JUNE 2025 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 40 ISSUE 6 Putting workplace safety first Shifting gears in logistics Adapting for growthEast Midlands Business Link Bricks 2025 A celebration of those helping to create the landscape for the next generation EAST MIDLANDS The prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for its 10th year! Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, this year’s event will take place on Thursday 2nd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The East Midlands Bricks Awards, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Visit www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk for more information. BUSINESSThe magazine that cares We care because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Business Link believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise. Welcome… As trade wars continue to battle on, with Trump’s tariffs seemingly in constant flux, at home news of new agreements have been welcomed — from the reset in the UK-EU relationship, to a new free trade deal with India, and an economic agreement with the US. Of course all these deals have come with their fair share of criticism too, and will not solve every challenge overnight, but as the UK gains easier access to international markets, the future for our exports and imports can surely only become brighter following the sluggish post-Brexit era of promises not kept. With firms selling to overseas markets growing faster and more likely to withstand tough times, it’s a necessity for our country’s businesses and an area our region’s companies can expand. More than two-thirds (68%) of London-based firms already trade overseas, compared with just 39% in the North and 43% in both the Midlands and East of England, a UK Trade Barometer from MAG and the Growing Together Alliance recently revealed. The encouraging steps in trade come as new figures from the Office for National Statistics show the UK’s economy grew more than expected in the first quarter of the year. But with an uptick in inflation following this quarter of expansion and the start of a barrage of price pressures on businesses, such as higher employer National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage increase, as well as high energy costs and the threat of extra regulation, a positive mindset is hardly something easy to achieve. Cautious is the default state for most, with hiring and investment plans stalling. With the publication of the Spending Review and long-awaited Industrial Strategy upcoming this month, businesses are asking the government to restore confidence. It must take the opportunity to drive innovation, investment, and sustainable economic growth. Good reading, as always. Tess Egginton Editor Editor From thecontents june 2025 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Commercial property Job-creating and economy-boosting developments are marking major milestones in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 14 Agri-business spotlight By embracing innovation, technology, and strategic collaborations, the agricultural heartland is rising to meet global challenges and secure its future. 18 Health and safety Stricter laws and rising public expectations are reshaping workplace safety across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Companies in key sectors are stepping up efforts to protect employees and improve compliance. 22 Construction machinery and equipment After years of stagnation, construction in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire is experiencing a vibrant revival driven by fresh investment, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to sustainability. 26 Ports and logistics With rising pressure to modernise and decarbonise, the UK’s eastern ports and logistics operators are embracing new technology, smarter delivery models, and cleaner transport solutions to stay competitive. 30 Meet the experts With “experts” seemingly everywhere, how can business leaders find true specialists to support their needs? 33 Corporate hospitality Renewable energy and green technologies are revolutionising corporate event planning. Businesses are embracing eco-friendly venues, sustainable catering, and digital solutions to reduce their environmental footprint, creating impactful events that align with modern sustainability goals. 36 Insurance From manufacturing hubs to coastal retailers, firms face growing risks. This feature explores the importance of robust business insurance and why revisiting your cover is no longer optional. 40 AutoLink As the UK embraces greener transport, electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise. This article highlights three top electric cars that provide exceptional performance, features, and value. Whether you’re eco-conscious or looking for a premium yet affordable business option, these models are worth a look. • We put the McLaren Artura Spider through its paces. 