Author: Sam Allcock

Manufacturers across the Midlands have voiced mixed responses to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, with many expressing concerns over the impact of increased costs on business confidence. The government’s plans for green investment and tax strategy have been cautiously welcomed, but there is concern that rising employer costs could hinder the sector’s growth prospects. Bridge Cheese, a commercial dairy manufacturer based in Telford, voiced its apprehensions. Managing Director Michael Harte, whose business has expanded to a £30 million turnover in just six years, expressed worry over the increase in National Insurance payments for employers. While welcoming the government’s green commitments, Mr…

Businesses in East Lindsey are being urged to take advantage of free international training and development opportunities, thanks to additional funding for PAB Sema4’s Global Gateway Programme. Following its success in helping Lincolnshire companies expand into global markets, the programme is now expanding its reach in East Lindsey, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Global Gateway Programme equips local businesses with practical skills for navigating international markets, targeting professionals across various sectors, from manufacturing to marketing. The aim is to boost both individual expertise and economic growth in the East Lindsey area, while fostering broader community development. Nigel…

Barry Leahey, President of the Cumbrian playground equipment manufacturer Playdale Playgrounds Ltd, has been named among the most influential leaders in the North in the 2024 Northern Leaders list. Compiled by BusinessCloud, the list celebrates leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the northern business landscape, highlighting those who drive innovation and champion regional growth. Mr. Leahey, who joined Playdale Playgrounds in 2004, is recognised not only for transforming the company into a leading name in playground manufacturing but also for his dedication to supporting economic progress in Cumbria and across the UK. His inclusion in the Northern Leaders list…

IgniteTech’s CEO, Eric Vaughan, is set to discuss the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human collaboration at the Financial Times’ Future of AI Summit in London on 6 November 2024. IgniteTech, serving as a lead sponsor alongside Lenovo and PwC, joins a select group of global technology leaders in exploring AI’s transformative role across industries. In a fireside chat moderated by the Financial Times’ AI Editor, Vaughan will outline how his organisation has embraced AI while fostering a culture that empowers both AI and human creativity. Joining an impressive array of speakers that includes Chief Digital Officers from Fortune…

Vernal Biosciences, a leading company in mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) development, has announced the appointment of Jim Petrilla as its new Chief Executive Officer and Board Director. Petrilla, an industry veteran with over three decades of experience in biopharma and clinical research, takes over from founding CEO Dr. Christian Cobaugh. Cobaugh will continue in his role as Chief Scientific Officer and Board Director, where he will focus on advancing the company’s scientific and technological capabilities to strengthen its innovation pipeline. The leadership transition marks a significant step forward for Vernal, as the company seeks to scale its mRNA manufacturing…

TalkTalk Business, a major provider of internet, data, and managed services to UK businesses, has announced a partnership with Aria Systems to introduce a new, enhanced billing solution as part of its technological overhaul. The Aria Billing Cloud, which is AI-powered and integrates seamlessly with Salesforce’s Communications Cloud, will serve as TalkTalk Business’s new billing support system (BSS), designed to enhance revenue management and customer experience. TalkTalk Business, which became a standalone company in March after separating from the TalkTalk Group, required an independent business support system to sustain its rapid growth and operational independence. Following a rigorous evaluation process,…

On International Giant Panda Day, 27 October, the city of Dujiangyan in Sichuan province declared its participation in the Panda Homeland Culture Creativity Contest. Organised by the Chengdu government, this contest aims to position Chengdu as an international hub for panda-themed cultural and creative innovation, inviting artists and creators from across the globe to contribute. The city of Dujiangyan, known for its giant panda heritage, plans to select a live giant panda as the ambassador for its cultural initiative, with the help of the National Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda. This panda will inspire a unique cultural identity…

The Trademark Helpline is thrilled to announce its latest innovations, further strengthening its role as a leading provider of accessible and cost-effective trademark services for UK businesses. In an environment where brand protection is increasingly essential, securing a UK trademark registration has become critical for businesses looking to protect their intellectual property and establish long-term brand security. Reflecting on the company’s journey since its inception in 2008, Founder and Director Jonathan Paton said: “Our goal was to offer an affordable alternative to legal professionals, making UK and EU trademark applications accessible for all. Fast forward to today, and the trademark…

Rackspace Technology®, a prominent provider of hybrid, multicloud, and AI solutions, has announced a significant achievement: it has been awarded the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Small and Medium Business (SMB) Competency. This recognition highlights Rackspace Technology’s commitment to serving the needs of small and medium-sized businesses as a dedicated AWS Partner. The AWS SMB Competency designation signifies that Rackspace Technology has demonstrated a high level of proficiency in delivering solutions tailored specifically for SMBs. The company’s approach focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by these businesses, which often include limited IT resources, specific deployment models, and varying financing preferences.…

Shanxi province has launched a significant promotional campaign aimed at showcasing its investment and trade opportunities to the European business community. The initiative, titled “Shanxi Brands on the Silk Road,” saw promotional events held in the United Kingdom and Spain from October 7 to 15, as part of a broader strategy to enhance trade and investment cooperation along the Belt and Road Initiative. During the events, which featured exhibitions of Shanxi-manufactured products, trade officials and business representatives from the province engaged in discussions with their counterparts in both countries. The aim was to identify and explore potential trade and investment…