< Previous20 Business Link www.blmforum.net HEALTH AND SAFETY up regional enforcement efforts, zeroing in on industries where serious injury or illness is most likely. In this region, that primarily means manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and logistics. The 2016 amendments to the Sentencing Guidelines have amplified the consequences of non-compliance. Although these changes apply across the UK, their full impact is hitting hardest in areas with dense industrial activity. Large fines, sometimes exceeding £1 million, are becoming increasingly common. And it’s not just major firms at risk, small and mid-sized enterprises are also being handed six-figure penalties for avoidable breaches. Manufacturing plays a particularly significant role in this part of the country, from steel production in Scunthorpe to food processing in Grimsby and advanced engineering in Leeds and Sheffield. Each sub-sector brings its own risks, whether it’s heavy machinery, complex chemical handling, or fast- paced production lines. Recent enforcement actions in the region reflect these dangers, including incidents involving unsafe equipment, exposure to hazardous substances, and inadequate risk assessments. In construction, the CDM 2015 regulations continue to shape how projects are planned and executed. These rules place clear responsibilities on all parties to manage risk from the outset. At the same time, the shift to ISO 45001 as the new benchmark for occupational health and safety has pushed businesses to adopt a more strategic, integrated approach. This international standard encourages organisations to embed safety into their culture, not just their compliance checklists. Digital innovation is accelerating these changes. Yorkshire-based companies are increasingly using data-driven tools to identify risks before incidents occur. At Siemens’ Hull facility, for instance, real- time monitoring systems have contributed to a significant drop in workplace accidents. Predictive analytics, wearable devices, and automated safety reporting are now core features of many health and safety programmes. The support network around these businesses is growing too. Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are home to more than 150 specialist health and safety consultancies offering everything from ISO certification support to custom www.blmforum.net Business Link 21 HEALTH AND SAFETY training and crisis management. Many of these firms work directly with high-risk sectors to develop industry-specific solutions. Technology providers are also making a major impact. For example, companies are developing wearable safety tech that monitors environmental conditions and worker movements in real time. These tools are proving especially useful in agriculture, food production, and chemical manufacturing, areas where environmental conditions can fluctuate rapidly and dangerously. Academic institutions in the region are contributing to this transformation. The University of Lincoln’s School of Engineering is collaborating with manufacturers on automation and risk- reduction technologies. The University of Leeds is working on research into musculoskeletal health and injury prevention for manual labour-intensive jobs. Meanwhile, Sheffield Hallam University is piloting mental health and wellbeing frameworks for high-pressure work environments, blending academic insights with practical implementation strategies. There’s also a growing awareness that health and safety doesn’t end with hard hats and hazard signs. Organisations are broadening their focus to include mental wellbeing, ergonomic design, and long- term occupational health. NHS Trusts in the region, such as Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, are working with employers to integrate psychological health into traditional safety policies, especially in roles involving repetitive work or high emotional stress. This more holistic approach is aligning with what stakeholders, insurers, and supply chain partners now expect. Clients increasingly demand robust safety standards before signing contracts. In a region where health and safety performance is directly tied to business opportunity and legal exposure, organisations in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire that embrace modern, proactive safety strategies are positioning themselves for long-term success. From food producers to engineering giants, the companies leading this shift are not only protecting their workforce—they’re protecting their reputation, resilience, and future growth.22 Business Link www.blmforum.net CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT How Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction is going digital and green www.blmforum.net Business Link 23 CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT T he construction industry across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire is undergoing a significant transformation. After years of relative quiet, fresh investments and a growing focus on sustainability and digital innovation are driving a surge in activity. From large infrastructure projects to modern housing developments, the region is witnessing a dynamic revival. This upswing is about how projects are being delivered with a clear shift towards smarter, greener, and more efficient building methods. Major commercial and logistics developments, alongside essential utility upgrades, are supporting a robust pipeline of work. The continued expansion of transport networks and distribution centres reflects the broader economic strength and strategic importance of these areas. However, success for construction firms will increasingly hinge on their ability to embrace technological advancements and sustainable practices, as clients and regulators demand higher standards for productivity, safety, and environmental impact. One striking example of innovation is Yorkshire Water’s pioneering project at Esholt Waste Water Treatment Works near Leeds. The collaborative effort between Mott MacDonald Bentley, Tarmac, and Hyperion Robotics has introduced 3D- printed concrete to replace traditional construction methods for key structures known as drawpits. These bespoke, circular drawpits use 50% less material and cut embodied carbon by 40%, reflecting a major step forward in sustainable construction. 