46 Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 50 And finally… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire- Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net connect with us 18 26 36Group Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk) Editorial contact newsdesk@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317 Sales Director Angela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: (01472) 310310 Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Tel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314 E-Mail: yorks-lincs@blmgroup.co.uk Haychart Ltd, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to publication are not necessarily the views of those COVER PHOTOS: STOCK.ADOBE.COM - EEKONG • ARILD • MICHAEL GARNER • PEOPLEIMAGES.COM • ENRIQUE DEL BARRIO www.blmforum.net 146 Business Link www.blmforum.net Work starts on new Faculty of Health building at University of Sheffield Contractor Clegg Construction has started work to deliver a new Faculty of Health building at the University of Sheffield. The facilities will be used to expand Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) which supports pioneering research into neurodegenerative diseases like Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s, dementia and Multiple Sclerosis. Clegg Construction was appointed on a £16m contract to deliver the Faculty of Health Phase 1 project on the Glossop Road/Clarkehouse Road site. It involves demolition of some existing buildings on the current site of Barber House Annex and Central Garages, and the construction of a new three- storey health facility with associated external work and landscaping. The new development will be connected to the SITraN building via a link corridor and will expand the existing SITraN laboratory space. Facilities will also include teaching and learning spaces, offices, and workspaces for visiting staff, students and researchers. Other members of the construction team include architect Bond Bryan, providing architect and landscape services, and structural engineer Ridge. The project is expected to be handed over in September 2026. news Investment sees beer company brew expansion West Yorkshire-based Amity Brew Co is expanding into the UK trade and overseas markets with investment from Finance Yorkshire. The company – founded in 2020 during the Covid lockdown – is opening a new production facility in Bradford to increase the supply of beers to its existing taproom in Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley. The £150,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire’s loan fund will support Amity Brew’s fit out of the new brewing operation at Albion Mills in Greengates. The increase in brewing capacity will also enable the company to increase its sales elsewhere, including the supply of new markets in Europe, Asia and Scandinavia. Amity Brew was founded by experienced beer experts Rich Degnan and Russell Clarke. Rich said: “We are ambitious to expand our offer to customers across West Yorkshire as well as further afield. With the support of Finance Yorkshire, our new brewery operation will enable us to stay true to our vision of community, friendship and good beer while extending our reach to a much wider customer base.” Investment platform moves to new Leeds base Investment platform interactive investor (ii) has chosen Leeds’ new 24-acre mixed-use district for its new office space in the city. ii will be taking the entire 4th floor of 3 South Brook Street, one of Aire Park’s first buildings. Spanning 23,261 sq ft, the floor will include meeting rooms, collaboration spaces and workspace for its 300-strong Leeds-based team. Christopher Crooks, chief technology officer at interactive investor, said: “We are delighted to be moving our Leeds operations to Aire Park. “We are particularly pleased to be moving to a brownfield redevelopment site and one with such history as the Tetley’s brewery. The move will give us the additional space we need as our business grows and demonstrates ii’s long term commitment to the city of Leeds.” Two-hundred-year-old brewing company turns to solar to power its pints Independent Yorkshire brewery, T&R Theakston has received funding from North Yorkshire Council for the installation of solar panels to provide energy to the near 200- year-old Masham business. South facing buildings within the Theakston brewery site in Masham have undergone a transformation, with the addition of 205 solar panels, which will produce circa 25% of the brewery’s annual energy requirement. Theakston’s received funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which was administered by North Yorkshire Council. It follows a number of capital investment projects by Theakston’s over the last 12 months which have sought to ensure the historic brewery is able to continue producing high quality beers and offering tours of its facilities as it prepares to enter its third century in 2027. Shaun Flannery/shaunflanneryphotography.com. Pictured L-R: Tom Summerscales (Amity Brew Co), Mike Barber (Finance Yorkshire), Josh Waldock (Amity Brew Co), Alex McWhirter (Finance Yorkshire), Richard Degnan (Amity Brew Co) www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 news Top serious injury lawyer joins Middleton Law Middleton Law has appointed Matthew Clayton as senior personal injury solicitor and head of catastrophic injury, further strengthening the firm’s expertise in high-value and complex medical negligence and personal injury claims. Matthew brings with him more than 30 years of legal experience, having built a distinguished career supporting clients with life- changing injuries, including brain and head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and amputations. Formerly a principal lawyer with Slater and Gordon Lawyers UK, he most recently led the Serious Injury department at Simpson Millar. Recognised as a leading name in the sector, Matthew has earned praise from Chambers and Partners, and in the Legal 500. Neil Fearn, medical negligence solicitor and MD of Middleton Law Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Matthew to the firm. His track record in serious injury litigation speaks for itself, and his expertise will significantly strengthen our ability to support clients facing the most complex and life-changing injuries across the UK.” West Yorkshire trams secure major funding boost Plans to bring trams back to West Yorkshire, and deliver a multibillion- pound boost to the economy, have secured a major funding injection from the government. