Outbound travel growth offers £62bn boost by 2030

April Lara
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Outbound travel growth offers £62bn boost by 2030

The UK’s outbound travel sector is projected to grow 20% by 2030, reaching an annual value of £62 billion, according to new data from Abta. The report positions outbound travel as a critical contributor to the UK economy, up from its current £52 billion valuation, with significant implications for regional infrastructure and wider economic resilience.

The study highlights the role of outbound travel in sustaining regional airports, where leisure travel accounts for up to 90% of passenger volume in specific locations, such as the East Midlands, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Exeter. Without robust outbound demand, these airports risk financial instability, which could undermine inbound tourism and harm local economies that rely on visitor spending.

Abta also underlines the broader commercial ripple effect, including support for domestic tourism and facilitation of international trade via business travel and cargo transported on passenger flights.

However, the trade body warns that realising this potential depends on government support through targeted tax and regulatory reforms. These include advancing sustainable aviation fuel initiatives, easing UK-EU travel frictions, and avoiding compounding taxes on tourism businesses.

Abta is calling for policy acceleration and strategic backing to position the UK as a global leader in sustainable travel and strengthen the sector’s contribution to jobs, trade, and regional development.

Battery storage approved for West Yorkshire site

April Lara
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Battery storage approved for West Yorkshire site

Wakefield Council has approved plans for a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) on a six-acre site near Castleford. The project, led by Harmony Energy, will feature 36 storage units designed to capture renewable energy and release it to the National Grid during periods of high demand.

The site, located off Holmfield Lane, was previously designated as greenbelt land under the council’s January 2024 Local Plan. Still, a national policy revision in December reclassified it as “grey belt,” easing planning restrictions. Despite objections from 49 residents citing concerns over traffic, fire risk, and wildlife disruption, the scheme was granted planning permission.

The project aligns with Wakefield’s target of reaching net zero by 2038 and reflects the wider national shift toward decentralised, renewable-focused grid infrastructure. The West Yorkshire Fire Service has requested that the design adhere to national safety guidelines for battery facilities.

This approval follows a similar green light for another BESS development less than a mile away near the former Ferrybridge Power Station, signalling increased momentum for grid-balancing infrastructure in the region.

Sheffield Forgemasters details £1.3bn plans

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield Forgemasters details £1.3bn plans
Ministry of Defence-owned Sheffield Forgemasters has seen its recapitalisation plan increased from £900 million to £1.3 billion to increase capacity for defence manufacture. Under the Government’s announced increase in defence spend, the infrastructure at Sheffield Forgemasters has been challenged to meet additional demand for its unique output, with greater resilience, faster production, and reduced lead times. The company supports UK sovereign production of nuclear submarine and warhead programmes through BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce Submarines Limited, Babcock International and the UK’s Atomic Weapons Establishment. Gary Nutter, CEO at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “When the company was acquired by the MoD in 2021, the recapitalisation programme was in its infancy as we looked to upgrade our capability from legacy assets installed in the 1960s and 1970s. “We originally aimed to use existing buildings to house new machinery, but as we explored increasing defence output, space became paramount, so we purchased an additional 21 acres of predominantly brownfield land to build a dedicated, new machining facility. “The number of machines required to meet targets for the UK submarine programme has also grown to include 15 of the world’s most advanced, large vertical turning lathes, and associated equipment. “Our new Forging Line has also been reconfigured, with increased capacity for furnaces, quench tanks and cranes so that defence critical submarine components can be delivered to an increased drumbeat. “This has seen our workforce grow from 600 to more than 720, intake of apprentices averaging 25 to 30 per year, construction work on-site now employs more than 900 people and more than 35 per cent of the spend has been made in Yorkshire. “Recapitalisation is driving a broader business transformation, delivering operational excellence and significant productivity improvements. This underpins our priority requirement to deliver excellent products, on time, to our key customers.” Sheffield Forgemasters’ new Forge and Machine Shop are set to be operational by the end of the decade, dramatically increasing the company’s efficiency and accuracy for some of the world’s most complex cast and forged products. Gary added: “The volume of investment is an incredible story not just for Sheffield, but for the UK, with these facilities protecting hundreds of highly skilled engineering jobs for decades to come. “We are well underway with the new Forging Line, with foundations almost completed and steelwork due to go up at the end of the year, and our New Machine Shop site has been prepared for piling work to begin. “What is being created here is an incredible legacy for the UK and for our allies and will play a fundamental role in the defence of our realm.”

RIEGL UK expands footprint at York Science Park

April Lara
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RIEGL UK expands footprint at York Science Park

LiDAR technology firm RIEGL UK has relocated to a larger facility at York Science Park to support growing demand across the UK and Ireland. The new site, located at No. 4 Innovation Close, offers expanded infrastructure to support increased project activity, new client inquiries, and operational requirements.

The upgraded premises feature a dedicated workshop for sensor calibration, validation testing, and light inspection work, designed to accelerate service turnaround times and enhance quality control. A new training facility has been introduced to deliver technical education to clients, partners, and end-users. The site also features expanded space for meetings, demonstrations, and customer engagement activities.

