OCTOBER 2025 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 40 ISSUE 10 Safety culture pays off for employers Businesses rally for cyber strength Advisory networks at the heart of business growthWhether it’s banner ads, headers, newsletters, podcasts or print campaigns from as little as £60 a month, please contact Angie Cooper T: 01472 310310 E: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk www.blmforum.netThe 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 businesses battle against rising costs and concerning economic conditions, tax hikes and new legislation, and prepare for what may come with the Autumn Budget, this month another threat comes clearer into focus — cyber- attacks. It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month; a global initiative helping businesses and communities to improve their defences against cyber threats and engage in safer habits. It places a spotlight on the importance of cybersecurity, addressing vulnerabilities, and implementing best practices that protect customers, staff, and sensitive information. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 indicates that over four in ten firms reported having experienced any kind of cyber security breach or attack in 2024. A major problem for businesses of every size, just last month Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) found itself repeatedly in the headlines following a cyber-attack that has left the company scrambling to recover its systems. Forced to cease production for weeks (at the time of writing factories are to be closed until 1 October), the situation has also heavily impacted supply chains, forcing suppliers to shut down in tandem, and leaving jobs hanging in the balance. Claims, meanwhile, are swirling that JLR had failed to finalise a cyber insurance deal prior to the attack, which could leave its losses from the disruption unrecoverable. The incident is a stark reminder that no firm is unbreachable or infallible, and more can be read on the importance of cybersecurity in our dedicated feature on the subject this month. Good reading, as always. Tess Egginton Editor Editor From thecontents october 2025 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 12 Commercial property As redevelopment and regeneration projects gather pace across Yorkshire, the region’s towns and cities are being transformed. 16 Corporate social responsibility CSR is no longer only about customers or investors. Workers themselves are pressing companies to act faster, pushing ethical commitments to the heart of business strategy. 20 Supporting business growth Expansion demands more than ambition. With the right advisers and local insight, businesses can unlock funding, build skills, and grow with resilience and confidence. 24 Health and safety Embedding health and safety into daily operations brings clear rewards, from protecting staff to strengthening reputation and securing long-term business growth. 28 Cybersecurity As cyber threats multiply, businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are awakening to the risk, and regional programmes, partnerships and new ventures are rising to help them defend themselves. • Why choose LCS as your IT partner? 32 AutoLink Here are three luxury vehicles you should consider driving when you want to conquer the cold in style and safety. • We put the Bentley Continental GT Speed through its paces. 38 Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 42 And finally… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire- Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net connect with us 16 20 28Group 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 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 - SURIYA • BMW • PROSTOCK-STUDIO • SEWCREAMSTUDIO • VIKTOR www.blmforum.net 246 Business Link www.blmforum.net Largest office deal in over a decade for Wakefield city centre NHS Supply Chain has completed on a deal at Gradient Mill at Tileyard North, Wakefield – the largest office deal in the city for over a decade. NHS Supply Chain, which supplies healthcare products to the NHS, is relocating from offices in Normanton and Carrwood Park, to Gradient Mill, where it will occupy the first to fourth floors, totalling 28,460 sq ft. The deal was made possible by strategic property and construction advisors Fox Lloyd Jones alongside joint agents CBRE, who acted on behalf of the landlord, City & Provincial Properties. JLL acted on behalf of the tenant, NHS Supply Chain. Gradient Mill is the first Grade A office new build in the city centre for over a decade, and is the sixth of seven buildings to be completed at Tileyard North, offering floor space ranging between 2,600 sq ft to 39,000 sq ft. Following a competitive search across the South Leeds and Wakefield market, NHS Supply Chain selected Gradient Mill for its sustainability credentials, community offer and Grade A specification, allowing it to enhance the support it provides to the NHS. news