Warrior Link appoints agency to drive UK growth

April Lara
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Warrior Link appoints agency to drive UK growth

Sheffield-based haulage company Warrior Link has appointed Fantastic Media to lead a nationwide marketing push. Founded in 2021, Warrior Link offers palletised freight, contract logistics, and time-sensitive delivery services, employing a significant number of ex-forces personnel and supporting the Armed Forces Covenant.

Fantastic Media will begin the partnership with an in-depth INSIGHT process to evaluate Warrior Link’s market position and sector opportunities. The agency’s brief covers a full brand refresh, website development, and the creation of promotional assets for advertising and email campaigns.

The appointment follows a recommendation from JODA Freight, a long-standing client of Fantastic Media. The agency, now in its 19th year, takes a consultancy-led approach, focusing on tailored marketing strategies designed to match each client’s specific needs rather than offering pre-set solutions.

The work with Warrior Link aims to strengthen the company’s presence across the UK logistics market and support its ongoing growth objectives.

Octopus Energy spins off Kraken to accelerate global growth

April Lara
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Octopus Energy spins off Kraken to accelerate global growth

Octopus Energy Group is separating its technology platform, Kraken, into an independent company to accelerate international expansion and product development. Kraken’s AI-powered system is currently contracted to manage more than 70 million household and business accounts worldwide, processing 15 billion new data points daily.

The platform has achieved $500 million in annual contracted revenue, quadrupling in three years through licensing agreements with major energy providers including EDF, E.ON Next, National Grid US, Origin Energy, Plenitude, and Tokyo Gas. The spin-off allows Kraken to focus on technology investments, new markets, and scaling operations while maintaining its utility foundations.

Kraken has appointed Tim Wan as CFO. Wan previously held leadership roles at US software firm Asana, overseeing its public listing and financial growth.

Octopus Energy, powered by Kraken, has reshaped the UK energy sector, now serving over 7.7 million households and operating in 27 countries. Its wider business includes a £7 billion renewables portfolio, electric vehicle leasing, heat pumps, and solar solutions.

Kraken has expanded its capabilities in both residential and commercial energy management, including managing more than 2GW of flexible power from EVs, home batteries, and heat pumps. Its platform aims to reduce operational costs, improve customer service, and support the global energy transition.

New chair appointed to bring major benefits to Scarborough

Tess Egginton
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New chair appointed to bring major benefits to Scarborough
The new chair of a board which will oversee a multi-million pound investment in Scarborough has pledged to ensure that the funding will bring wide-ranging benefits to local communities. Heath Samples has been named as the chair of the Scarborough Neighbourhood Board which will be responsible for co-ordinating how £20m in funding from the Government is spent in the town. The Government confirmed earlier this year that the funding will remain for Scarborough as part of a national programme to bring major investment to towns across the country. The funding is aimed at driving forward regeneration on the coast, boosting job opportunities and helping to improve the health and wellbeing of communities. Samples, whose career has involved work in the games, retail, media and technology sectors, said: “I am honoured to be given the chance to help bring real benefits for the communities in Scarborough and the surrounding area. “The funding which we have been allocated will hopefully make a real difference to residents, businesses and visitors to Scarborough. I am excited to see exactly what can be achieved at such an important moment for the town.” The Government’s national programme has been rebranded as the Plan for Neighbourhoods with an expanded remit to improve health and wellbeing along with work, productivity and skills. It is also aimed at boosting cohesion and education along with opportunities for local communities. The original ambitions of the national programme, which was previously known as the Long-Term Plan for Towns, also remain and include reviving town centres, regeneration, promoting heritage and culture and addressing safety and security concerns. Improving transport and connectivity are also key considerations under the initiative. The Plan for Neighbourhoods for Scarborough needs to be developed and submitted by the winter of this year, with the delivery of the projects due to start from the spring of 2026. North Yorkshire Council previously worked in partnership with the Scarborough Town Board to develop a 10-year vision document and a three-year plan for investment. Council leader, Councillor Carl Les, said the regeneration plan is set to build on previous investment in Scarborough, including more than £500,000 in funding to transform the town’s cricket ground on North Marine Road as well as the launch of the Scarborough Fair programme of cultural events. He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Heath to such an important role which will continue the great deal of work that has already been undertaken in Scarborough. We are fully committed as a council to bringing benefits to all of our communities in North Yorkshire, but this is a very important opportunity for Scarborough. “The funding that we have received is a real chance to make a difference to people’s lives, helping to develop job opportunities and attracting investment while improving health and wellbeing. “I would also like to thank the outgoing chair of the Scarborough Town Board, David Kerfoot, for all his time and efforts in helping us make a great deal of progress in what we hope to achieve in the town.” Samples, who lives in Scarborough, began his career in the Royal Air Force as an air and space operations specialist, completing tours in Europe and the Falkland Islands, before undertaking an LLB (Hons) degree in law and economics. He went on to serve as a Second Lieutenant in the Territorial Army with The Green Howards. He has held senior executive roles in technology, driving forward the development of online, mobile and web platforms and artificial intelligence applications. He has led commercial, legal, compliance and development teams throughout a career spanning three decades. Alongside his business career, he serves as a trustee at Saint Catherine’s Hospice in Scarborough. He also has a keen interest in sailing and scuba diving and has a private pilot’s licence and holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of the English Channel using a seascooter. Mr Kerfoot, who stepped down as the chair of the Scarborough Town Board last week, said: “It has been a privilege to be involved in all the work that has been undertaken to make sure that we make the most of the funding we have been given by the Government for Scarborough. “So much has already been achieved and I am looking forward to seeing how this work continues, and I would like to wish Heath the very best for his new role.”

