remain protected, with no access granted to Google.

The initiative is designed to improve access to public service information while cutting costs, potentially saving up to £45 billion in taxpayer money. The shift to cloud systems is also expected to reduce vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and system outages, which have become an increasing concern for public sector operations.

The UK Government is encouraging other tech companies to submit proposals, aiming to create more effective and cost-efficient technology solutions across various sectors, including healthcare and local services.

Jet2’s revenue and profits hit record highs as demand grows

April Lara
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Jet2’s revenue and profits hit record highs as demand grows

Yorkshire-based tour operator Jet2 has achieved record revenue and profits as the demand for its leisure services continues to rise. For the 12-month period ending in March, Jet2 reported a 15% increase in revenue, reaching £7.2bn, while pre-tax profit rose by 12% to £593m.

The company saw significant growth across both its flight-only and package holiday offerings. Flight-only passengers grew by 18%, reaching 6.62 million, while package holiday customers increased by 8%, totalling 6.58 million. Overall passenger numbers were up by 12% compared to the previous year.

Earlier this year, Jet2 initiated a £250m share buyback programme, of which 35% has already been completed. The company remains on track to achieve its long-term growth objectives, with bookings for Summer 2025 still trending strong despite being made closer to departure.

In line with its performance, the board declared a final dividend of 12.1p per share, reflecting a 13% increase.

Final green light set for two new sports hubs in Leeds

Tess Egginton
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Final green light set for two new sports hubs in Leeds
Senior councillors in Leeds are set to give a final green light next week to a £23.9m investment in two new sports hubs in the city. At the meeting of the council’s executive board at Civic Hall on Wednesday 16 July, councillors are expected to approve work starting on new sports pitches and supporting pavilion facilities at Woodhall in Calverley and Green Park in Temple Newsam. The plans for the sites have been developed by Leeds City Council in partnership with the Football Foundation as part of their national Parklife (Sports Hubs) programme, which aims to increase the number of third generation artificial grass pitches in the country. At each site, three new full-sized pitches with floodlighting will be created for football and rugby use along with other play areas, biodiversity habitats, landscaping and parking. The Green Park site will also include a large multi-use hard court space that can be used for accessible or wheelchair sports or those sports needing a hard surface such as hockey or basketball. It will also offer walking and running routes in a park setting to encourage active lifestyles. Both sites will also feature a new sports pavilion building providing a café and meeting space together with ancillary features such as toilets and changing rooms, including Changing Places toilet facilities. The new hubs are to be funded by Leeds City Council, the Football Foundation, Section 106 developer contributions and private sector funding. Proposals are also being developed for a possible third site at the former Matthew Murray High School in Holbeck. If approved, work would begin at Woodhall in August, to be completed in a year. At Green Park initial ecological works would begin in August before construction starting in October, with the new pitches ready for play in August 2026 and the new sports pavilion opening the following month. Once opened the hubs will be managed by the National Football Trust, a not-for-profit organisation, with all surplus income generated to be reinvested in outdoor sports facilities across Leeds. Leeds City Council executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, Councillor Salma Arif said: “These new facilities look fantastic and this project represents a significant investment in helping encourage people of all ages to live active and healthy lifestyles. “Not only will they offer superb new sports facilities, these hubs will become focal points for entire communities to make use of and enjoy, so we look forward to seeing them created and open next year. We are delighted to be working with the Football Foundation, National Football Trust and all partners and stakeholders in making this wonderful project a reality.”

Yorkshire property investors face increased tax scrutiny as HMRC steps up enforcement

April Lara
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Yorkshire property investors face increased tax scrutiny as HMRC steps up enforcement

Property investors across Yorkshire are experiencing heightened scrutiny from HMRC as the tax authority intensifies its Let Property Campaign. A recent analysis of enforcement data reveals that landlords in the region, particularly those in Leeds, Sheffield, and rural areas, are confronting complex compliance challenges. The latest figures indicate that HMRC has recovered over £12 million in rental income taxes, with much of the focus on buy-to-let properties, student accommodation, and holiday lets.