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. From 3D- printed concrete projects to GPS-guided machinery, the region’s firms are embracing innovation to deliver smarter, greener, and more efficient developments. 24 Á24 Business Link www.blmforum.net CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 3D printing has allowed the team to produce complex, structurally efficient forms that would be difficult or costly to achieve with conventional techniques. The project aligns with Yorkshire Water’s wider net-zero goals and exemplifies how innovative technologies can support the construction sector’s environmental commitments without sacrificing durability or performance. Such advances are also helping contractors address the growing complexity of construction projects. As digital tools become embedded into workflows, firms can plan more precisely, identify clashes earlier, and adapt designs in real time. This reduces costly rework and delays, creating savings and improving client satisfaction. In Lincolnshire, groundworks specialist IPDS Groups Ltd has embraced digital transformation to boost its competitive edge. Partnering with SITECH UK & Ireland, the company has invested in a suite of Trimble® technologies, including GPS-enabled excavator controls, base stations, and surveying rovers, alongside integrated office software to streamline project management. This comprehensive digital toolkit has allowed IPDS to take on larger and more complex projects, with real-time guidance improving accuracy in grading and excavation. The technology also helps reduce reliance on third-party surveyors by enabling precise, in-house setting out and progress tracking. The firm’s managing director, Ian Parsons, reports significant gains in efficiency, reduced material wastage, and faster project delivery. Such technology investments highlight a broader industry shift. Small and medium-sized contractors, traditionally at a disadvantage compared to large national players, can now compete by adopting digital workflows and smart machinery. This levels the playing field and supports regional economic growth by keeping local expertise relevant and sustainable. The integration of GPS-guided machinery and digital site controls is already transforming day-to-day operations on many projects in these counties. Equipment fitted with advanced sensors and software reduces human error and improves safety by minimising manual checks and dangerous tasks. For instance, operators using machine control systems can achieve precise cuts and fills without repeatedly stopping to verify levels or measurements. This not only saves time but also reduces fuel consumption and emissions. Moreover, the use of virtual modelling and ‘digital twins’ is gaining traction. By www.blmforum.net Business Link 25 CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT creating detailed, data-rich 3D models of sites and buildings, construction teams can collaborate more effectively, foresee potential issues, and optimise sequencing and resource allocation. This leads to smoother workflows and better risk management throughout a project’s lifecycle. Despite these technological advances, the human element remains crucial. The region’s construction firms are recognising the importance of upskilling their workforce to fully leverage new tools. Training operators, engineers, and managers in digital systems and sustainable practices is becoming a key investment area. A skilled, tech-savvy workforce not only delivers projects more efficiently but is also essential to maintaining high safety standards and adapting to evolving client expectations. The construction market in these areas is poised for sustained growth, supported by continued infrastructure investment and a rising demand for new homes. However, the pace and quality of delivery will depend on how well firms integrate innovation into their core operations. Companies still reliant on traditional equipment or manual methods may struggle to keep up with competitors who have embraced digital construction and modern machinery. Sustainability will also remain front and centre. Regulatory pressures and client demands for low-carbon construction will push the adoption of greener materials, smarter waste management, and energy-efficient processes. Early adopters of technologies like 3D concrete printing and GPS-controlled machinery will be well placed to meet these challenges while reducing costs. North Lincs Engineering Ltd We specialise in the Supply, Installation and Reconditioning of Industrial and Marine Diesel Engines and Generating Sets. Our team of Service Engineers can Repair, Maintain or Commission Land based or Marine Installations Worldwide. Tel: 01507 328787 • Email: mark@northlincseng.co.uk • Website: www.northlincseng.co.uk 26 Business Link www.blmforum.net PORTS AND LOGISTICS Shifting gears in logistics www.blmforum.net Business Link 27 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. W hen it comes to the movement of goods in and out of the UK, the ports along the Humber Estuary play a critical role. Stretching from the busy docks of Hull and Grimsby to the freight arteries of Immingham and Goole, this coastline supports a logistics ecosystem that keeps national supply chains flowing. In 2025, though, the journey is far from