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4%

Tess Egginton
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0
Bank of England holds interest rates at 4%
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 4%, in line with expectations. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, has voted by a majority of 7–2 to maintain Bank Rate at 4%. Two members voted to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 3.75%. Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist, CBI, said: “Today’s decision to hold interest rates came as no surprise. The bigger question is how the Monetary Policy Committee will move in the months ahead. While there is broad agreement that rates should fall further, opinions differ on how quickly and by how much. “Further cuts are supported by a weakening jobs market and signs of slower wage growth. But the MPC remains wary of stubborn price pressures. The risk is that the expected inflation ‘hump’ this Autumn feeds into wages and price setting, at a time when households’ inflation expectations are rising. “In the run-up to their November meeting, the Committee will be watching data closely for these signals. They will also keep a close eye on bond market stability after recent volatility, which likely played into today’s decision to slow the pace of ‘quantitative tightening’.”

Sheffield programme aids employers with recruitment and workforce training

April Lara
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Sheffield programme aids employers with recruitment and workforce training

A Sheffield-based initiative is helping local businesses address skills shortages and workforce development. Opportunity Sheffield, the city council’s Employment and Skills service, provides independent recruitment guidance, connects employers with suitable candidates, and identifies training needs to upskill or reskill existing staff.

The programme also assists companies in diversifying their teams while reducing the time and costs associated with hiring. Support includes identifying appropriate courses and qualifications for workforce development.

Opportunity Sheffield operates as part of South Yorkshire’s Pathways to Work, a regional initiative designed to support unemployed and economically inactive residents. Funding for the programme comes in part from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Economic Inactivity Trailblazer and NHS England’s Health and Growth Accelerator.

150 jobs brought to Malton as business park welcomes Severfield Modular Solutions

Tess Egginton
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150 jobs brought to Malton as business park welcomes Severfield Modular Solutions
Severfield Modular Solutions, a key division within the wider Severfield Group, is bringing 150 jobs to Malton Enterprise Park in North Yorkshire. Headquartered in York, Severfield has been involved in many high-profile projects such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, The Shard, and 22 Bishopsgate, in London. The Group’s Modular Solutions division is relocating to the Malton business park from its current site in Sherburn. Work has now begun on the 80,000 sq ft building, where operations for Severfield Modular Solutions will be based, and it will be ready for occupation in early 2026. The 150 jobs which Severfield is bringing to the area means there will now be over 500 staff on site at the park, which has been developed and operated by Harrison Developments LLP. Sean Harrison, founder and managing director of Harrison Developments LLP, said: “This is a game-changing deal for us at a time when our Children are becoming active in the business and bringing fresh ideas to the Park. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved here already, but the arrival of Severfield Modular Solutions moves our park to the next level. “We were first approached by North Yorkshire Council’s economic development team in November last year. It was clear that the Modular Solutions division of Severfield might have to leave the county if suitable premises couldn’t be found for its expansion. “We had prime land available on our park and so we were able to help. Geographically and financially, this was a perfect solution for Severfield. “So, a planning application was submitted to the council in the early part of 2025 and, thanks to a diligent and professional approach from everyone involved, permission was granted in June. Now we are delighted to report that it’s all systems go, and 150 jobs have been saved for the county. “The Malton Enterprise Park has proved to be one of the most successful commercial developments in North Yorkshire over the past five years, creating hundreds of new and sustainable jobs for the Malton area. The Severfield deal is one of the most significant during this time and is a ringing endorsement of what we have achieved here.” David Pout, business unit director of Severfield Modular Solutions, said: “This is an incredibly exciting step in our journey as a Modular Solutions business. The growth and potential we see in the sectors we serve are huge; therefore, having the right facilities to deliver the highest standards for our clients is crucial. “At Severfield, we pride ourselves on having an industry-leading workforce, and I look forward to seeing our colleagues thrive in this new working environment.” The team advising Harrison included property consultants Savills, construction consultants Rex Procter and Partners, lawyers Schofield Sweeney, 2H Architecture, and business advisor Tim Wilde of BSH consulting.

