DPP appoints senior planner at Leeds office
Public funding specialist joins Ward Hadaway as partner
Chadwick Lawrence golf day raises £6,500 for Wakefield charities
Kingston Engineering strengthens legacy of innovation with investment in high-performance Hwacheon machines
Demystifying AI for Harrogate businesses
Harrogate businesses have the opportunity to explore practical applications of artificial intelligence at a networking event on Thursday, 30 October 2025. The event takes place at 1 Cardale Park, Beckwith Head Road, Harrogate, running from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM GMT.
Organised by 1 Cardale Park – Serviced Offices, the event begins with a networking session over coffee and light refreshments, providing attendees with time to connect before the main presentation. The session, titled “Using AI in Business”, focuses on how small and medium-sized enterprises can integrate AI into operations, marketing, and customer engagement without requiring technical expertise.
The event is designed to offer practical insights for both AI beginners and those already using automation tools. Following the presentation, a dessert table will be available, allowing further discussion in an informal setting.
Attendance is free for professionals aged 18 and over, with complimentary on-site parking. Participants are encouraged to register early through Eventbrite, as spaces are limited.
GMI Construction joins NEUPC refurbishment framework
GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC) Refurbishment Framework, expanding its public sector footprint.
The company will deliver projects in the £4 million to £10 million range across Yorkshire and Humber from its Leeds office. The four-year framework covers refurbishment schemes for NEUPC members, associates, and affiliates, including universities, further education colleges, schools, NHS Trusts, and other public sector organisations.
NEUPC forms part of the UK Universities Procurement Consortia, which manages collaborative procurement agreements across the UK higher education sector. GMI’s participation aligns with its broader public sector growth strategy and builds on existing framework roles, including Pagabo, Procure Partnerships, NEPO, and the University of Manchester Construction Works framework.
The appointment follows the creation of a new Head of Frameworks role at GMI, focused on expanding the company’s engagement with institutional clients and strengthening long-term framework relationships.
GMI plans to leverage the NEUPC framework to deliver high-quality refurbishment projects while supporting efficiency and value across public sector environments. The framework appointment reinforces the company’s reputation in managing large-scale projects within collaborative procurement models and consolidates its presence in the education, healthcare, and wider public services sectors.
UK-US deal accelerates new nuclear projects
UK and US companies have signed a series of agreements to accelerate the development of nuclear power, supporting private investment and creating thousands of jobs across the two countries. The deals follow a government-level agreement designed to reduce licensing times for new nuclear projects from three to four years down to around two, enabling faster project delivery.
In the UK, the agreements are expected to expand the nuclear sector, which added 11,000 jobs this year. Projects include plans for up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, potentially generating enough electricity for 1.5 million homes and creating up to 2,500 local jobs, with wider UK programmes targeting a fleet producing 6GW of power. Total economic value for the North East is estimated at £12 billion, with the overall programme projected at £40 billion.
Other initiatives include the development of advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired station in Nottinghamshire, supported by Holtec, EDF, and Tritax, representing an £11 billion investment and creating both construction and long-term operational roles. Last Energy and DP World plan a micro modular reactor to provide clean power for the London Gateway port, backed by £80 million in private funding.
Fuel and technology agreements include Urenco and Radiant supplying advanced HALEU fuel to the US, while TerraPower and KBR will evaluate UK sites for Natrium reactors, each supporting roughly 1,600 construction jobs and 250 permanent positions.
The agreements form part of the UK government’s wider strategy to expand homegrown nuclear energy, including the Sizewell C development, small modular reactor programmes, and investments in fusion energy.
Aukera secures €105 million to expand European renewables pipeline
Aukera, a pan-European renewable energy developer and independent power producer, has closed an oversubscribed €105 million equity round. Existing investors AtlasInvest and Reggeborgh maintained their support, while new investors, including Belgium’s sovereign wealth fund SFPIM, joined the round.
The funding will accelerate Aukera’s development of more than 15 GW of renewable projects across the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Romania. The pipeline includes solar photovoltaics, onshore wind, and battery energy storage systems. Battery storage has grown to over 8 GW within Aukera’s portfolio, providing grid stability and flexibility across key European markets.
Co‑financial advisory on the transaction was provided by MW&L Capital Partners and Rothschild & Co. The capital injection positions Aukera to advance projects from development into construction and operation across its core markets, reinforcing its presence in the European renewables sector.
Leeds welcomes major energy from waste facility
A new energy from waste facility has started operating at Skelton Grange in Leeds, providing a significant addition to the UK’s low‑carbon energy infrastructure. The site will process 410,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste each year, converting it into up to 49MW of electricity and heat, sufficient to supply more than 100,000 homes and businesses.
Developed by Kanadevia Inova, the facility reduces dependence on landfill while recovering metals and other materials, supporting circular economy initiatives. It is equipped to deliver power directly to nearby organisations via private wire connections, offering stable, localised energy supply.
The project required an investment exceeding £500 million and created over 400 construction jobs. Operational staffing now provides more than 40 permanent positions. enfinium has also established a £100,000 annual community fund to support environmental and social programmes in the region.
Skelton Grange integrates with the Aire Valley Heat and Power Network, a local low-carbon heating scheme backed with £19.5 million in government funding. Heat recovered from the facility will supply commercial users in Leeds, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
Energy from waste operations in the UK play a measurable role in lowering emissions. In 2024, Enfinium diverted 2.3 million tonnes of waste from landfill, avoiding nearly 560,000 tonnes of CO₂ while generating electricity for over half a million homes and businesses.
Doncaster Airport launches executive recruitment
Doncaster Airport has opened applications for three senior leadership roles as part of its reopening programme. The positions available are Head of General Aviation and Cargo, Head of Fire Rescue and Emergency Planning, and Head of Assets. Salaries for the roles range from £70,614 to £76,256.
The appointments will form the airport’s executive team and will oversee critical operational, technical, and regulatory functions. Responsibilities include managing cargo and freight operations, delivering on-site emergency services with robust response procedures, and overseeing the airport’s infrastructure, buildings, equipment, and land while meeting sustainability and compliance targets.
Applications are being accepted through the City of Doncaster Council website, with a closing date at the end of September. Recruitment will proceed immediately after, with all roles expected to start no later than early 2026. These positions represent the first stage of staffing, with additional appointments planned as the airport’s operational rollout continues.
