Yorkshire lawyers take on 24-hour challenge ahead of gruelling transatlantic race
A pair of Yorkshire lawyers, who are taking on the infamous ‘World’s Toughest Row’ across the Atlantic later this year, have completed a 24-hour stationary training row cheered on by sponsors and the Yorkshire charities which will benefit from their fundraising efforts.
David Knaggs and Richard Larking will embark on the 3,000-mile transatlantic crossing in December, and, so far, have succeeded in raising over £150,000 for two beloved Yorkshire charities – Maggie’s Home of Cancer Care and Friends of Alfie Martin.
The duo put months of rigorous training to the test using a rowing simulator on the terrace of Alwoodley Golf Club, whilst taking it in turns to nap on board the team’s seven-metre state-of-the-art rowing boat, Brizo, displayed adjacent to the 18th green of the golf course.
The event was followed by a celebration with fellow golfers, sponsors and the team’s chosen charities – Maggie’s, which supports people with cancer, their families and friends, and Friends of Alfie Martin, which raises funds for neonatal equipment at the Leeds teaching hospitals.
“Richard and I were golfing together at Alwoodley three years ago when we came up with our plan to take on the Atlantic, so it is incredibly motivating to have been once again supported by the club and joined by many friends, businesses and well-wishers who are watching our progress,” said David.
Richard added: “Training has been going well, and it was encouraging to mark our progress with this event as we countdown to the start of the race from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in just three months’ time.”
At ages 59 and 60, they will be one of the oldest teams competing in the notoriously challenging event, and are likely to face 40 ft waves, hazardous shipping traffic, sleep deprivation and potential marlin strikes.
Racing under the team name Greens2Blue, the friends have already surpassed their original ambitious fundraising target with both charities having received over £75,000. Sights are now set on raising a further £50,000 before and during the race.
In addition to their headline sponsor, financial advisory and real estate firm Begbies Traynor Group, the duo recently gained additional support from Leeds-based corporate finance boutique Sentio Partners, which has become the oar sponsor for the challenge.
David and Richard have also secured sponsorship from numerous other regional and local businesses including Ginetta; Happy Drains; Optivet Referrals; Cellular Pathology Services; Macintosh James & Partners Wealth Management; El Gato Negro Tapas; Middleton Law; Richard Fahey Racing; Springfield Healthcare, Waterer’s Services Limited; Walker Morris and SBFM Ltd.
Further opportunities to support the pair in their fundraising can be found at www.greens2blue.co.uk
Jenx Ltd to close Sheffield manufacturing site, 47 jobs affected
Jenx Ltd, a Sheffield-based medical manufacturer, has announced the closure of its South Yorkshire production facility, resulting in 47 redundancies. The company will now concentrate on its UK distribution arm, Jiraffe, which remains operational and continues to expand.
Existing Jenx products will remain fully supported, and the company has confirmed ongoing collaboration with global partners to ensure continued service for the devices already in use. Jiraffe will maintain its partnerships, including with Rifton, supplying products and services to children, carers, therapists, and funding bodies across the UK.
The company has not provided a timeline for the closure but emphasised that maintaining product support and customer continuity is a priority.
This move marks a shift from manufacturing to distribution, reflecting a strategic refocus on areas with long-term growth potential within the UK market.
Plans submitted for former Cole Brothers building in Sheffield
Urban Splash has submitted a full planning and listed building application for the former Cole Brothers store, a Grade II listed building in Sheffield City Centre.
The redevelopment of this historic former department store will expand on the Council’s Heart of the City regeneration project, designed to enhance the vitality and attraction of the city centre.
The submitted designs for Cole Brothers, which have been developed in close consultation with Sheffield City Council, mark a significant step in bringing the former department store back to life, fostering economic growth and creating a hub for local residents, workers and visitors.
Urban Splash regeneration director, Mark Latham, said: “The planning submission for Cole Brothers reflects our commitment to reviving this cherished building, honouring the past while developing both an inspiring and functional space to meet, connect, innovate and thrive within the city centre’s community and urban landscape.”
The planning application details integrated commercial uses, to include leisure, entertainment and retail space on the lower and ground floors, with office workspace areas to feature on the upper floors.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “The iconic Cole Brothers building holds a very special place in the hearts of people in Sheffield and further afield. Many, including myself, have memories of shopping there when it was a department store.
“The proposals will help to secure a long term future for the listed building and open up areas which have not previously been available to the general public.
“The building occupies a space right in the heart of the city centre, a place where a lot of regeneration has already happened and is continuing to happen around it. The transformation of the Cole Brothers building will add to that and continue to bring people back into the city centre to work, live and enjoy.”
Urban Splash took on responsibility for Cole Brothers in 2023.
Multibillion-pound action plan to supercharge West Yorkshire’s creative industries approved
A multibillion-pound action plan to supercharge West Yorkshire’s creative industries has been approved by regional leaders at a meeting of the Combined Authority in Leeds.
In addition, Mayor Brabin has signed an agreement to boost access to grassroots sport and physical activity with Sport England.
The two major milestones cement the Mayor’s commitment to championing and investing in culture, heritage and sport, as a way of growing the economy and putting jobs, opportunity and hope at the heart of the region’s future.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This is a great moment for West Yorkshire. With record investment in our creative industries and grassroots sport, we’ll build happier communities and boost jobs and growth.
“This bold new culture plan, combined with our flagship agreement with Sport England, will help more of our young people to live healthier lives, pursue creative careers, and contribute to a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
Regional leaders approved the first-ever Creative Industries Cluster Action Plan for West Yorkshire at a full meeting of the Combined Authority.
