< Previous10 Business Link www.blmforum.net COMMERCIAL PROPERTY S ince our last issue, a number of builds set to create jobs and bolster Yorkshire and Lincolnshire’s economies have made progress, ready to bring new opportunities to the region. At Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate in North Lincolnshire, plans have been submitted for a major extension. The project would create a new data centre, bringing jobs, investment in the local community, and a boost to business confidence. The proposals involve a large- scale scheme comprising data centres, office space, energy infrastructure, and other supporting facilities across a phased development. The total investment in the site is expected to be between £5.5 billion and £7.5 billion over the course of the development. During construction, the scheme could support up to 5,100 jobs each year, while when fully operational, the site has the potential to provide up to 1,200 jobs. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is another positive sign of Economy- boosting developments Job-creating and economy-boosting developments are marking major milestones in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The University of Sheffield’s Runway Park. www.blmforum.net Business Link 11 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY confidence in our economy and in North Lincolnshire as a place to do business. We welcome the application and the potential this development has to create high-quality jobs for local people. Supporting growth in our area helps to attract new businesses while giving existing ones the opportunity to expand. It’s further evidence that the work we are doing to enable growth and create the conditions for private investment is delivering real results and better paid jobs for our communities.” Meanwhile, in Whitby, construction is now well underway on a multi-million- pound scheme looking to establish the North Yorkshire port as a key player in the maritime and offshore renewable energy sectors. With early technical groundwork now completed, the Whitby Maritime Training Hub aims to build on the town’s fishing and sailing heritage with a dedicated centre on Endeavour Wharf to provide a greater breadth of careers in the historic port. North Yorkshire Council leader Cllr Carl Les said: “The construction of the maritime training hub is all about driving new economic growth on the coast, providing a diverse and sustainable range of job opportunities to help ensure Whitby’s thriving future. This first-class training facility presents a wonderful opportunity to achieve that by creating and inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals and apprentices in a range of maritime industries.” The hub is to include training facilities and accommodation for businesses and service providers. It will also contain engineering workshops and office space for marine-based start-ups and other maritime industries. Construction is expected to be completed by April 2026. Furthermore, in Sheffield, a University of Sheffield development seeking to Construction is well underway on the Whitby Maritime Training Hub. 12 Á12 Business Link www.blmforum.net COMMERCIAL PROPERTY attract investment, create jobs and accelerate economic growth has been launched to industry. Runway Park, an evolution of the University of Sheffield’s Innovation District, is a 100-acre scheme that links the University’s research with the real-world challenges faced by a range of businesses. The development is located on land already owned by the University of Sheffield, on the site of the former Sheffield City Airport. Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice- chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “The evolution of the University’s innovation district with the launch of Runway Park marks a significant milestone in our mission to help the region reach its full potential, while making an even stronger contribution to economic growth. We have seen the impact of innovation-led growth, with the University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) transforming the Sheffield/Rotherham border into a global hub for advanced manufacturing over the last 20 years. As part of the UK’s first government-backed Investment Zone in South Yorkshire, our vision for Runway Park will build on this considerable momentum. We look forward to working with partners to deliver bespoke solutions to industry, catalyse growth opportunities and attract the investment the region needs to continue on a path to prosperity.” Finally, Holtec Britain, a leader in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), has chosen GatewayEast, next to Doncaster- Sheffield Airport, as the preferred location for its new UK factory. The company is now entering detailed negotiations with the developer, Peel Land, after evaluating 13 regions across the UK. The planned factory is the centrepiece of Holtec’s UK investment plans. Analysis from former government Green-Book economists at Bradshaw Advisory estimates the factory will generate £1.8 billion GVA, create 3,600 construction jobs, 16,000+ supply chain jobs, and 3,000 unionised engineering jobs over 20 years. Moreover, the new hub will give the UK ‘first mover advantage’ in a new export market for SMR components worth billions. Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “This major investment is fantastic news for Doncaster and South Yorkshire. The GatewayEast development is the perfect location for Holtec Britain to build their new £1.5 billion manufacturing facility. Not only will it create significant economic growth, but it will also deliver thousands of skilled, high-quality local jobs alongside developing supply chain opportunities and partnerships for our businesses. GatewayEast is adjacent to Doncaster Sheffield Airport and this major investment from Holtec Britain will help us deliver the modern industrial and manufacturing hub that will support our airport which will be the gateway to the rest of the world. I am delighted to welcome Holtec Britain to Doncaster and excited about the long-term opportunities it will generate for our city and the clean energy it will deliver for the future of our country.” Holtec Britain has selected GatewayEast, next to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, as the preferred location for its new UK factory.Armstrong house Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre, off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors, meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming offices are located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. At Armstrong House, when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements call 01472 310301.14 Business Link www.blmforum.net AGRI-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT By embracing innovation, technology, and strategic collaborations, the agricultural heartland is rising to meet global challenges and secure its future. A s global pressures mount on food systems, the sector is responding with characteristic resilience and a forward-looking approach. From the adoption of smart farming techniques to the exploration of international partnerships, such as the recent link-up between Lincolnshire and Ukraine, the agri-business sector is actively adapting and innovating for sustained growth. For years, farmers have weathered their fair share of storms. Torrential rains and devastating floods have tested their resolve, while outbreaks of crop-based diseases have threatened livelihoods. But from these trials has emerged a steely resilience, a deep understanding Adapting for growth Adapting for growthwww.blmforum.net Business Link 15 AGRI-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT of the land, and a willingness to embrace innovation. This starts at the crucial roles played by suppliers of fertilisers and the manufacturers of agricultural machinery. These businesses are at the forefront of technological advancements, developing precision farming techniques and sustainable solutions that empower producers to optimise yields while minimising their environmental impact. From GPS-guided tractors that reduce input waste to the development of bio- based fertilisers that nourish the soil naturally, innovation in this segment is driving efficiency and sustainability across the entire chain. With an average farm size of 94 hectares, larger than the English average of 88 hectares, Yorkshire and the Humber’s agricultural output is substantial. In 2023, the region’s key crops included wheat (220 thousand hectares), barley (121 thousand hectares), and oilseed rape (58 thousand 16 Á16 Business Link www.blmforum.net AGRI-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT hectares), alongside significant production of potatoes (16 thousand hectares) and field vegetables (13 thousand hectares). Yorkshire and the Humber is one of the most important producers of cereal crops in the UK. The livestock sector is also robust, with notable numbers of cattle (509 thousand), pigs (1,438 thousand), sheep (2,017 thousand), and poultry (16,677 thousand). It is also home to some of the most famous livestock breeds globally. Farmers are adopting cutting-edge techniques, from controlled environment agriculture in vertical farms to the strategic use of data analytics to inform planting, harvesting, and animal husbandry decisions. The emphasis is increasingly on smart farming, leveraging technology to enhance productivity, improve resource management, and build resilience against unpredictable weather patterns. Universities in Yorkshire and the Humber, such as the University of Lincoln with its Riseholme campus and the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT), are also increasingly focusing on agricultural technology and innovation, developing courses and research initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), vertical farming, automation, and precision agriculture. The critical processing sector also plays a vital role. From state-of-the-art food processing facilities that add value to raw agricultural products to the intricate logistics networks that ensure timely delivery to market. Businesses are investing in automation and efficiency to meet growing demand while adhering to stringent quality standards and evolving consumer preferences. The focus on local sourcing and shorter supply chains, amplified by recent global events, is creating new opportunities for regional processors to forge stronger relationships with local producers. Research initiatives within the region are also exploring innovative food production methods. This spirit of collaboration extends beyond regional www.blmforum.net Business Link 17 AGRI-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT boundaries, as demonstrated by the recent agreement between Lincolnshire and Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast province to work together on agricultural businesses, potentially sharing research, innovations, and technology. Yorkshire farmers have a long tradition of adopting innovative and sustainable farming practices. The evolving support network for the sector is evidenced by the presence of strong agricultural consultancies and business advisory groups within Yorkshire and the Humber, and farmers in Yorkshire have access to a wide range of support services and funding opportunities, providing farmers and related businesses with the strategic guidance needed to navigate the current economic climate and plan for future sustainability. Policy changes, funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives are driving growth and innovation. The burgeoning agritech sector, where startups and established businesses are developing groundbreaking solutions to address the challenges facing the industry, is also significant. From drone-based crop monitoring to AI-powered disease detection, the integration of technology is rapidly transforming agricultural practices. Educational institutions are also playing a key role in fostering this technological shift and the need for skilled professionals to drive it forward within the region. The challenges remain significant. The ongoing impact of climate change necessitates continuous adaptation, and the need to balance productivity with environmental sustainability is paramount. Labour shortages and volatile market prices also present ongoing hurdles. However, the spirit of innovation and collaboration that permeates the agri-business sector offers a powerful antidote to these challenges. In 2023, the total output value of the Yorkshire’s agriculture reached £3.3 billion, demonstrating its continued importance to the UK’s food security and economy.18 Business Link www.blmforum.net HEALTH AND SAFETY Putting workplace safety first www.blmforum.net Business Link 19 HEALTH AND SAFETY W ith rising litigation and tighter regulations, effective health and safety management is no longer optional. Companies that fall short risk seven-figure fines and serious reputational damage, especially in today’s hyper-visible environment shaped by social media and 24/7 public scrutiny. Safety failures are no longer viewed as isolated events but as red flags pointing to wider operational weaknesses. This pressure is even more intense in regions like Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, where high-risk sectors are heavily concentrated. The regulatory landscape in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire has evolved significantly in recent years. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stepped 20 Á 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. Next >