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the allocation of £2.1 billion of local transport funding to West Yorkshire which will enable the Combined Authority to get spades in the ground on West Yorkshire’s tram project by 2028. The Chancellor joined West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin at a bus depot in Huddersfield where she unveiled West Yorkshire’s ‘transport for city regions’ funding for 2027-2032. The funding will also support other vital transport infrastructure projects across the region including new bus stations in Bradford and Wakefield, extensive bus priority measures and cycleways on the A641 and North Kirklees transport corridors, and access improvements to unlock regeneration across six key neighbourhoods bordering on Leeds City Centre. The first phase of West Yorkshire’s Mass Transit network will create two tram lines – a Leeds Line, running from St James’s University Hospital through the city centre to the White Rose, and a Bradford Line, connecting Bradford and Leeds city centres. Global defence firm secures space at Leeds Valley Park The penultimate letting has been secured at Leeds Valley Park by Catella APAM, acting as asset manager on behalf of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). The deal sees Leeds-based DIRICKX Systems Ltd take Unit 3, a 43,836 sq ft speculative warehouse. The occupier specialises in the manufacture of force protection solutions, primarily used in the defence industry. Adam Robinson, operations director, DIRICKX Systems, said: “As a trusted UK manufacturer, we are proud of our Yorkshire base and this commitment to Leeds secures our long-term future in the region. “After rapid growth since DIRICKX Systems was established three years ago, our investment in Leeds Valley Park marks a significant milestone – doubling our UK manufacturing capability, supporting our long-term growth ambitions and enabling us to meet the rising global demand for high-performance defence products. “With over 95% of our products exported and key contracts already secured with organisations including the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO, we are proud to be the UK’s leading manufacturer of this type of force protection, flying the flag for British manufacturing in the global defence sector.” Adam Handley, asset manager at Catella APAM, said: “Yet another deal at Leeds Valley Park marks another significant milestone for the estate. It reinforces our confidence in the strength of this location and the continued demand for high-quality industrial space in the Leeds market. We’re delighted to welcome DIRICKX Systems Ltd to the growing community of occupiers at the park.” Neil Fearn and Matthew ClaytonSheffield semiconductor start-up raises £2.5m A start-up that aims to win the race to develop the world’s first ‘memory safe’ computer chip has raised £2.5m in a funding round led by Mercia Ventures. The investment was from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), and also angel investors from the UK and Silicon Valley. SCI Semiconductor, which brings together leading industry figures, has already signed up a number of key customers including Google Research. The funding will enable it to build a team of engineers in Sheffield and bring its product to market. SCI aims to resolve the problem of ‘memory safety’ which is the key factor in around 70% of cyber attacks. Traditional programming languages – on which Microsoft’s Windows and many industrial operating systems are based – allow memory to be freely accessed, which provides flexibility for software developers but also creates vulnerabilities. Haydn Povey, CEO, said: “Cybersecurity is second only to global conflict in terms of factors affecting the economy. Memory safe chips have been shown to prevent 70% of all attacks and would enable organisations to continue using existing software with complete peace of mind. “Developing a new generation of chips here in the UK will also help to ensure supply chain security and restore the country’s position as a leader in semiconductor technology.” 