Mayor gives update on investment decision for Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Manufacturing output weakens in three months to June
- Output volumes fell at a steep pace in the three months to June, broadly similar to May (weighted balance of -23%, from -25% in the quarter to May). Manufacturers expect output volumes to decline at a slower pace in the three months to June (-5%).
- Output decreased in 14 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to June, with the decline driven by the chemicals, metal products and mechanical engineering sub sectors.
- Total order books were reported as below “normal” in June (-33% from -30% in May). The level of order books remained significantly below the long-run average (-14%).
- Export order books were also below “normal” and broadly unchanged from last month (-26% from -29%). The balance stood below the long-run average (-18%).
- Expectations for average selling price inflation eased in June (+19% from +26% in May) but remained above the long-run average (+7%).
- Stocks of finished goods were reported as more than “adequate” in June (+6% from 10% in May), but the balance fell below the long-run average (+12%).
Bus franchising plan to improve North Yorkshire’s public transport network
A new review suggests that bus franchising could be the key to improving North Yorkshire’s fragmented public transport system. The report highlights the lack of peak-hour services, such as the absence of buses connecting towns like Leyburn, Masham, Wensleydale, and Ripon to major routes like the 73 service to Northallerton. This gap in services is affecting local commuters trying to access work and education.
The study revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the current bus provisions, with businesses reporting difficulties in recruiting staff due to poor transport connections. In addition to these concerns, the research found that while major towns receive multiple services, the overall quality and timing of services remain inconsistent.
To address these issues, the report proposes several improvements, including better information about existing services, the introduction of multi-operator bus ticketing, extended peak-time services, and improved coordination between bus and train timetables. One of the key recommendations is to trial a bus franchising model, which would see local authorities take control of bus planning and management, while private operators run the services.
North Yorkshire’s York and North Yorkshire region is set to be one of the first to trial this model, which could serve as a model for other areas. The report also advocates building on demand-responsive services and encouraging businesses to consider pool bicycles as part of the solution.
The review was conducted by Align Property Services and forms part of the Transport to Work and Study Review in the Richmond and Northallerton constituency, commissioned by North Yorkshire Council. The findings will be discussed by the Richmond area committee next Monday.
Bradford businesses tackle digital upskilling and AI adoption
Bradford’s business community recently gathered to explore the future of digital skills and AI integration, highlighting the importance of equipping the local workforce to support business growth. Hosted by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, the roundtable discussion focused on the urgent need for businesses to adapt to technological shifts, particularly AI.
Business leaders from Bradford College, Bradford Council, EY Foundation, and others shared insights on how their organisations are responding to the challenge of digital transformation. Yorkshire Building Society’s team, led by incoming Bradford Chamber President Rebecca Fitzgerald, outlined their approach to upskilling employees to meet evolving demands. With AI now central to many business functions, the group emphasised the need for continuous, targeted training to stay ahead.
The discussion also touched on the wider implications of AI adoption across industries, highlighting the government’s £2bn investment in AI initiatives and £1.2bn for youth training, which was seen as a step in the right direction for securing the future of AI-driven industries.
However, smaller businesses voiced concerns over the cost and accessibility of high-quality training, with legal firms like Schofield Sweeney raising issues about keeping staff updated in a fast-evolving regulatory environment. Bradford Chamber president Mark Cowgill noted that securing skilled talent remains a top priority, alongside responsible leadership and the necessary infrastructure to manage AI’s growth.
This event is part of the Local Skills Improvement Plan, aiming to enhance Bradford’s position within the broader Yorkshire and Humber region’s growing digital economy.
Private prep school in Leeds to close after 127 years
Moorlands School, a private institution in West Yorkshire, will shut its doors at the end of the autumn term, citing economic pressures such as VAT on fees and rising operational costs. The school, which has been in operation for 127 years, will close on 31 December.
The trustees of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust, which runs the school, decided after a thorough review of the school’s financial viability. The school identified multiple factors contributing to its financial challenges, including VAT on school fees, declining student inquiries, the loss of charitable relief on business rates, and rising costs associated with maintaining its facilities.
Despite the closure, the school emphasised that the quality of education would continue until the end of the term, and teachers would ensure that student activities remained unaffected. The announcement was met with sadness from parents, with some expressing concerns over the sudden nature of the decision, especially for families with children who are set to transfer to new schools in a matter of weeks.