Sheffield Forgemasters appoints installer for UK’s largest open-die forging press Sheffield Forgemasters has appointed Swiss forging specialist Presstrade Technologies GmbH to install the UK’s largest open-die forging press. Presstrade will oversee installation of a 13,000 tonne press and 450mt manipulator, built by Mitsubishi Nagasaki Machinery Mfg. Co. Ltd. (MNM), into a brand-new new Forge Building on Sheffield Forgemasters’ site on Brightside Lane in Sheffield. The complex assembly requires a team of engineers from Presstrade to provide all material specifications for the project, delivery of logistics and lifting plans, and installation of the press, manipulator, and tool-change manipulator. Craig Fisher, programmes director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “There are very few forge engineering specialists with the experience to install a press of this size, so we are delighted that Presstrade has secured the contract to build our new Heavy Forging Press. “The project will require Presstrade to move more than 8,500 tonnes of components from a secure storage facility and manage the whole assembly of the press, prior to it being commissioned by MNM.” Yorkshire-based linseed paint maker expands to Europe Brouns & Co, the producer of natural linseed paint, has expanded with a new warehouse in Katwijk, the Netherlands to enable easier purchasing and deliveries to a growing number of customers across Europe. Michiel Brouns, founder of Brouns & Co, is Dutch and has been based in Yorkshire for the last 20 years, where the firm now makes the linseed paint that is exported all over the world. “We’ve seen a growing flow of orders from the EU as a renewed understanding of the benefits of linseed paint become more widely appreciated,” said Brouns. He explained: “The Netherlands is a great location to trade freely with all of the EU and ensures we can deliver swiftly and efficiently from a central location, which is crucial to ensuring our products have the lowest possible carbon impact.” Oscrete expands GRC footprint with Cemcotec customer acquisition Bradford-based concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has integrated the customer base of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) specialist Cemcotec into its operations. The acquisition follows Oscrete’s recent addition of structural waterproofing business PUDLO, reflecting the company’s strategy to broaden its technical capabilities and service offerings. The Cemcotec integration strengthens Oscrete’s position in the specialist GRC market, providing customers with access to the company’s laboratory facilities, warehousing, logistics, and range of concrete additives. Cemcotec continues to provide consultancy services to the sector while Oscrete assumes responsibility for customer relationships and ongoing support. The company’s expansion into GRC demonstrates its focus on technical innovation, wider service delivery, and enhanced customer support across the construction industry. Dave Bartholomew (Sheffield Forgemasters’ forge integrator), Jonathan Camm (Sheffield Forgemasters’ forge project manager), Tino Kraus (Presstrade), Peter Bierhalter (Presstrade), Craig Fisher (Sheffield Forgemasters’ programmes director), Steven Price (Sheffield Forgemasters’ head of manufacturing strategy)www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 news Involution snaps up brand and assets of Print.Inc securing fresh future Leeds-based print, workwear and merchandise supplier Involution has acquired Print.Inc, which went into liquidation on 25th July 2025. Involution has purchased the brand and its assets, ensuring a stable future and continuity for Print.Inc customers. While liquidation marked the end of one era for merchandise specialist Print.Inc, Involution is “committed to rebuilding the brand with integrity, professionalism, and consistency.” “Print.Inc will continue under its own identity but now powered by Involution. This means customers can expect secure and guaranteed orders, a wider product range, and the dependable 5-star service we’ve delivered for nearly three decades,” said Nathan Cookson, operations director. “This is about restoring Print.Inc and giving its customers the stability they deserve while setting the brand up for long-term success.” Nathan Cookson continued: “This is more than just an acquisition – it’s a fresh start. We had ambitious growth targets for the period leading to 2030, and this acquisition has accelerated us in a very positive direction. It was unexpected, but often the best opportunities are.” Yorkshire food and drink manufacturer acquires iconic soft drink brand Yorkshire-based food and drink manufacturer Regal Food Products Group Plc has acquired the iconic soft drink brand Suncrest. This strategic addition marks a significant milestone in Regal Food’s growth journey, expanding its diverse portfolio of food and beverage products, whilst paving the way for new opportunities in both UK and international