8 Business Link www.blmforum.net New Hull academy brings bespoke training to Yorkshire businesses A Hull-based social care provider is offering its training expertise to the wider business community for the first time. The HICA Group, which provides care and support to older people and adults with learning disabilities across Yorkshire, has expanded its long-established in-house training offer to local employers, charities, and individuals through its new training academy. Based just off Freetown Way, the HICA Training Academy has opened its doors to organisations across the Humber region looking to upskill staff, meet compliance requirements and invest in professional development. The HICA academy has long delivered sector-leading training for its 1,500-strong workforce. With a growing demand for high-quality, flexible training across multiple industries, the group has made its extensive portfolio of courses available to all. Courses on offer range from emergency first aid to dementia awareness and managing aggression in the workplace. Sessions are run by experienced trainers and can be delivered at the new city-centre academy or on-site at the client’s premises. For more information, contact the HICA Training Academy on 01482 581000 (ext. 2223) or email info@hica-uk.com news £65m secured for Leeds Build to Rent scheme Maslow Capital, a specialist provider of real estate finance, has completed a £65m development facility with Torsion Developments, the development arm of the vertically integrated Torsion Group, to deliver Flax?Place, a Build to Rent (BTR) scheme in Leeds. The project will create 300 apartments on a vacant brownfield site to the east of the city centre. Designed by Day Architecture, Flax?Place comprises two towers of 9 and 14 storeys, linked by a shared podium. Residents will benefit from amenities including communal lounges and co-working areas, secure cycle storage, and on-site leisure facilities. Construction began at the end of?2024, is progressing on programme – with all four concrete cores already complete – and is scheduled for practical completion in April 2027. The development has been forward sold to Starlight Investments. York law firm becomes employee owned Law firm Guest Walker has become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Set up in 1981, the firm has been working in York for more than forty years. The EOT is the start of a new era for the business, which builds on the dedication of staff whilst looking to support their future. An EOT means the firm is now run for the benefit of its employees, who will share financially in the success of the company. The new Guest Walker Trust now owns the company on behalf of the staff and will work with them on its future direction. The business’s directors hope the benefit of staff having more of a stake and shared sense of responsibility in the firm will lead to increased employee engagement. Haydn Povey, CEO of SCI Semiconductor www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 news Endless LLP acquires specialist battery supplier Leeds-based private equity firm Endless LLP has acquired the Ecobat Battery Division from the US-headquartered Ecobat Group. Ecobat Battery has turnover in excess of £200m and is a specialist supplier of batteries and energy storage solutions for a wide range of applications including automotive, commercial vehicles, marine and leisure, motorcycles, and industrial uses. With a strong presence across Europe and a network of distribution hubs in the UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, Ecobat Battery serves a diverse customer base. The acquisition by Endless will provide Ecobat Battery with the capital and strategic support to accelerate its growth plans, expand its market reach, and invest in its capabilities to further strengthen its commercial platform. The carve-out transaction will be led by Ecobat Battery’s existing management team, led by Russell McBurnie and Alex Powell. Content intelligence provider Ad Signal secures £3m Foresight Group, a regional private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has made a £3 million investment in Ad Signal, a provider of content intelligence for the media and entertainment industry. Foresight’s investment will allow the company to accelerate the rollout of new products and expand its commercial footprint, capitalising on growing demand from broadcasters, platforms and post-production houses. Tom Toumazis MBE will join the team as non- executive chair, bringing a wealth of experience in the media and entertainment industry, as well as being involved with several early-stage technology businesses. Based in York, the company was founded by Tom Dunning and Mike Duffy in 2018. Since then, it has experienced significant growth and broadened into a suite of proprietary tools designed to help customers remove duplicate content, stay compliant, and reduce digital storage needs. Improving digital sustainability is a core focus for Ad Signal, with its tools lowering its customers’ storage requirements, providing associated carbon reduction. Ad Signal works with major names including Sky, Clearcast and the Broadcasters Audience Research Board. Rix Group to reinvigorate leisure home manufacturer following acquisition The Rix Group has acquired the IP of former leisure home manufacturer Atlas Leisure Homes for an undisclosed sum. The deal, which follows Atlas Leisure Homes being wound up earlier this year, also sees the Rix Group acquire the model designs and names used by the Hull company, along with some plant and equipment. The move builds on the family business’s existing holiday home and lodge manufacturing portfolio which includes Hull-based Victory Leisure Homes and luxury brand Prestige – based in Northamptonshire. James Doyle, managing director of the Rix Group, described Atlas Leisure Homes as a ‘household name’ within the leisure homes industry. The company was founded in Hull in 1973 and traded successfully until March 2025, when it went into administration citing a post-COVID decline in sales. Mr Doyle said: “Atlas Leisure Homes was a real Hull success story, building up significant market share in the national holiday home sector over 52 years of trading.” James Doyle, managing director of the Rix Group Next >