Author: Dave Antrobus

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has honoured Auckland Castle in County Durham with a 2024 National Award. These awards celebrate UK’s architectural excellence.Auckland Castle’s renovation, led by Níall McLaughlin Architects & Purcell, is recognised alongside 26 other prestigious projects, showcasing innovative design and community integration.The RIBA National Awards for 2024 have recognised the remarkable architectural transformation of Auckland Castle in County Durham. This historical landmark has been rejuvenated to seamlessly integrate with its surrounding community, preserving its historical essence while adding contemporary value. The renovation project led by Níall McLaughlin Architects & Purcell not only honours the site’s…

Bentley is facing a challenging situation as employees at its Crewe facility have voted in favour of strike action. The company expresses disappointment at this development.The GMB union reveals that a significant proportion of its members support industrial action, highlighting concerns over pay disparities. This comes amidst broader economic challenges faced by workers.Bentley has been a prominent employer in Crewe, contributing significantly to the local economy. However, tensions have risen due to a recent vote by GMB union members overwhelmingly supporting strike action.According to reports, around 86% of union members at the site backed the strike, citing dissatisfaction with recent…

MJ Gleeson, the Sheffield-based housebuilder, reports a modest increase in home sales despite a sluggish market.The firm anticipates improving conditions as political and economic climates stabilise, focusing on expansion opportunities.MJ Gleeson, a reputable low-cost housebuilder, has experienced modest improvements in sales figures yet described the recent sales trajectory as somewhat sluggish. The company, headquartered in Sheffield, has reported the sale of 1,772 homes by the end of June, marking a 2.8% increase compared to the previous year. However, operating profits for the Gleeson Homes division are projected to decrease, aligning with anticipated outcomes. These results reflect the impact of potential…

Northumberland’s Lyham Developments embarks on a groundbreaking housing project with notable financial backing.The development in Ellingham promises eco-friendly homes, enhanced by local craftsmanship and strategic funding support.Project Launch and Funding SecuredNorthumberland-based Lyham Developments announced its latest project, a new-build housing scheme in Ellingham, supported by a six-figure investment. This project will transform a site of four derelict cottages into modern homes. The funding, crucial for development, was obtained from the North East Property Fund, managed by FW Capital, which actively supports local real estate ventures.The eco-friendly project will utilise sustainable practices and materials. Reclaimed resources and air source heat pumps…

Plans have been unveiled for a significant logistics development in Birmingham, with the introduction of a £77 million project named Torque.The joint venture between Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management aims to transform a former automotive site at the corner of Gunter Road and Chester Road in Erdington into 270,000 sq ft of urban logistics space, comprising 22 leasehold units.Situated on a site previously used for automotive component manufacturing, the proposed development by Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management is set to create a mix of logistics units. These units will vary in size, catering to diverse business needs ranging from 4,500…

The former glass manufacturing site in Peterlee, County Durham, has been sold for approximately £2 million, a year after closing its doors. The sale, brokered by Naylors Gavin Black, highlights the region’s ongoing attraction for investments.After more than forty years of operation, the PLG Glass facility in Peterlee, part of the United Glass Group, ceased its operations in 2023. The decision to close was influenced by rising energy and employment costs, coupled with a challenging market. This strategic closure aimed to consolidate the group’s operations across other UK locations.The 56,000 square foot site, now in the hands of a new…

True North Post, a leading TV post-production firm, has expanded its operations to the North East. This move aims to tap into the growing opportunities within the region’s screen sector.Newcastle’s burgeoning creative industry landscape is now home to True North Post’s latest studio. This strategic expansion not only promises job creation but also aligns with the growth of new studios and agencies in the area.A Strategic Move in Post-ProductionTrue North Post, renowned for its exceptional post-production work, has strategically chosen Newcastle for its new base. This decision is driven by the thriving growth within the North East’s film and TV…

The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards make a remarkable return under new management. This prominent event, deeply embedded in the business community, is set to continue its legacy with fresh initiatives and opportunities.New Horizons for Hull and East Yorkshire Business AwardsWith fresh leadership, the Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards are poised to continue as a significant event in the local business calendar. Launched nearly twenty-five years ago by the Hull Daily Mail, the event has consistently recognised outstanding business achievements. Now under the stewardship of Top 30 Under 30 founder, Simon Jones, the event looks to blend its…

Ravenhall Risk Solutions, a well-established chartered insurance broker, is embarking on a significant expansion into the Humber region.With the inauguration of their new office in Brough, the company aims to empower local businesses with tailored insurance solutions and contribute to regional economic growth.Expansion into the Humber RegionRavenhall Risk Solutions, a Leeds-based chartered insurance broker, has expanded into the Humber region by establishing a new office in Brough. This strategic expansion is expected to generate considerable employment opportunities by delivering tailored insurance solutions to local businesses. Neil Grimshaw, the company’s founder, expressed excitement about joining East Yorkshire’s vibrant business community.Building a…

Amidst workforce restructuring, the West of England’s metro mayor seeks guarantees from Dyson about its £100m technology hub in Bristol.Dyson is urged to confirm its commitment to the region, where the development of a planned research centre hangs in the balance.Dyson’s Commitment Under ScrutinyThe West of England metro mayor, Dan Norris, is pressing Dyson for a firm assurance regarding their proposed £100 million research centre in Bristol. The request follows news of Dyson’s plan to restructure, resulting in the loss of 1,000 jobs in the UK. This restructuring has raised concerns about the impact on the future of the Bristol…