CPH2 raises funds to scale hydrogen production in Ireland

April Lara
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CPH2 raises funds to scale hydrogen production in Ireland

Clean Power Hydrogen (CPH2), a green hydrogen technology company based in Doncaster, has announced a fundraising drive of nearly £7 million. The initiative combines a £6.5 million share placing and subscription with a £300,000 retail offer, pending shareholder approval.

The company produces high-purity hydrogen and oxygen using its Membrane-Free Electrolyser and cryogenic separation technology. CPH2 is prioritising commercial expansion across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the UK, regions where governments plan to increase renewable energy to around 80 per cent of demand by 2030.

CPH2 plans to achieve more than 4GW of electrolyser production capacity. Approximately one-quarter will be manufactured in-house, with the remainder produced by licensed partners.

Proceeds from the fundraising will support working capital through the completion of the first commercial MFE220 unit, accelerate the company’s commercial pipeline, and drive sales of new products.

Adler & Allan snaps up specialist ecological consultancy

Tess Egginton
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Adler & Allan snaps up specialist ecological consultancy
Adler & Allan, a Harrogate-based environmental services business backed by Goldman Sachs, has acquired specialist ecological consultancy Ecosupport Ltd. With a legacy of excellence in ecological surveys, impact assessments, and biodiversity advice spanning more than 20 years, Ecosupport brings a strong track record of delivery and key relationships across the UK planning and development sectors. The acquisition significantly enhances Adler & Allan’s ecological service proposition. Dean Swensson, CEO, EcoSupport, said: “We are delighted to be joining the Adler & Allan Group. “The extent of Adler & Allan’s service range, combined with Ecosupport’s comprehensive ecological services and consultancy expertise, presents an excellent opportunity to broaden our offer to both new and existing sectors, whilst further strengthening Adler & Allan’s leading position in the environmental services market.” Jason Clay, managing director – environmental division, Adler & Allan, said: “The acquisition of Ecosupport underlines our commitment to expand the company’s ‘green collar’ consultancy offer with a clear focus on developing effective environmental outcomes for our clients and customers. “It marks another significant step in the scaling of our UK operations and further strengthening our market-leading package of integrated environmental solutions.” Henrik Pedersen, CEO of Adler & Allan, added: “This acquisition marks another key milestone in our ambitious growth strategy to create a unified suite of environmental services across the UK and internationally. We’re excited to welcome Ecosupport to the Adler & Allan family.”

Yorkshire business confidence falls in August

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire business confidence falls in August
Business confidence in Yorkshire fell 13 points during August to 32%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Yorkshire reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down four points at 50%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 22 points to 14%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 32% (vs. 45% in July). Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example by investing in training (39%), introducing new technology, such as AI or automation (32%) and evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (28%). National picture Overall, UK business confidence rose two points in August to 54%. While firms’ confidence in the wider economy dropped three points to 44%, their optimism in their own trading prospects rose five points to 63%. London was the most confident part of the UK in August (69%), followed by the East of England (64%). Sector insights Manufacturing firms saw confidence up 14 points this month, to 62%. This level was previously seen in 2015. Retailers also saw an increase in confidence this month, with levels up 13 points to 57%, a five-month high. However, construction firms confidence fell by five points to 40%, a four-month low, while confidence in service sector firms also fell eight points to 53%. Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “While confidence in the region has fallen this month, Yorkshire businesses continue to demonstrate their characteristic resilience and determination to grow. We’ll continue to provide our on-the-ground support to help local businesses achieve their plans.”

John Lewis Partnership scales UK build-to-rent operations

April Lara
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John Lewis Partnership scales UK build-to-rent operations

The John Lewis Partnership has added Stratford Studios in East London to its build-to-rent operations, taking the total number of homes managed for Aberdeen Investments to nearly 1,000. Stratford Studios contains 158 studio apartments developed in 2022 and will be managed by JLP from 1 September.

JLP’s BTR business was launched to operate and manage rental homes across the UK. Existing sites include Clarendon Quarter in Leeds, with 326 units, Queen Street Quarter in Leicester, with 232 units, and Landrow Place in Birmingham, with 259 units. All properties are owned by Aberdeen Investments, which has nearly 30 years of experience in residential property and has invested alongside JLP in a £500 million joint venture.