markets. Founded in 1985, Suncrest is known for its range of tropical fruit-flavoured beverages. Its offerings span across still and carbonated drinks, available in bottled, canned, and carton formats, with popular flavours including mango, tropical, lychee, guava, coconut water, aloe vera, and the South Asian favourite, lassi. Younis Chaudhry MBE, CEO of Regal Food Products Group Plc, said: “We are delighted to welcome Suncrest into the Regal Foods family. As a well- loved and recognisable soft drinks brand, Suncrest is a natural fit for our expanding beverage portfolio and supports our long-term growth strategy. “We are particularly excited to reintroduce Suncrest to consumers, with a focus on new product development and innovation to drive the brand forward.” European engineering, environment and design consultancy takes entire floor at Leeds office building European engineering, environment and design consultancy Sweco has taken 15,000 sq ft of office space – the entire seventh floor – at 1 Whitehall Riverside in Leeds. The company is relocating with more than 200 staff from Chapel Allerton, where it has been for 25 years. Max Joy, Sweco’s UK president, said: “Our move to No. 1 Whitehall Riverside is about more than a change of address – it’s about who we are and where we’re going. Being in the heart of Leeds brings us closer to our clients, partners, and peers, while giving our people a modern, collaborative space that reflects our ambition. “This move embodies our purpose of transforming society together, creating the conditions for us to deliver projects that have a lasting, positive impact. “With sustainable design features, strong transport links and a vibrant riverside location, we’re proud to be stepping into a new chapter that will help us grow, connect and continue shaping the future of our communities. I look forward to welcoming colleagues and clients to our new home in Spring 2026.” Nathan Cookson Sleaford Building Services secures £750,000 funding package Sleaford Building Services (SBS), a Lincolnshire-based mechanical, electrical and construction contractor, has secured a £750,000 funding package from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II. The finance was provided by the appointed fund manager for the East and South East Midlands, Maven Capital Partners, and will support working capital requirements to deliver a growing pipeline of secured contracts. Founded in 2003, SBS has experience in various sectors including healthcare, leisure and education across the UK. The new funding package will enable SBS to scale its delivery capability as the business continues to grow, taking on larger and more complex projects across its core sectors. Maven first backed the business through the first iteration of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund in 2019, which supported the firm’s growth plans, enabled it to deliver a number of contracts, and resulted in the creation of new jobs. SBS has continued to grow steadily since then, further building its capabilities and client base across the region and beyond. 8 Business Link www.blmforum.net Schneider Electric opens £42m state-of-the-art factory in North Yorkshire Schneider Electric has officially opened its new state-of-the- art smart plant in Scarborough, with full site commissioning targeted by year end. With Britain’s electricity needs expected to increase up to 40% by 2035, the plant is designed for long-term growth, producing the critical electrical equipment needed as the UK moves to cleaner energy. Schneider Electric’s manufacturing roots in Scarborough stem from the 1930s and this history has resulted in a considerable amount of product development and manufacturing knowledge being captured in the local workforce. Customers will now benefit from a combination of this knowledge and skills and the latest manufacturing processes and technology. By manufacturing in the UK, Schneider Electric is building resilience into the nation’s critical electrical infrastructure, reducing exposure to global supply chain shocks and slashing carbon emissions through shorter, optimised transport and logistics routes. The factory will also serve as a global blueprint for sustainable design and operations in manufacturing. Net-zero in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the plant uses modern technology to reduce energy waste and maximise the use of renewable energy – 30% of which comes from its own advanced solar energy system. news Doncaster Sheffield Airport secures £160m funding for reopening South Yorkshire councils have approved nearly £160 million to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, aiming to restart freight operations in 2027 and full passenger services by summer 2028. The airport first opened in 2005 and closed in 2022 after Peel Group deemed it financially unviable. Previous operations included airlines such as Tui and Wizz Air, serving destinations across Europe, including the Canary