More affordable homes set for Fryston with £15.8m development

Tess Egginton
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0
More affordable homes set for Fryston with £15.8m development
Vico Homes is to deliver 78 new affordable homes off Park Dale Road in Fryston, Castleford. Built by Taylor Wimpey, the £15.8m development will provide a mix of affordable rent, shared ownership and rent to buy, and is backed by grant funding from Homes England. The new homes are expected to complete early in 2027 with residents moving in shortly after. David Bagnall, development manager at Vico Homes, said: “Many more affordable homes are needed and we’re investing £300 million in thousands of homes to do just that – providing more homes in more places. “We’re working closely with Taylor Wimpey and the development in Fryston joins our existing partnership at Rotherham, so families will have more affordable housing options to choose from. I’m excited to see the new vibrant community that will grow here.” Jo Ainsley, managing director at Taylor Wimpey Yorkshire, added: “We are proud to be working with Vico Homes at our Fryston development. Providing affordable homes is essential in helping people step onto the property ladder in a place where they want to live. We are excited to see this community grow and flourish as residents begin to move in.”

North Yorkshire nursery expands with third site

Tess Egginton
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0
North Yorkshire nursery expands with third site
A North Yorkshire-based children’s day nursery has expanded its operations with the launch of a new, purpose-built childcare facility in Boroughbridge, creating new jobs for the local community. Tiddlywinks Day Nurseries secured a six-figure funding package which helped it open its third premises next to Yolk Farm, Boroughbridge. The 5,000 sq ft development was supported by a £650,000 Clean Growth Financing Initiative loan from Lloyds, which offers discounted lending to fund sustainable investments. Sustainability and the environment sit at the heart of this latest venture for the business, which is rooted in the Forest School ethos, creating opportunities for children to play and learn outdoors in a natural rural setting. The Boroughbridge nursery has already earned recognition for its sustainability credentials, achieving a BREEAM ‘Good’ rating for its environmentally responsible design, alongside an ‘EPC A’ energy performance certificate for outstanding energy efficiency. Key sustainability measures incorporated into the building include a high-spec insulation system and an air source heat pump. Rainwater management has also been considered, with all surface water collected in a specially constructed, half-million-litre underground reservoir. This water is gradually released into the local watercourse, helping to reduce flow and mitigate potential flood risk in the surrounding area. To further support sustainable transport choices, the site features electric vehicle (EV) charging points for both staff and visitors, as well as a covered cycle store. The new site has created 12 local jobs with the nursery set to recruit an additional five staff ahead of January’s intake.

Yorkshire-based linseed paint maker expands to Europe

Tess Egginton
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0
Yorkshire-based linseed paint maker expands to Europe
Brouns & Co, the producer of natural linseed paint and stain products, has expanded with a new warehouse in Katwijk, the Netherlands to enable easier purchasing and deliveries to a growing number of customers across Europe. Michiel Brouns, founder of Brouns & Co, is Dutch and has been based in Yorkshire for the last 20 years, where the firm now makes the linseed paint that is exported all over the world. “We’ve seen a growing flow of orders from the EU as a renewed understanding of the benefits of linseed paint become more widely appreciated,” said Brouns. “The origins of the paint can be traced back to Scandinavia and central Europe as early as the seventh century, but the credit for its use is widely given to Flemish painter Jan van Eyck who first used it in oil painting in the 15th century, and its renaissance in Europe means we needed to open a base here to meet the growing demand.” He explained: “The Netherlands is a great location to trade freely with all of the EU and ensures we can deliver swiftly and efficiently from a central location, which is crucial to ensuring our products have the lowest possible carbon impact.” Brouns works closely with architects and organisations specialising in the restoration and preservation of many historic buildings and properties across Europe and the UK. Increasingly the firm also supplies paints for low carbon and sustainable new construction projects. The company has targeted the European market as a key area for growth, driven by a heightened awareness of the negative impact of polymer-based coatings on the environment, and a proactive regulatory drive to encourage sustainable products in many EU countries. Brouns & Co has seen a 150% increase in demand from the EU since it began shipping orders internationally in 2013.

Civil engineering firm secures investment for expansion

Tess Egginton
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0
Civil engineering firm secures investment for expansion
West Yorkshire-based Spencer Civil Engineering has secured new investment for development and expansion. Established in 2018 by Ben Williams, the company has become a trusted specialist contractor to the likes of Aldi, the NHS, and many principal contractors. Delivering groundworks and infrastructure solutions across the region, the company focuses on small to mid-sized projects including roads, sewers, reinforced concrete structures and earthworks. The injection of capital will enable Spencer Civil Engineering to expand their reach geographically and take on larger and more complex projects. Brad Green, partner at Castle Square Corporate Finance, advised on the development funding. Alexandra Gent, senior investment executive of FM Capital, said the firm were delighted to have been able to support Spencer Civil Engineering with the next stage of their growth.
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