The partnership is also pursuing new developments. Approved projects include Bromley, where 353 rental units will be added above a redeveloped Waitrose store, and West Ealing, where 428 units have been cleared following a planning appeal. A former warehouse in Reading is being considered for conversion, and additional centrally located brownfield sites are in the planning stage.

Stratford Studios was converted from offices to residential use, incorporating communal spaces for work and social interaction. Its location near Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park offers access to public transport, shopping, and leisure amenities.

JLP has recruited leadership with experience from major developers including Regal, Berkeley Homes, and Greystar, supporting operational growth and improved service standards across its managed properties.

Netmore and Detectronic roll out large-scale wastewater sensor network

April Lara
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Netmore and Detectronic roll out large-scale wastewater sensor network

Netmore Group has partnered with UK engineering firm Detectronic to deploy a multi-year wastewater monitoring programme for Yorkshire Water. The project involves installing more than 90,000 sewer sensors across the region, including 65,000 Pressure Alarm (PAL) units and 27,000 LIDoTT Alarms over five years.

The sensors will connect via Netmore’s LoRaWAN network, which supports Yorkshire Water’s 1.3 million smart meter replacement programme. The network provides long-range, battery-operated connectivity, enabling real-time monitoring of residential gullies, shallow chambers, and sewer infrastructure. Data from the sensors will support environmental compliance, operational efficiency, and flood prevention initiatives.

Detectronic is supplying, installing, and maintaining all sensors throughout the five-year framework. The company is also expanding its operations in Yorkshire, creating new local roles to support the programme.

The initiative leverages Netmore’s advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network, demonstrating the ability to repurpose a smart metering network for broader water management applications. The project reinforces both companies’ commitment to environmental stewardship, operational resilience, and the adoption of scalable, IoT-enabled infrastructure for utilities.

New grant scheme to help refresh shopfronts

April Lara
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New grant scheme to help refresh shopfronts

A £100,000 fund has been launched to support improvements to shopfronts across South Kesteven’s town centres.

Businesses can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to cover eligible work, which includes exterior painting, new signage, reinstating traditional features, repairs such as glazing, vegetation removal, professional fees, and the installation of approved security measures. All projects must follow South Kesteven District Council’s updated shopfront design guidance.

The funding is available to owners or tenants of retail, leisure, hospitality, or office premises with a clearly defined shopfront. Tenants must provide evidence of permission to carry out changes.

Applications require details of the proposed work, estimated costs, and the amount of funding requested. The first round of applications closes on 15 September 2025. If funds remain, a second round will open.

All projects must be completed by 28 February 2026. The scheme is supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Lincolnshire caravan park changes hands

April Lara
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Lincolnshire caravan park changes hands

Chapel Sands Caravan Park in Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire, has been acquired by a regional family operator. The transaction was facilitated by Christie & Co, with legal support from Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP.

The park offers a combination of static holiday homes, seasonal touring pitches, and residential park homes. Ownership of Woodthorpe Leisure Park, based near Alford, remains with Woodthorpe Leisure Park Ltd, which sold Chapel Sands as part of a strategic portfolio adjustment.

The sale reflects ongoing investor interest in the UK holiday and residential park sector. Christie & Co led the advisory process, while Andrew Jackson Solicitors provided corporate and property legal guidance throughout the deal.

The transaction highlights continued activity in the regional leisure market, driven by buyers seeking established assets with growth potential.

