Leeds office take-up sees steady performance

Tess Egginton
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Leeds office take-up sees steady performance
Take-up of office space across the UK has reached 20.3m sq ft in Q2 2025, marking the highest rolling 12-month level since Q3 2022, which saw take-up of 20.6m sq ft, according to new research from CBRE. The Leeds office market continues to see steady performance, with take-up totalling 84,300 sq ft during Q2. At the halfway point of the year, total Leeds City Centre take-up totalled 325,400 sq ft, which was 7% lower than the same period in 2024, but broadly in line with the long-term average. Occupier demand for amenity-rich, sustainable workspace continues to drive the market. The 12-month rolling take-up across the UK was split between Central London (11.8m sq ft), the South East (2.4m sq ft) and the UK regions (6.5m sq ft), representing an increase of 3% when compared to the same period last year, and 2% above the 10-year average. The Consumer Services and Leisure sector has been the most active in Leeds over the last 12 months, accounting for 41% of the total take-up during that period, followed by Business Services at 21%. In Central London, five deals over 100,000 sq ft completed in the second quarter, the highest number of transactions of this scale in a quarter since Q3 2018. Outside of Central London and the South East, the largest deal of the quarter saw Altrad take 70,400 sq ft at The Apex, Howe Moss Crescent, Aberdeen. Completing the top three regional deals are Aviva Central Services with more than 38,000 sq ft in Southampton and Softcat, who took 35,400 sq ft in Manchester. Three deals over 10,000 sq ft dominated the Leeds office market during Q2, with the largest being the 17,100 sq ft deal at No 1 Whitehall Riverside by JN Bentley. Availability across the regional markets decreased by 3% in the second quarter to stand at 20.7m sq ft at the end of Q2, broadly in-line with the five-year average. However, the supply of new stock remained constrained, representing less than a quarter of available space (23%). In Leeds, availability fell marginally during the quarter to 1.5m sq ft (-1%), dropping below the five-year quarterly average (-4%). Secondhand space accounted for the largest share of the total supply in Leeds at 83%, followed by newly completed and new early marketed supply, accounting for 16% and 1% of the total. A total of 1.6m sq ft of development space completed across the regional markets in H1 2025, 41% of which was already let by the end of Q2. There is 0.8m sq ft of space under construction that is due to complete by the end of the year. According to CBRE’s data, there is 3.1m sq ft of space under construction across the regional markets with the earliest possible completion dates up to 2028. Of this space, 17% is already pre-let or under offer. “Our data shows us that in recent quarters, take-up has started to climb back above the 10-year average, which aligns to our view that occupiers are starting to take larger office footprints again,” said Simon Brown, head of UK office research at CBRE. “The UK office market is starting to show clear signs of normalisation after a period of relatively low demand. Driven by an increase in return-to-work mandates, we expect companies across the country to continue to acquire space to meet the demands of their growing workforces.” Rob Madden, head of UK investor leasing at CBRE, added: “We know that the quality of the building itself is a top priority for occupiers, but so is location. Choosing the right UK market to access the best talent will be determined by the sector you operate in, but beyond that, accessibility and surrounding amenities are incredibly important. “However, the thinning supply of new stock and the physical cost of moving are likely to result in more regears. If the office is well located and can be refurbed to meet the future needs of the occupier, staying put is a compelling option.”

Andrew Moseley Associates strengthens senior team

Tess Egginton
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Andrew Moseley Associates strengthens senior team
Andrew Moseley Associates Limited (AMA) has appointed Adam Smout as associate director, further bolstering its senior team and transport planning expertise. Adam brings over 15 years’ experience in development planning, supporting private sector clients across the UK on complex and high-profile schemes. His track record includes advising on masterplans, preparing Transport Assessments and Travel Plans, and contributing to Environmental Statements for developments nationwide. Before joining AMA, Adam has worked at Arup and most recently held senior roles at Fore Consulting (later Hydrock > Stantec), where he delivered strategic transport advice on landmark projects including SoYo and City One for Caddick Developments, and MEPC’s Wellington Place in Leeds. Commenting on his appointment, Adam said: “I’m thrilled to be joining such a dynamic and well-respected company. AMA’s reputation for delivering clear, commercially focused advice is matched by its inclusive and supportive culture. The team has already made me feel at home, and I’m excited to contribute to our continued success as we expand into new regions and take on even more challenging projects.” Managing director Andrew Moseley added: “Adam’s appointment reflects our commitment to investing in exceptional people who share our values and drive for excellence. His depth of experience, particularly in complex city centre schemes, will be invaluable as we continue to grow both in our established markets and in new regions such as the North East.”