It sets out a vision to grow the region’s creative economy from £2.2 billion to £4.1 billion by 2035, by backing freelancers and creative businesses, creating happier, more vibrant communities, and putting more money in people’s pockets.
It outlines how 50,000 new jobs will be created in sectors such as fashion, textiles, music, screen and games, with actions to unlock affordable workspaces and improve access to skills training and finance. The new plan highlights Mayor Brabin’s role in shaping the national Creative Industries Sector Plan and aligns with One Creative North – a collaboration of Northern Mayors, Arts Council England, Creative PEC, Public Service Broadcasters and other partners.
With 70% of the UK’s creative industries concentrated in London and the South East, One Creative North aims to nurture, sustain, retain and champion local talent, and add £10bn to the North’s economy by 2035. It follows West Yorkshire being named as one of six national “priority places” for the creative industries between 2026 and 2029, with a share of £150 million to be received. This government funding will help to accelerate new initiatives, grow existing programmes, attract private investment and create space for new ideas.
Yorkshire food and drink manufacturer acquires iconic soft drink brand
Yorkshire-based food and drink manufacturer Regal Food Products Group Plc has acquired the iconic soft drink brand Suncrest.
This strategic addition marks a significant milestone in Regal Food’s growth journey, expanding its diverse portfolio of food and beverage products, whilst paving the way for new opportunities in both UK and international markets.
Founded in 1985, Suncrest is known for its range of tropical fruit-flavoured beverages. Its offerings span across still and carbonated drinks, available in bottled, canned, and carton formats, with popular flavours including mango, tropical, lychee, guava, coconut water, aloe vera, and the South Asian favourite, lassi.
Younis Chaudhry MBE, CEO of Regal Food Products Group Plc, said: “We are delighted to welcome Suncrest into the Regal Foods family. As a well-loved and recognisable soft drinks brand, Suncrest is a natural fit for our expanding beverage portfolio and supports our long-term growth strategy.
“We are particularly excited to reintroduce Suncrest to consumers, with a focus on new product development and innovation to drive the brand forward.”
Amentum to add 3,000 jobs amid UK nuclear and defence expansion
Amentum, a global engineering and technology services firm, plans to hire 3,000 staff in the UK over the next four years, driven by growth in nuclear power and defence projects.
The company is a key partner on Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C nuclear stations and contributes technical support for small modular reactors and fusion research. It is expanding UK operations to meet projected demand, aiming for a 50% increase in headcount. Investments in digital engineering, AI, and automation are also planned to enhance delivery of critical infrastructure projects.
In defence, Amentum provides safety and technology services for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines, manages the UK training estate for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and offers programme management and engineering support for the Atomic Weapons Establishment.
Stronger UK–US coordination in nuclear technology is expected to support future capacity growth and skills development in the sector, reinforcing the company’s cross-Atlantic operations.
The expansion highlights opportunities for skilled engineers, project managers, and technical specialists across energy and defence sectors, reflecting broader government investment in nuclear power and national security infrastructure.
Miller Homes acquires Harrogate site for 130-plus homes
Miller Homes Yorkshire has secured land off Skipton Road in Harrogate with outline planning consent for up to 135 homes. A detailed application for 133 homes is currently under consideration.
The project is being developed in partnership with Home Group and includes 40 percent affordable housing. Proposed properties will range from one to five bedrooms. The development also involves the former Cow Dyke Farm site, intended for conversion into residential dwellings.
A Section 106 agreement is pending, expected to contribute around £1.5 million to local education, healthcare, and off-site public open space. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with homes anticipated to be on the market by summer 2026.
This addition follows Miller Homes’ previous developments in Harrogate, including Harlow One, Quercus Green, and Chene Hall.
Redcar arena plans abandoned after funding shortfall
Plans for a 5,000-seat indoor arena on the former Coatham Bowl site in Redcar have been abandoned following insufficient financial backing. Developers Coatham Arena Ltd had proposed the venue for music and sports events, seeking support from Redcar and Cleveland Council and the Tees Valley Combined Authority. Private investors were not prepared to shoulder the full financial risk during the planning phase without local funding.
The council retains control of the land and may relaunch a tendering process in the future as part of ongoing coastal regeneration efforts. The site previously hosted the Coatham Bowl, later Redcar Bowl, which welcomed major music acts and international darts tournaments before being demolished in 2014 due to declining attendance and structural decline.
Baytree Garden Centre offers local traders space to boost visibility
Baytree Garden Centre in Weston has opened its Christmas cabins to local businesses from Spalding, Holbeach, Long Sutton, and nearby villages. The initiative allows independent traders to promote their products or services free of charge during the centre’s peak season.
The cabins are available from 3 October, when the centre launches its Christmas displays, through 14 November. Businesses can sell directly from the cabins using their own payment systems, with Wi-Fi provided. Baytree will also assist with promotional banners and feature participants on its social media channels.
The scheme targets a range of local traders, including those without permanent shops or mobile service providers, photographers, and home service businesses. The aim is to increase visibility for independent businesses and encourage foot traffic back to local high streets.
Early interest in the programme has been strong, with the centre reporting significant engagement following its social media announcement.
Residential development proposed for former Sheffield pub site
A planning application has been submitted to build 39 residential units on the site of the former Ye Old Harrow pub in Sheffield, near Park Square. The proposal includes 37 one-bedroom flats and two two-bedroom apartments.
The pub closed in 2008 and suffered fire damage in 2019. The existing structure is considered derelict and will be demolished to allow construction.
The site previously received approval for a seven-storey block with 57 apartments, but the new application reduces the scale to comply with fire safety and building regulations. Sheffield Council planning officers aim to reach a decision by 9 December.