Sheffield Housing Company to deliver new affordable homes in the Manor area

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield Housing Company to deliver new affordable homes in the Manor area
Sheffield Housing Company (SHC), a joint venture housing and regeneration company established by Sheffield City Council with Keepmoat Homes and Great Places Housing Group, is delivering 98 new affordable homes in the Manor area of the city. The mixed tenure properties, which includes homes for affordable rent and shared ownership, are being built across three sites. Sheffield City Council is purchasing 47 homes at Corker Bottoms, just off Harborough Road, comprising two, three and four bedroomed properties; and at Eclipse (phases 12 and 13, just off Harborough Avenue), a further 40 two, three and four bedroomed homes will be created. 11 homes have already been acquired by Great Places Housing Group at the Pennine Village development, on Manor Park Road. SHC is continuing to pursue a goal of building over 2,000 new homes, with more than 300 new homes also built for private sale between Beckett Hill, in the Parson Cross neighbourhood, and alongside the new affordable homes at Eclipse and Pennine Village, in the Manor. SHC development director, Steve Birch, said: “We are committed to broadening housing choice, quality and providing greater access to affordable homes across the city. By working closely with our partners, we have been able to create developments and communities that share a more diverse tenure mix and are enabling local people to start their home journey. “The properties created over the lifetime of the partnership have included housing for open market sale, affordable rent, shared ownership and private rent. At a time when the Government is promoting a huge increase in housing delivery across the country, Sheffield Housing Company continues to create new opportunities for people in this city.”

Barnsley Council invests £2.4m in Smithies Lane depot upgrade

April Lara
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Barnsley Council invests £2.4m in Smithies Lane depot upgrade

Barnsley Council will invest £2.432m to upgrade its main operational depot at Smithies Lane. The site houses refuse wagons, gritters, and highways teams and has reached full capacity following the closure of several satellite depots. The infrastructure has been described as worn and in need of substantial improvement to meet health and safety standards.

Planned works include rebuilding the transport workshop, resurfacing depot areas, upgrading heating systems in staff facilities, installing new vehicle lifts, repairing the salt dome, and enhancing security with a gatehouse and perimeter fencing. Refurbishments to staff cabins and canteen and shower facilities are also included. The transport workshop rebuild is scheduled after 2025/26 and will depend on future funding approval.

Council officials have confirmed that frontline services, including refuse collection and highways maintenance, will continue without disruption during the upgrade. The project forms part of the council’s Be Safe Work Safe initiative, aimed at providing safe and modern working conditions across its services.

Trio of North Yorkshire day nurseries sold

Tess Egginton
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Trio of North Yorkshire day nurseries sold
A group of three day nursery settings has been sold in North Yorkshire, trading as Kids at Heart. Kids at Heart is a well-established children’s day nursery group with three settings located across Harrogate and Knaresborough, including its flagship site in Nidderdale. Together, they have the capacity for up to 137 children, are all rated ‘Good’ with Ofsted, and have experienced management teams. Having acquired the group in 1994, Julie Shaw recently decided to sell to allow her to retire after over 30 years in the sector. Following a confidential sales process with Vicky Lowe at Christie & Co, the group has been purchased by expanding operator, Hamzah Arshad. Julie Shaw, former owner of Kids at Heart, said: “It has been an immense privilege to have shared the learning and development of so many wonderful children and to have worked together supportively with such brilliant families and staff teams for so long. “However, the time has come to hand over the reins so that I can spend more time with my family and grandchildren. I believe that Hamzah’s values and ethos reflect my own, and it reassures me that children, parents and staff will be well supported under his leadership. “He is committed to maintaining the high standards of care, education and professionalism that Kids at Heart is known for. I wish them all the very best.” Hamzah Arshad, new owner of Kids at Heart, said: “Expanding my portfolio with the acquisition of the Kids at Heart group is an exciting step forward. The settings are highly respected, with strong teams and a long-standing reputation for excellence. “I am committed to ensuring continuity for families while also exploring opportunities to further enhance the learning environments and experiences offered across the three settings” Vicky Lowe, director at Christie & Co, said: “I’m pleased to have been able to work with Julie through the process, which, at times, wasn’t easy. Through our continued marketing efforts, I’m pleased to have introduced the buyer for the desired sale, which allowed Julie to take a very well-deserved retirement. “Julie’s passion for childcare has always shone through; this presented an excellent opportunity for Hamzah as he continues to expand in the sector. Hamzah has been highly committed on finding settings that align with his values and ethos, bringing the knowledge and expertise needed to ensure this established group continues to thrive. “I wish Julie and Hamzah all the best in their future endeavours and thank them for their hard work and continued dedication to the process.”
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