Nearby institutions, such as Richmond House School, have assured parents that they remain financially stable and have expressed their sympathy for those impacted. The Department for Education noted that around 50 private schools close annually and that local authorities would support affected families in finding new placements for their children.
Solar farm near Scarborough receives approval
North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to establish a large solar farm near Scarborough. The 49-hectare facility, which will span the equivalent of 70 football pitches, is set to be built in East Heslerton.
Once completed, the solar farm will have the capacity to generate up to 23.5 megawatts of power, helping to meet peak energy demand. Construction is expected to take six months, with the site set to operate for the next four decades.
The original proposal for an 89-hectare site was scaled down following consultations, with the new plan incorporating community feedback from a month-long consultation held in summer 2023.
The farm will be primarily composed of solar panels, while battery storage will be housed in shipping container-like structures. The batteries will be charged during off-peak hours and used to supply electricity to the local distribution network during peak times.
The development received no objections from key authorities, including the Environment Agency and the North York Moors National Park Authority. While some local concerns were raised about the use of agricultural land and food security, the proposal received support for its environmental benefits, including contributing to climate change mitigation.
Approval was granted with several conditions to ensure the project aligns with local regulations.
Homebuilder appoints new CEO
Planning approved for £22m housing development in Fenay Bridge
A £22.15 million housing development in Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield, has received planning approval. The project, named Violet, will deliver 67 new homes, offering a mix of two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom properties. Located on Rowley Lane, near Penistone Road, the development will feature terraced, semi-detached, and detached homes, with prices starting from £269,995 for a two-bedroom semi-detached house.
This development is part of the Kirklees Local Plan, which aims to build 31,140 new homes between 2013 and 2031. Violet will include 13 different house types from Honey’s portfolio, ensuring a range of options for prospective homeowners. Work on the site is set to begin this month, with the first properties expected to be available for sale in July. The first residents are anticipated to move in by spring next year.
In addition to creating new homes, the development will contribute to local infrastructure improvements through financial support for various community initiatives.
Medical procedures provider hails “exceptional year” as turnover and profit rise
The CEO of One Health Group, the Sheffield-based independent provider of NHS-funded medical procedures, has hailed an “exceptional year.”
Releasing audited results for the year ended 31 March 2025, the business saw turnover reach £28.4m, up from £23m in the year prior. Meanwhile, the firm made a pre-tax profit of £1.5m, up from £1.1m.
A total of 7,043 surgical procedures were delivered for NHS patients, marking a 14% increase, delivered through nine independent hospitals. The results come as One Health Group awaits planning permission for the construction of its first surgical hub, which is expected to deliver significant additional operating capacity in 2026. Adam Binns, CEO, said: “The whole team have delivered an exceptional year with multiple records established in key operational and financial measures across the organisation.“In addition to a significant uplift in direct referrals from NHS patients exercising their statutory right to choose One Health as their provider of care through ‘Patient Choice’ after visiting their GP, we have continued to support five individual NHS Trusts’ with their internal patient waiting lists, further reducing the pressure on the NHS.
“Amongst several highlights in the year was a successful listing on AIM in March raising £7.8 million, with net proceeds to the Group of £5.6 million and £2.2 million gross proceeds to selling shareholders. This funding will be used to develop our first surgical hub, a key part of our mid to long term growth strategy to deliver strategic surgical capacity growth in underserved areas, with planning feedback expected shortly.
“We have delivered a strong performance in all our three drivers of growth; more patients, more operating theatre capacity and a record number of new surgeons applying to provide their services to the Group. This has enabled us to provide our services to a wider community of NHS patients.
“Finally, and importantly, key to our continued development is the investment in our people to ensure we continue to attract and retain the best talent, whilst focussing on nurturing and developing the expertise within the One Health team to support robust, clinically safe growth.
“Given the considerable progress made over the last year, One Health is well placed to support the increasing demands of NHS commissioners and NHS patients through the delivery of fast, free, local healthcare.
“Activity into Q1 26 has remained strong and we look forward to the future with confidence, as our business model which has been providing care, free at the point of delivery to NHS patients for over 20 years, continues to grow, providing more care to more patients through ‘Patient Choice’ across an ever-increasing geography to reduce the pressure on the NHS.”
Accu takes on the Yorkshire Three Peaks for Huddersfield charity The Kirkwood