This move marks a strategic investment in local support and training capabilities as RIEGL UK continues to scale its presence in the region. It aligns with the company’s global strategy of delivering advanced LiDAR solutions with strong technical backing and regional service.

Medical tech firm expands in York with council backing

April Lara
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Medical tech firm expands in York with council backing

Canadian medical technology company Icentia has established and expanded its UK operations in York, citing the city’s talent pool, infrastructure, and tailored business support as key enablers of growth.

Founded in Quebec in 2012, Icentia develops wearable ECG devices that monitor cardiac rhythms and support early diagnosis of heart conditions. After a monitoring period of up to 14 days, patients return the devices by post to Icentia’s UK base in Monks Cross, where cardiac physiologists analyse the data and send results directly to clinicians.

The company initially launched at York Science Park and later relocated to larger premises at Monks Cross to accommodate its growing operations. Icentia has recruited several graduates from the University of York and York St John University, and continues to benefit from the region’s skilled workforce.

The City of York Council’s Economic Growth team has played a key role in the company’s growth. Assistance included site identification, local network access, funding introductions, and guidance on sustainability initiatives such as a bespoke Carbon Reduction Plan. The business is also navigating exports into Europe with the council’s help amid wider regulatory changes.

Icentia’s experience highlights the value of regional partnerships in supporting international firms to scale and embed within the UK’s life sciences sector.

Saffery makes partner promotion in Leeds

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Saffery makes partner promotion in Leeds
Chartered accounting and business advisory firm, Saffery, has promoted Rick Dunkley to partner within its corporate audit division in its Leeds office. Rick, who joined Saffery in 2022, previously worked for RSM UK for ten years. He specialises in advising owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs, and medium to large corporates across a wide range of sectors, including recruitment, construction and manufacturing. He also has experience in auditing specialist Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated entities and leading pension scheme audits. With experience delivering statutory audits for UK based and international firms – including those with a turnover in excess of £500m – Rick works closely with Nexia, a global network of independent accounting and consulting firms of which Saffery is a member, providing support to clients operating across borders and in complex regulatory environments. His technical expertise includes providing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) support for AIM-listed companies and advising on complex accounting transactions, such as reverse acquisitions and IFRS 2 warrant arrangements. Commenting on his promotion, Rick said: “It’s a real privilege to be joining the partnership at Saffery and to be part of a team that is genuinely passionate about client service. I’m looking forward to continuing to support our clients’ growth ambitions and further developing our presence in Yorkshire from our incredible office base in Wellington Place in Leeds, as well as helping to develop the brilliant team we have at Saffery.” Sally Appleton, partner and head of the Yorkshire office, added: “Rick’s promotion is a reflection of his outstanding contribution to our clients and the team since joining us. His technical expertise, commercial acumen, and dedication to client service make him a valuable asset to our leadership group in Leeds. “Rick will continue to lead on delivering high-quality audit services, building trusted relationships with clients, and supporting the next generation of professionals at Saffery.”

College receives £600k to train skilled agri-food workforce

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College receives £600k to train skilled agri-food workforce
Students at Riseholme College are to benefit from enhanced agriculture and horticulture facilities and equipment, thanks to funding from Greater Lincolnshire’s devolution deal. Riseholme, based on the outskirts of Lincoln, will receive £600,000 of investment for new skills training infrastructure as a result of the deal agreed with the government last year for Greater Lincolnshire to get a new combined authority headed up by an elected mayor. Land-based college Riseholme will invest in a new state-of-the-art Centre for Plant and Soil Science with the funding. It will be created by expanding the current practical learning space at Riseholme Park and creating a specialist horticulture laboratory and teaching area at the college’s Showground Campus, next to Lincolnshire Showground. The centre will support the delivery of a range of qualifications across further education, higher education, apprenticeships and short and part-time courses in agriculture and horticulture. A range of industry-standard agricultural equipment, including a telehandler, tractor and loader and a portable weighbridge platform will be purchased with the funding as well. The new equipment will also include a crop sprayer and virtual welding simulator. Beth Curtis, vice principal at Riseholme College, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding, which will directly benefit our students by giving them access to cutting-edge facilities and industry-standard equipment. “This funding is not just about new resources – it represents a significant step forward in our mission to prepare learners for successful and meaningful careers in the ever-evolving fields of agriculture and horticulture. “It is essential that our students develop the hands-on skills, knowledge and adaptability that employers are looking for both now and in the future. “We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition of the work we do and the role Riseholme College plays in shaping the future of the agri-food sector. “It reinforces our commitment to excellence in education and training, and our ongoing dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled, innovative and work-ready professionals who will drive these crucial industries forward.” Riseholme is one of six educational bodies to receive a share of £2.5m under the devolution deal.

