The UK Government has announced a series of Defence Growth Deals aimed at strengthening regional economies and expanding the national defence industry. Five new deals across Plymouth, South Yorkshire, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will be backed by £250 million over five years.

The initiative targets job creation, skills development, and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises within defence supply chains. Early projections indicate demand for up to 50,000 additional defence roles by 2034/35 as procurement and spending rise.

Investments will focus on regional specialisms. Plymouth will receive funding to advance maritime autonomy. South Yorkshire will expand its capabilities in specialist materials and components. Wales will grow its UAV sector. Scotland will enhance space, maritime, and technology industries. Northern Ireland will build on existing cybersecurity and maritime strengths.

The programme integrates businesses, government, and academia to drive innovation and attract investment. It aligns with the Defence Industrial Strategy, supported by a planned increase in defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, with a target of 3% in the following Parliament. The strategy aims to reinforce the UK’s industrial base and improve the sector’s capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has commissioned a study to enhance transport connectivity between Goole, the Lower Aire Valley, and Leeds. The study, carried out by Stantec, will assess strategic improvements to rail and public transport links connecting Goole, Knottingley, and onward routes to Leeds, Hull, and Wakefield.

The study covers Goole, Rawcliffe, Snaith, Hensall, Eggborough, Knottingley, Pontefract, Featherstone, Castleford, and Normanton. It is being prompted by employment growth at Humber Freeport sites and major industrial projects, including Siemens Mobility and Metsä Tissue, alongside large-scale housing developments in Goole and Howden, where more than 2,600 new homes are planned.

The analysis will also consider rising regional and leisure travel demand, including journeys to Leeds, Wakefield, Xscape, and Junction 32 Shopping Outlet. Businesses are expected to benefit from improved workforce access, while residents will gain better connectivity for work and leisure.

As part of the project, the council is inviting residents to complete a survey detailing current travel patterns, challenges in using public transport, and future travel preferences. Findings will inform a ‘case for change’ to guide transport investment and planning decisions.

Grimsby has advanced a major community-led initiative set to invest up to £20 million in the town over the next decade. The project, ‘Grimsby Together’, is guided by local residents, business leaders, and community organisations, with support from Our Future, a group that specialises in long-term community development.

The programme aligns with the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods funding, which replaced the Long-Term Plan for Towns last year. Grimsby is one of 75 areas receiving grant allocations, with total funding of £1.5 billion nationally and a potential £20 million per town over ten years. The scheme prioritises community input on how funds are spent to maximise local impact.

Current activity includes a series of workshop sessions examining opportunities across key areas such as town centre vitality, business growth, housing, and environmental improvements. One working group, led by E Factor Director Mark Webb, is focusing on enhancing physical and digital connectivity to support commercial activity.

The initiative engages 80 local leaders across eight working groups and a taskforce, representing multiple sectors. Workshops will continue through September, culminating in a public consultation event at Grimsby Central Hall on 25 September, where residents can contribute ideas on the town’s development.

Grimsby Together is designed to channel investment into locally driven projects, supporting business growth, improving public spaces, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the town.

Leeds-based travel operator Jet2 has reduced its winter seat availability by 200,000, lowering total capacity from 5.8 million to 5.6 million, citing increased uncertainty in consumer demand.

The company now expects full-year earnings to fall at the lower end of previous forecasts. Customer booking patterns have shifted, with a growing number of holidays being reserved closer to departure dates, which limits visibility and constrains pricing growth.

Summer 2025 package holiday passenger numbers rose by 2%, down from 8% the previous year, while flight-only passengers increased by 17%.

The company plans to adjust its marketing strategy following the viral circulation of its Jess Glynne advertising jingle on social media platforms, which users have widely repurposed.

Jet2’s announcement coincided with share price declines. Its own shares fell 15%, easyJet experienced an initial 4% drop, and IAG shares dipped before recovering slightly. Analysts note the late booking trend may be influenced by a hot early summer and broader economic uncertainty.