Bioethanol production plant to close in Hull as business undermined by trade deal

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Bioethanol production plant to close in Hull as business undermined by trade deal
Associated British Foods (ABF) has announced the closure of Vivergo, its UK bioethanol production plant in Hull, which also produces animal feed for UK farms. The decision to close the plant follows extensive discussions with the Government to find a regulatory and financial solution that would enable Vivergo to operate on a profitable and sustainable basis. “These discussions were necessary because Vivergo’s commercial viability was undermined by the way in which UK regulations were being applied to favour foreign producers,” said ABF, “an issue subsequently made much worse by the Government’s decision in May to remove the tariffs on US bioethanol coming into the UK market.” The deal has made it impossible for Vivergo to compete with the cheaper, heavily subsidised US ethanol. These actions meant Vivergo would continue to be heavily loss-making without corrective Government intervention to provide short-term financial support and a longer-term regulatory solution, ABF explained. The Government has decided not to offer either short-term financial support or the long-term regulatory certainty ABF sought. The business continued: “Given these circumstances and the financial losses already incurred, ABF has therefore determined in the interests of its shareholders that it cannot continue to support Vivergo. ABF will start an orderly closure process immediately.” Vivergo will have ceased all production of bioethanol and animal feed by 31 August 2025. Vivergo is a strategically important anchor employer in the region, supporting over 160 skilled jobs directly and around 4,000 more in the supply chain, the majority of which are based in the Hull and East Riding region.

Baysgarth School to develop on-site EV test facility

April Lara
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Baysgarth School to develop on-site EV test facility

Baysgarth School in Barton-upon-Humber has applied for planning approval to construct a 3-metre-wide electric vehicle testing circuit around its sports field. The facility will allow students to trial electric vehicles built as part of the school’s STEM curriculum, removing the need to travel off-site for performance testing.

North Lincolnshire Council has pledged £40,000 to support the project. The track will also be available to other schools, local athletic groups, and community users. Motorsport UK has provided technical guidance to ensure reliable data capture during testing.

The circuit is designed as a continuous loop for acceleration and performance trials, preparing students for national Greenpower events. Pupils from the school have previously competed at Silverstone and secured apprenticeships with leading engineering and technology firms. The project forms a strategic part of the school’s long-term investment in practical STEM education and industry-ready skills development.

North Yorkshire funding boosts business, skills, and community capacity

April Lara
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North Yorkshire funding boosts business, skills, and community capacity

North Yorkshire secured nearly £39 million over three years through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund, combining £22.3 million in government allocations with £16.1 million from additional sources. The funds were allocated to businesses, community groups, and infrastructure projects through grant schemes.

Impact metrics indicate that 1,031 jobs were created or safeguarded, 11,212 volunteer roles were supported, and 1,300 people were engaged in training or work experience. The funding also contributed to environmental initiatives, including 6,634 square metres of carbon-reducing technology installations.

More than 2,000 grants were awarded, supporting projects ranging from digital upgrades and IT systems to building renovations and renewable energy initiatives. Mashamshire Community Office received £145,000 to refurbish premises, install solar panels, improve accessibility, and expand staffing. The office supports nearly 100 local businesses and 100 community groups, handling over 16,500 annual enquiries.

Tourism benefited from an additional 235,000 visitors, strengthening the county’s £4 billion industry. Funding priorities focused on productivity, skills development, community support, placemaking, and carbon reduction.

The programme highlights opportunities for businesses and organisations to engage with publicly funded initiatives, leveraging grants to enhance workforce skills, operational capacity, and environmental performance. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been extended to March 2026, with £8.7 million allocated to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority for ongoing delivery.

Humber Services enters administration under Quantuma

April Lara
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Humber Services enters administration under Quantuma

Humber Services Ltd, a Rotherham-based logistics provider, entered administration on 1 August 2025. Business advisory firm Quantuma was appointed to manage the process, with Andrew Watling and Simon Campbell acting as Joint Administrators.

Founded in 2018, Humber Services operated a white-glove delivery service for furniture retailers across the UK and Europe from 2020. The company ceased trading several months before the administration and had no staff at the time of Quantuma’s appointment.

The administration follows cashflow difficulties triggered by a dispute with a major client, which included non-payment and counterclaims for alleged non-performance. Secured creditors acted to prevent liquidation, appointing Quantuma to manage creditor interests efficiently.

The administrators are focused on maximising returns for creditors and managing the company’s outstanding obligations.

Yorkshire farms receive funding to cut energy and emissions

April Lara
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Yorkshire farms receive funding to cut energy and emissions

Farms in York and North Yorkshire are eligible for nearly £50,000 in sustainability funding through the Business Sustainability Programme. The scheme closes for applications on 19 September.

The programme supports investments based on energy audits conducted by local authorities, Grow Yorkshire decarbonisation assessments, or approved private sector evaluations. Funding can cover projects that improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and lower carbon emissions.

Previous funding rounds under the Shared Prosperity Fund have enabled farms to adopt technologies such as anaerobic digesters, cutting reliance on the grid and creating renewable energy outputs.

The initiative forms part of a regional strategy to establish York and North Yorkshire as a hub for low-carbon enterprise. The combined authority has allocated £1.9 million in total to advance decarbonisation and meet net zero targets by 2034, aiming for carbon-negative status by 2040.

Applications remain open to eligible farms and businesses until 19 September.