Yorkshire’s diverse property market, ranging from the student housing sector in Leeds and Sheffield to rural holiday properties in the Dales, presents specific tax challenges for landlords. With rental income taxed across multiple types of property, investors face an evolving landscape of regulations, including stricter enforcement and the introduction of more invasive investigations.

Leeds and Sheffield, as major hubs of student accommodation and varying housing stock, present particular difficulties for landlords. Compliance concerns are compounded by slower rental inflation in the region, currently at just 1.1%, among the lowest in the UK. Landlords managing diverse portfolios, including buy-to-let properties and short-term lets, are increasingly seeking professional tax advice to navigate the growing complexity of tax regulations.

HMRC’s Let Property Campaign provides landlords with the option to voluntarily disclose undeclared rental income, offering reduced penalties compared to those who face investigation without prior disclosure. However, with the growing demands of tax regulation and the intensified enforcement efforts, professional tax advice has become crucial for Yorkshire landlords.

Work to build new station at Haxby takes major step forward

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Work to build new station at Haxby takes major step forward

Work to build a new station at Haxby has taken a major step forward after funding was confirmed by the Department for Transport.

Working in partnership with Network Rail and the Department for Transport (DfT), City of York Council have been striving to fulfil a decades-long ambition to bring a railway station back to Haxby. The original Haxby Station closed in 1930 and project partners are progressing plans to bring a station back to the area, reconnecting neighbourhoods in the north of York to the rail network, increasing sustainable travel options and improving connections to towns and cities across the country. The scheme was included in Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail – submitted to the Government in May – after the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, identified it as a key priority for the region’s rail network in order to improve journeys and drive growth. A planning application was submitted in 2024, with images showing what the station could look like in the future, with a fully accessible footbridge with lifts and steps connecting the two platforms, bike shelters, a 154-space car park (including EV charging), taxi rank and a bus stop. Shared-use paths will connect the station to residential areas of Haxby for those travelling to the station as pedestrians or by cycle. Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said: “We welcome today’s significant investment in York and our wider region. “We’ve been working hard to secure the funding for Haxby Station that will allow this important project to get started. We’ve been working with Network Rail and a range of other partners, the council itself has committed £4m to the project to help make the ambition of the new station a reality. “Haxby hasn’t had a station since the 1930’s and bringing one back has the potential to be an economic game changer for the north of our city and other places on this important line, like Scarborough. The new station will help people commute to work and school or have a day out in one of the many places on the TransPennine route and beyond. All while travelling sustainably. “With more homes being built across the city, this station is needed more than ever. It will take some pressure off the Outer Ring Road and reduce car journeys from the area into the city centre, helping to ease congestion on our roads, making it easier for everyone to get around. “The project still needs planning approval and we are following that process through, but this funding certainty is a welcome step forward for a project long in the making.” Chris Wright, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This is an important milestone for the Haxby station project, which will reconnect the local community to the rail network for the first time in almost a century. “The new station will provide better connections across the region and beyond, supporting sustainable travel options for local residents and visitors alike. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with all stakeholders as we progress through the planning process and work towards making this long-awaited station a reality.” The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said: “Not only will residents benefit from a new station, faster journeys and better connections, Haxby Station will unlock opportunities for new homes and economic growth along the entire York to Scarborough corridor. “The scheme was one of our key priorities in the Yorkshire Plan for Rail we submitted to Government in May. This investment is clear recognition of the potential of the new station to drive growth and ease congestion by offering a new option for travel. “Once complete, 20,000 people will live within 3km of the station, benefiting from better access to jobs and opportunities. “I’m looking forward to working with the Government, City of York Council and Network Rail to ensure Haxby Station becomes part of an accessible, connected transport network serving York and North Yorkshire.” The planning application is in the planning process and is subject to a planning decision.