Yorkshire’s DJH acquires historic Midlands accountancy practice

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Yorkshire’s DJH acquires historic Midlands accountancy practice
DJH has added an historic accountancy practice to its ranks. The group, which has major regional offices in Huddersfield, Leeds and Sheffield, has acquired Nicklin, a business that has been delivering financial and accountancy services to the West Midlands for more than 90 years. The partnership strengthens DJH’s presence in the region and builds on existing offices in Stoke-on-Trent and Walsall, with a 230-strong team now in position to support SMEs, owner-managed businesses and high-net-worth individuals. DJH said in a statement: “There are a lot of opportunities for us in the West Midlands and this deal gives us a unique opportunity to partner with one of the area’s most respected and longest standing firms. “Both organisations thrive on delivering a personalised service that grows with the client, and this is something we want to build on, whilst offering access to a wider range of expertise. “Continuity is extremely important to us. That’s why we’re delighted members of the Nicklin senior leadership team have agreed to stay on to write the next chapter in its story.” Mark Howell, Managing Director of Nicklin, said: “This is a great move for our team and our clients, who will now have access to the wider range of services and resources DJH offer. “We’ve been serving the area for many decades and we’re fiercely passionate about giving companies, owners and GP surgeries transparent financial support to help them grow and create jobs across the region.” He concluded: “Joining DJH gives us the autonomy to continue doing what we do best, with the benefit of additional capacity and access to experts in corporate finance, commercial funding, HR and private client planning, such as wills and probates. “There is also the additional infrastructure that comes with being part of a group. I’m excited that having more operational support will release our team of 38 accountancy experts to spend even more time with our clients.”

Engineering construction workforce in Yorkshire and Humber to grow by almost 40%

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Engineering construction workforce in Yorkshire and Humber to grow by almost 40%
New research reveals that the engineering construction industry (ECI) workforce in Yorkshire and the Humber could increase by 39% in the next five years. The ECI plays a crucial role in the UK meeting its net zero ambitions, spanning sectors that focus on the construction, maintenance and decommissioning of heavy industry, including oil and gas, nuclear, power generation, renewables, chemicals, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and water treatment. The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB) Labour Forecasting Tool (LFT) provides insights into workforce numbers across regions and sectors, predicting trends and potential future demand for workers in the industry. The tool, which was first launched in November 2023, has been updated using findings from the ECITB 2024 Workforce Census and publicly stated timescales on 3,000 active and future ECI projects across Great Britain. The ECITB’s latest forecast states that the size of the ECI workforce in Yorkshire and the Humber could grow by more than 2,300 by 2030, with mechanical fitters, pipefitters and scaffolders among the roles most in demand. The overall picture of future labour needs in Britain highlights that the size of the ECI workforce could total more than 135,000 workers in five years’ time to meet demand, an increase of 19% on the current number of workers in industry. The tool previously stated that demand across industry would peak in 2028, but this has now shifted to 2030 due to delays in some projects coinciding with other planned activity, as well as a potential wave of retirements in key roles.

Atlantic rowers swap oars for golf clubs at £31,500 Yorkshire charity fundraiser

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Atlantic rowers swap oars for golf clubs at £31,500 Yorkshire charity fundraiser
David Knaggs and Richard Larking, the pair of Yorkshire lawyers who will be embarking on the arduous 3,000-mile World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic in December this year, took to the greens last week to host a charity golf day to raise funds for their nominated Yorkshire charities, Maggie’s Home of Cancer Care and Friends of Alfie Martin. Held at Alwoodley Golf Club, the pair were joined by 22 teams of four who took part in the tournament followed by a dinner. The event raised more than £31,500 for the two Yorkshire charities and is a big step in reaching their fundraising target of £150,000. David said: “Richard and I met on the first tee at Alwoodley in 2011 and 14 years later we are taking on the World’s Toughest Row. We have had amazing support from Alwoodley Golf Club and all its members, and we owe thanks to everyone who made our golf day such a success and the weather gods who looked down on us with a fine day despite the pessimistic forecast.” Richard added: “Both our fundraising and our training have been going well and we’re confident that we’ll be as well prepared as we possibly can be when we set off to row our seven-metre boat ‘Brizo’ from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in just over six months time. “By then, David and I will be aged 60 and 59, making us two of the oldest participants, but as we face the hazards of the journey from 40-foot waves to shipping traffic, sleep deprivation and potential marlin strikes, we’ll be calling on Yorkshire grit to get us to the finish line.” In addition to headline sponsor, Begbies Traynor, the pair have also secured sponsorship from leading regional and local businesses over the last 12 months, with 11 other corporate supporters 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. Julian Pitts, regional managing partner for Begbies Traynor’s 10 offices across Yorkshire, Humberside and the North East, said: “It’s inspiring to see the way David and Richard are embracing this challenge. “I have no doubt that the determination and enthusiasm they display on the golf course will be matched by their endeavours when crossing the Atlantic. We hope many other sponsors and supporters join us in helping them raise money for the work of these vital Yorkshire charities.” As well as the Alwoodley Golf Day, a black-tie Midsummer Night ball will be taking place at the Pavilions, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, on 21 June. Further opportunities to support the pair in their fundraising can be found at  www.greens2blue.co.uk
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