Steel structure in place as Whitby maritime project gathers pace

Tess Egginton
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Steel structure in place as Whitby maritime project gathers pace
The construction of a multi-million pound maritime facility that aims to drive economic growth on the North Yorkshire coast is picking up pace. Work on the Whitby Maritime Training Hub is progressing with the facility’s steel frame structure now in place. The centre on Endeavour Wharf is set to boost job opportunities by providing a dedicated space for business, research and development, including workshops and training facilities to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals and apprentices in the maritime industry. Tenants are now being sought for the £10 million building, which is due to be completed in April 2026. Executive member for open to business at North Yorkshire Council, cllr Mark Crane, said: “This first-class facility is all about investing in Whitby’s exciting future by providing a range of sustainable and skilled job opportunities that benefit the town and the wider region. “I am delighted that construction work is progressing well and we are in discussions with a number of businesses that are interested in being part of this exciting project. “We hope this facility can secure the town’s long-term position as a key player in the maritime sector and continue to capture everyone’s imagination as it heads towards completion next year.” Whitby-based boat builder Parkol Marine Engineering is among the local businesses currently in discussions with the council after managers confirmed they are interested in leasing a commercial workshop space within the hub. Commercial director at Parkol, Sally Atkinson, said: “We are looking forward to being part of the Whitby Maritime Training Hub project, a centre dedicated to preserving our town’s marine heritage. “Renting a workshop space will enable us to share our expertise and create opportunities for young people to begin their careers in the maritime industry, ensuring our skills and traditions are passed on to future generations.” The funding for the project, which is expected to cost £10 million, will come from the £17.1 million given to Whitby as part of the Government’s Town Deals programme. A total of £37.3 million was awarded under the programme to Whitby and Scarborough in 2021.
Willmott Dixon is leading on the construction, while North Yorkshire Council’s property consultancy Align Property Partners is taking on the scheme’s project management administration. Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, Chris Yates, said: “The completion of the steel frame represents an important milestone at Whitby Maritime Training Hub. “Our local team have brought a wealth of experience to this project, and we share North Yorkshire Council’s commitment to both inspiring and creating opportunities for future generations of skilled professionals. “Alongside our local supply chain partners, we have so far hosted more than 25 site visits for the community to learn all about the project and careers in construction. We’ve already engaged with students at Whitby School and look forward to continuing to create work experience opportunities alongside local schools and colleges when the academic year starts next month. “We are also working closely with organisations, such as Whitby Street Angels, supporting those furthest from the jobs market.”

Endless agrees to sell Hovis to Kingsmill owner

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Endless agrees to sell Hovis to Kingsmill owner
Leeds private equity firm Endless LLP has reached an agreement to sell Hovis to Associated British Foods (ABF). Completion of the transaction will be subject to regulatory review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Founded in 1886, Hovis manufactures bread and bakery products for the UK’s major grocery retailers and local convenience stores. Endless acquired Hovis from Gores Group and Premier Foods in November 2020. ABF owns Allied Bakeries, a UK bakery business founded in 1935, which produces bread and bakery products (including under the Kingsmill brand). George Weston, chief executive of ABF, said: “This transaction will create a UK bakeries business that is both profitable and sustainable over the long term. Supporting the Hovis and Kingsmill brands with well-invested and efficient operations will also enable innovation and growth. This solution will create value for shareholders, provide greater choice for consumers and increase efficiencies for customers.” Aidan Robson, managing partner of Endless LLP, said: “We are proud of the journey we’ve shared with Hovis to date, supporting this historic brand in a highly competitive and challenging market. “The transaction with ABF represents an opportunity to create a platform for long-term sustainability in the bakery sector for the benefit of retailers and consumers. While we work towards achieving CMA clearance of the transaction, our focus remains on Hovis to continue delivering exceptional products and service to its customers.” Endless LLP and Hovis were advised by Walker Morris (legal and regulatory) and Freshfields (regulatory). ABF were advised by Rothschild (corporate finance), KPMG (financial and tax), Allen & Overy (legal), Macfarlanes (regulatory), and Frontier Economics (regulatory).

Sheffield hotel acquired with plans for multi-million-pound investment

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Sheffield hotel acquired with plans for multi-million-pound investment
The former DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park on Chesterfield Road South, Sheffield, has been acquired by Village Hotel Club. The deal marks Village’s first location in Sheffield and follows its recent acquisition of the former Crowne Plaza hotel at Caversham Bridge, Reading, which will open in December. Under ambitious plans, Village will undertake a multi-million-pound investment and renovation at the Sheffield hotel. The site will remain closed whilst this renovation project takes place. Set to open in 2026, it will offer a range of modern leisure facilities, including a Village Health & Wellness Club, a Pub & Grill and an on-site Starbucks, as well as meeting and event space. Gary Davis, CEO of Village Hotel Club, said: “We’re thrilled to announce another new opening for Village which will see us bring our truly unique hotel and leisure club offering to Sheffield. The deal forms part of our ambitious growth plans, as we continue to invest in the guest experience and add more quality hotels for customers to enjoy across the UK.” David Lee, regional director – hotels at Christie & Co, who managed the sale process, added: “We are delighted to have supported Village Hotel Club in securing this exciting new site in Sheffield. “Village’s acquisition and planned investment in the property will undoubtedly breathe new life into the site, and we look forward to seeing it become a thriving destination for both leisure and business guests in the region.”
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