Historic garden centre branches out with £4m expansion in Sleaford

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Historic garden centre branches out with £4m expansion in Sleaford
Pennells Garden Centres, a family business with roots dating back to 1780, is expanding its Sleaford site in a £4m redevelopment project, backed by funding from Lloyds. Now in its ninth generation of family ownership, the Lincolnshire-based firm has grown from a traditional nursery into a group of modern garden retail destinations. With existing centres in Lincoln and Cleethorpes, Pennells acquired the Sleaford site in 2018 and is now driving its transformation. The expansion, set for completion in late summer, will feature a new 1,750 square metre retail space, an upgraded restaurant with seating capacity increased from 100 to 250, and extended parking facilities to better serve the volume of visitors expected from the surrounding area, including Sleaford and Grantham. The project has been made possible through a £4m funding package from Lloyds, marking the start of a new relationship with the lender. The package comprised a Buildings Transition Loan, which offers discounted lending to small and medium-sized businesses investing in energy efficient properties, and a development loan to help cover the cost of land purchase and construction. With the new space, the business will expand its product range, particularly in seasonal lines such as garden furniture and Christmas decorations. No longer limited by a lack of indoor space, the development enables more stock to be showcased year-round, enhancing the overall shopping experience. The growth is also expected to bring new job opportunities. While final recruitment numbers will be confirmed closer to the opening date, Pennells anticipates adding to both its retail and hospitality teams to support the expanded site. Sustainability has also been a key consideration throughout the project. The new building incorporates energy-efficient design features, including solar panels, LED lighting, and materials that improve insulation and reduce heat loss. Looking ahead, the business has its sights set on further growth. The team is exploring future site acquisitions and plans to launch its own branded range of garden furniture. Richard Pennell, chairman at Pennells Garden Centres, said: “We’ve always taken a long-term view, and this project is about making sure Sleaford continues to meet the needs of our customers for years to come. “The new building means we’ll finally have space to showcase a fuller range, particularly during our busiest trading seasons. It’s also going to give visitors a more enjoyable experience, whether they’re shopping or stopping in for lunch.” Nick Flanagan, relationship director at Lloyds, said: “Pennells is a great example of a business that’s stayed true to its heritage while adapting to changing retail expectations. This expansion will bring new services to the local area, create jobs and help the business continue its long-standing commitment to the community. “We’re pleased to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing the Sleaford site continue to thrive.”

Longstanding Bradford company expands into major new HQ

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Longstanding Bradford company expands into major new HQ
A longstanding Bradford-based supplier of photocopiers, printers, IT services, data security systems, telecommunications equipment and office supplies has expanded its headquarters into new premises at Thornbury Industrial Park. Commerce Business Systems (CBS) has let more than 14,000 sq ft of warehouse and office space in a modern and self-contained building that was built in 2023. The unit was marketed by Leeds-based property consultancy, GV&Co, on behalf of Yorkshire-based Chequers Transport Services, which owns the building. CBS was established in 2002 as a provider of managed print services, through its high-performance photocopiers and printers, before expanding its range of products and services in recent years. The company, which currently employs a 34-strong team, now works with a vast client base including Yorkshire businesses across all industries and most local schools. CBS was previously based across two buildings at Crossley Hall Centre, on Thornton Road, where it had spent the last decade. The new building offers an 8,737 sq ft warehouse and more than 4,700 sq ft of high-quality office space, as well as a large loading area and parking area. John Green, managing director at CBS, said: “The positive feedback we receive from our customers and our ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the market forms the foundations of our success, but we are not a company to rest on our laurels. “The new building brings our expanding products, IT services and logistics teams together under one roof and gives us the space to develop a staff training area and customer showroom, in a modern open plan environment, which is vital for team spirit and effective communication. “This puts us in a strong position to fulfil a long-term goal to expand and take on new challenges from a highly accessible location where we can put down firm roots, which will all further enhance the level of service our customers enjoy.” Will Woodhall, from GV&Co, added: “This building offers a perfect balance of modern warehouse space and versatile office accommodation in a sought-after location, within a mile of both Bradford’s ring road and the Leeds outer ring road. “There’s also a lot of demand locally for buildings between 10,000 sq ft and 20,000 sq ft, which is a sweet spot for a lot of growing businesses because it’s the next step up, so we were able to generate plenty of interest in it. “However, it was immediately apparent that CBS, which is both a well-established and expanding business, was an ideal tenant. There’s no doubt this building will be the perfect base as the company embarks on its next phase of growth.”

