A supermarket delivery scheme in Leeds using autonomous robots has already covered 36,000 miles since its launch in 2022, reducing emissions and promoting sustainable delivery methods. The project, a collaboration between Leeds City Council, Co-op, and Starship Technologies, has saved approximately 6,000kg of carbon dioxide, with robots using minimal energy – comparable to boiling water for a single cup of tea.

The service, currently available in select areas of north and east Leeds, operates with six-wheeled robots travelling at walking pace (up to 4mph), navigating pavements and obstacles with ease.

The trial’s success has led to discussions about its expansion, with plans to extend the service to new areas in Leeds. Future pilots could partner with the University of Leeds and logistics company Evri. The initiative remains in the trial phase as the UK government has not yet permitted robots to use public highways permanently.

The pilot service is already operational in Co-op stores in Adel, Tinshill, Kippax, and Swarcliffe. Wakefield Council is also partnering with Co-op and Starship Technologies to offer the service to 13,000 residents in Outwood.

A recent report has revealed that the University of Sheffield contributed £4.82 billion to the UK economy in the 2022-2023 academic year, with a return of £6.40 for every pound spent. The report highlights the institution’s vital role in regional and national economic growth.

The university’s impact is particularly notable in South Yorkshire, where more than 80% of its regional contribution is focused. The analysis shows that over half of its total regional impact is felt in Yorkshire and the Humber, with significant contributions to local businesses, suppliers, and communities.

The findings, commissioned by the University and carried out by the consultancy London Economics, underline the institution’s strategic partnerships that aim to foster innovation, support local economic development, and shape the workforce of the future. These partnerships help the university address the challenges businesses and communities face, driving long-term growth in the region.

The UK’s food and drink manufacturing industry is crucial to the national economy, contributing £37bn and employing nearly 500,000 people. According to the latest Food and Drink Federation (FDF) report, the sector has seen significant growth over the past decade, expanding by 17.9%. It now makes up 24.2% of the UK’s total manufacturing turnover, with widespread impact across regions, from Scotland to Northern Ireland.

While the sector’s contribution to regional economies is clear—accounting for nearly a third of manufacturing in Scotland, and a fifth in both the East Midlands and Northern Ireland—some challenges could hinder future growth. The FDF highlights a slowdown in food and drink exports, particularly to the EU, where trade has dropped more than 30% since Brexit, rising inflation and increased costs due to new packaging regulations. These factors have led to a decline in business confidence within the sector.

Despite these challenges, the FDF sees substantial growth potential, particularly with advances in automation, robotics, and product innovation. The sector is also poised to tap into a £14bn productivity opportunity by embracing digital technology and AI. However, the FDF warns that maintaining this momentum depends on overcoming barriers, including limited investment in innovation, a shortage of skilled workers, and bureaucratic hurdles.

The FDF urges the government to take action by prioritising food and drink manufacturing in national policy. Key recommendations include increasing R&D funding for the sector, simplifying tax credit systems for innovation, and addressing trade barriers, particularly with the EU. The FDF also calls for a more strategic approach to workforce development and the streamlining of regulations, particularly for the 12,000 small and medium-sized businesses that form the industry’s backbone.

West Yorkshire is poised for significant growth, with a focus on health technology. Mayor Tracy Brabin launched the region’s Investment Zone, which will inject £220 million into the local economy over the next five years and create up to 2,500 jobs.

A £4.5 million initiative will support 240 small and medium-sized businesses in the health tech sector. This funding aims to help companies navigate industry regulations, explore new markets, and tackle growth challenges. Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber will deliver the support, which will include intensive masterclasses over the next four years.

The announcement follows the launch of West Yorkshire’s £7 billion Local Growth Plan, which outlines strategies for supporting industries like health technology. The region already generates £3 billion annually from healthtech and aims to expand this with targeted investment and resources.

Leeds, Huddersfield, and Bradford will be key locations for the Investment Zone. The University of Huddersfield’s £250 million National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC), set to open a new diagnostic building later this year, will be central to the initiative. Other flagship sites will include the Digital Health Enterprise Zone at the University of Bradford and the Leeds Innovation Village at Leeds General Infirmary.

The funding and infrastructure investments are designed to foster collaboration between businesses, hospitals, and universities, positioning West Yorkshire as a leader in healthcare innovation.