Islands, Balearics, Greece, Turkey, Poland, and the Baltic states. The funding comes through the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and is expected to support up to 5,000 jobs while contributing approximately £5 billion to the regional economy, with broader benefits projected at £2 billion by 2050. Plans include establishing a sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing hub. Civil engineering firm secures investment for expansion West Yorkshire-based Spencer Civil Engineering has secured new investment for development and expansion. Established in 2018 by Ben Williams, the company has become a trusted specialist contractor to the likes of Aldi, the NHS, and many principal contractors. Delivering groundworks and infrastructure solutions across the region, the company focuses on small to mid-sized projects including roads, sewers, reinforced concrete structures and earthworks. The injection of capital will enable Spencer Civil Engineering to expand their reach geographically and take on larger and more complex projects. Brad Green, partner at Castle Square Corporate Finance, advised on the development funding. Alexandra Gent, senior investment executive of FM Capital, said the firm were delighted to have been able to support Spencer Civil Engineering with the next stage of their growth. www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 news Lincolnshire faces looming energy shortfall for business Lincolnshire is projected to face an energy deficit within the next decade, which could limit business growth and prompt firms to relocate. County officials are preparing regional energy strategies in collaboration with the National Energy Systems Operator (NESO), established in 2024, to address rising demand. Forecasts suggest that by 2032, energy requirements will exceed current capacity, particularly affecting sectors such as agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and defence. Certain commercial areas, including Grantham, the Holbeach Food Enterprise Zone, and Sleaford Moor business park, are expected to experience the most acute constraints. The shortfall could restrict inward investment and operational expansion unless additional energy sources are developed. Council officers are investigating a mix of solutions, including geothermal energy and nuclear Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the East Midlands. Early mapping exercises are under way to assess feasibility and capacity. Global law firm to move to Leeds’ Aire Park Vastint UK, the developer behind Leeds’ 24- acre Aire Park, is set to welcome global law firm Eversheds Sutherland as the first tenant of its latest commercial building. Due to move in early 2027, following the building’s completion, Eversheds Sutherland will occupy nearly two thirds of the building, taking a lease on floors three to five, and part of level six. In addition to this, the firm will have exclusive use of the building’s roof terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city, and the evolving green space that is set to become the UK’s largest new urban park. Currently situated at Bridgewater Place, Eversheds Sutherland will relocate its 600+ strong team to the new building. Offering 75,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, and almost 7,000 sq ft of flexible ground floor retail and leisure space, the latest building at Aire Park, now named Kellstone, is targeting BREEAM Excellent, along with WiredScore and WELL certifications. Stephen Lindley, managing director at Vastint UK, said: “We are incredibly proud of Kellstone, which is not just our latest building but a landmark for Aire Park and Leeds as a whole. “It’s fantastic to see a global business like Eversheds Sutherland recognise this and select it as its new home in the city. I look forward to welcoming the whole Eversheds Sutherland team to our growing Aire Park community, and what is becoming one of the leading office locations in the North.” Hull-based transport specialist gears up for growth Elite Caravan Transport Group Ltd, a Hull-based haulage firm specialising in the transport of static caravans and prefabricated homes, has doubled its transport capacity seven months after launching as part of plans to expand its fleet and workforce. With over 35 years of combined experience, Darren Naylor and Paul Wadsworth founded the business in February 2025. The founders experienced strong early demand and after originally operating across 10 vehicles, it quickly doubled the capacity of its fleet with the support of a six-figure Invoice Finance facility from Lloyds. The investment enabled the business to expand its team, hiring additional staff across both driving and administrative roles, including the recent appointment of a new transport manager. The company has also launched a structured driver development pathway, with the aim to bring in and train up more drivers in the Hull area. It is also looking to fill additional roles later this year. Next >