EDGE expands Leeds health and social care offer with appointment of new director

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EDGE expands Leeds health and social care offer with appointment of new director
EDGE, a multi-disciplinary construction and property consultancy, has expanded its health and social care offer following the appointment of Mike Bacon as health & social care director, at its Leeds office. Representing 20% of the company’s income, health and social care is the largest sector EDGE supports. Its dedicated health team provides project management, cost management, building surveying, quality monitoring and advisory services to over 60 individual NHS customers across the country, supporting the development of their estates to fit operational needs. The company’s national healthcare profile covers backlog maintenance, RAAC (precast concrete), decarbonisation, refurbishment, conversion, and new build schemes, and includes the delivery of the New Hospital Programme’s (NHS) National Rehabilitation Centre for Nottingham University Hospitals, the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital for Cambridge University Hospitals, and the largest dormitory eradication programme for Derbyshire Healthcare. Mike’s appointment will add valuable specialised sector insights to EDGE’s NHS clients, along with strategic leadership to support the continued growth and diversification of the team’s services within the sector. Joining from Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Mike brings close to six years of experience as programme director for their multi-award winning £1.5bn New Hospital Programme scheme and the construction of the Centre for Laboratory Medicine – a new regional Pathology Laboratory serving West Yorkshire. Over his career, Mike has worked with many other NHS Trusts to deliver complex capital and transformational projects including delivery of the Alder Hey Children’s Health Park Public-Private Partnership (PPP) / Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Project. He has a proven ability to establish, develop and lead complex teams and not only brings a wealth of specialist health experience to EDGE, but draws his delivery experience from across other sectors including education, environment, local government, services infrastructure and PPP/PFI. Mike said: “My ambition for this new role is to support the highly experienced and dedicated staff within EDGE, drive forwards our expertise, and continue to support and add value to our clients in the delivery of their estate and transformation objectives. “I’m delighted to be part of such an experienced, enthusiastic and versatile team and I am already enjoying building on the success of EDGE that prides itself on delivering the highest standards of service to healthcare organisations.” Matt Hill, board director at EDGE, added: “We’re proud to announce the appointment of Mike who will bring extensive expertise to EDGE, and I’m looking forward to watching him build upon and sustain the continued growth of the business. “The appointment is symptomatic of our growing expertise in healthcare delivery which is a key sector for our business. Above all, it demonstrates our commitment to providing healthcare clients with a service offering that is industry leading, innovative and people focused.”

Leeds Teaching Hospitals boosts research funding with £140m investment

April Lara
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Leeds Teaching Hospitals boosts research funding with £140m investment

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has secured £140 million in external research funding over the past five years, supporting groundbreaking medical treatments. The Trust has recruited over 117,000 participants into 1,460 research projects, with contributions from healthtech and life sciences companies. These projects cover a wide range of innovations, including AI, advanced therapies, digital pathology, and experimental medicine.

The funding has come through a mix of industry partnerships, research grants, and commercial studies. This collaboration has allowed the Trust to surpass its recruitment targets, enrolling 17,000 more participants than its goal of 100,000, and it became the UK’s largest recruiter for cancer research last year.

The annual Research and Innovation Conference, taking place on 10 July, will showcase this progress, highlighting the Trust’s role in advancing healthcare through partnerships with both small enterprises and global corporations. The event will also feature over 70 speakers and workshops, focusing on how collaborations are driving future healthcare advancements.

Recent innovations being presented include a breakthrough in leukaemia treatment and AI-powered software that accelerates chest X-ray diagnostics. The Trust’s ongoing investments in infrastructure, including the Innovation Pop-Up and plans for the Old Medical School transformation, reflect its commitment to shaping the future of healthtech and life sciences.

Leeds’ expanding research network includes collaborations across Europe and the Middle East, with significant contributions from local partners such as NIHR.

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