smooth. The logistics sector is facing pressure on multiple fronts. Workforce shortages persist, with businesses struggling to recruit and retain drivers, warehouse operatives, and dockworkers. The challenge isn’t just about filling vacancies, but also about equipping workers with the skills needed to operate in increasingly tech- driven environments. Employers across the industry are realising that digital literacy and adaptability are no longer optional, especially as automation and AI become more embedded in daily operations. In ports like Immingham and Hull, 28 Á28 Business Link www.blmforum.net PORTS AND LOGISTICS automation is no longer a distant concept. It’s becoming standard practice. At the Port of Immingham, Associated British Ports (ABP) has been rolling out automated gate systems and integrating Navis N4 terminal operating software to streamline container tracking and yard management. Hull is trialling the use of AI-driven customs clearance tools developed in partnership with logistics tech firm MCP, enabling faster processing of freight through its terminals. These technologies bring clear benefits: quicker turnaround times, lower error rates, and enhanced supply chain visibility. But they also raise critical questions about the future of port-side jobs and how quickly local workforces can keep pace. Upskilling dock and warehouse workers in digital tools like Navis N4, RFID-based tracking systems, and predictive maintenance software is now a strategic priority, not a ‘nice-to-have’. Sustainability is another rising priority. Logistics operators are under growing pressure to decarbonise, and that demand now comes from all sides. Ports are responding with initiatives that include shore power installations to reduce vessel emissions, expanded use of rail freight, and the gradual transition to hydrogen and electric vehicles for on-site operations. Some are also exploring circular models of maintenance and repair to reduce waste and operating costs over time. Beyond port perimeters, innovation in last-mile delivery is gaining traction. One standout example comes from Sheffield, where BB-EV (Busy Bee EV Ltd) has launched a new generation of electric cargo bikes designed for large-scale commercial logistics. These weatherproof e-cargo bikes feature interchangeable cargo pod systems and are aimed at parcel services, couriers and urban retailers striving to reduce their carbon footprint. Developed by British engineers after consultations with commercial fleet users, the BB-EV bikes prioritise efficiency and safety, with features such as a driver cabin safety cell, reversing camera, proximity detectors, and real- time GPS monitoring. The bikes are fully end-of-life recyclable and come with onboard diagnostics to support fleet integration. BB-EV’s collaboration with STIHL on the product launch reflects the growing convergence between sustainable transport and battery- powered innovation in adjacent industries. Yet, while the long-term direction is clear, the path is anything but simple. Infrastructure upgrades often collide with planning delays, funding limitations, and regulatory complexity. Businesses frequently cite the need for more consistent government support, especially at the regional level, to fast- track innovation. The absence of standardised policy frameworks can leave operators in a holding pattern just as global competitors are accelerating. Despite these challenges, investment continues. The UK’s largest ports by tonnage are undergoing major redevelopment, including new customs zones, warehousing expansions and intermodal links to rail and road. This shift toward more integrated freight www.blmforum.net Business Link 29 PORTS AND LOGISTICS corridors is partly driven by the wider trend of nearshoring and supply chain localisation. Businesses are reassessing the risks of distant sourcing and turning instead to models that reduce dependency on long-haul shipping and volatile trade routes. Digital transformation is not confined to port infrastructure. Companies are embracing cloud-based logistics platforms, real-time data sharing, and predictive analytics. These tools enable faster responses to disruption and greater precision in everything from delivery schedules to fleet maintenance. For sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, where freshness and compliance are critical, digital intelligence is becoming a competitive differentiator. One area of real strength lies in the region’s ability to adapt. Over the last decade, businesses along the eastern coast of England have dealt with fuel price shocks, pandemic disruption, and fluctuating global demand. Many are now applying those hard-won lessons to the next wave of transformation: collaborating across sectors, trialling zero-emission vehicles, and participating in pilot schemes for smart logistics hubs. In the agricultural belt inland, closer collaboration between food producers and logistics providers is shortening supply chains and reducing waste. The Freeport initiative is expected to further reshape the operating environment. With tax incentives and simplified customs arrangements, it aims to stimulate investment in innovation zones around key ports. These zones could serve as testbeds for low-carbon technologies, circular economy principles, and AI-assisted logistics. If executed well, the Freeport model has the potential to create thousands of new jobs and make the area more globally competitive. In all of this, the eastern coastal region, spanning Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, offers a compelling case study. With its cluster of strategic ports, established transport corridors, and its mix of manufacturing, food, and renewable energy sectors, it is uniquely positioned to act as both a national logistics hub and an innovation engine.Next >