The Business Magazine Newscast

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Hampshire’s Aquark Technologies wins £3.4m to develop cold atom clock Southampton-based Aquark Technologies secures a £3.4 million Innovate UK contract to develop the UK's first commercial cold atom clock, a highly precise timing device utilizing atoms cooled to near absolute zero. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/hampshires-aquark-technologies-wins-3-4m-to-develop-cold-atom-clock/ Product launch drives 78 per cent growth at Oxfordshire’s Eden Research Eden Research, an Oxfordshire-based biopesticide developer, reported a 78% revenue increase to £3.2 million and a 27% reduction in operating losses after launching a new seed treatment product in 2023. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/product-launch-drives-78-per-cent-growth-at-oxfordshires-eden-research/ Tech4Good South West urges everyone to do One Small Thing Tech4Good South West has launched its first campaign, "One Small Thing," aimed at encouraging individuals and organizations to commit to using technology for positive social impact following the group's recent relaunch. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/tech4good-south-west-urges-everyone-to-do-one-small-thing/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Soil Association among first users of Good Energy’s power matching platform The Soil Association has become one of the pioneering customers of Good Energy's 'hourly matching' platform, enhancing its commitment to environmental sustainability by ensuring its power consumption is sourced from renewable energy on an hour-by-hour basis. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/esg/soil-association-among-first-users-of-good-energys-power-matching-platform/ Fastest expansion of construction output since February 2023 The UK construction sector saw its fastest output growth since February 2023 in April, driven by strong performance in commercial and civil engineering projects and a sustained increase in new work, as reported by the S&P Global UK Construction PMI. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/fastest-expansion-of-construction-output-since-february-2023/ Thruxton Circuit bought by Boundary Real Estate Partners Boundary Real Estate Partners has purchased the historic Thruxton Motor Racing Circuit and its associated 440-acre land, industrial warehouses, hangars, and a CAA-licensed aerodrome in Hampshire for an undisclosed private investor. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/thruxton-circuit-bought-by-boundary-real-estate-partners/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: South East winners of King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024 announced Businesses in the South East have been honored in the King's Awards for Enterprise 2024, a continuation of a prestigious recognition program initiated by the late Queen Elizabeth in 1965, celebrating innovation among thousands of UK companies throughout its sixty-year legacy. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/south-east-winners-of-kings-awards-for-enterprise-2024-announced/ Coventry sustainability showcase the Big Zero Show set for expansion The Big Zero Show, a sustainability-focused national conference and exhibition in Coventry, will expand to a two-day event on July 2 and 3 at the Coventry Building Society Arena, aiming to aid businesses in reducing emissions and individuals pursuing careers in the low-carbon sector. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/coventry-sustainability-showcase-the-big-zero-show-set-for-expansion/ Paragon Bank provide finance for West Sussex housing development Paragon Bank has extended an £11.55 million finance facility to BRiCS Development for the acquisition and development of Earnley Concourse in West Sussex for a new housing project comprising 30 homes with a mix of private and affordable options. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/paragon-bank-provide-finance-for-west-sussex-housing-development/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Pure Human Resources tops off recent growth with Hampshire office expansion Pure Human Resources, an expanding HR and consultancy firm, has launched a new training suite and extended its office in North Baddesley, Hampshire, to support ongoing growth and accommodate a larger workforce. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/professional-services/pure-human-resources-tops-off-recent-growth-with-hampshire-office-expansion/ The Little Car Company hosts royalty at Bicester Heritage HQ HRH Prince Michael of Kent recently visited The Little Car Company's Bicester Heritage headquarters, where he was shown the production of limited edition scaled electric vehicles and engaged with the team's technicians and engineers. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/the-little-car-company-hosts-royalty-at-bicester-heritage-hq/ Stantec acquires Bristol design consultants Hydrock Global design firm Stantec has expanded its UK presence by acquiring Bristol-based engineering design consultancy Hydrock, which boasts 950 employees across 22 offices and serves a diverse range of sectors, coinciding with the retirement of Hydrock's CEO and founder of 29 years. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/stantec-acquires-bristol-design-consultants-hydrock/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: McMurtry partners with About:Energy to boost its record-breaking EV supercars Gloucestershire-based McMurtry Automotive collaborates with battery software innovator About:Energy to advance the battery technology in its record-setting electric supercars, including the McMurtry Spéirling. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/327267/ Oxford spinout Infinitopes raises £12.8m to enhance antigen discovery tech Oxford-based Infinitopes Precision Immunomics secures a heavily oversubscribed £12.8 million seed funding led by Octopus Ventures, attracting diverse investors like Cancer Research Horizons and CRIS Cancer Foundation, to advance its cancer antigen discovery technology. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/oxford-spinout-infinitopes-raises-12-8m-to-enhance-antigen-discovery-tech/ Dorset’s Albion Stone strikes gold with UK’s first sustainable brick production line Albion Stone, a Dorset-based business renowned for supplying stone to iconic UK buildings, has launched the country's first sustainable natural brick production line, targeting a niche market for environmentally-friendly construction materials. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/dorsets-albion-stone-strikes-gold-with-uks-first-sustainable-brick-production-line/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: South Coast Property Awards finalists revealed Finalists for the 2024 South Coast Property Awards, which celebrates the achievements of property professionals in various categories and is headlined by Amiri Construction, have been announced, with the event to be hosted by well-known UK personality Simon Evans. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/south-coast-property-awards-finalists-revealed/ First IP-backed loan from NatWest goes to Oxfordshire’s Sci-Net NatWest has granted its first mass-market IP-backed loan of £700,000 to Oxfordshire-based software company Sci-Net, a Microsoft Tier 1 Gold partner, to bolster its growth in the tech sector. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/oxfordshires-sci-net-secures-first-ip-backed-loan-from-natwest/ Eden Sustainable secures £75m to accelerate solar rollout Coleshill-based Eden Sustainable has obtained £75 million from Thrive Renewables to hasten the deployment of solar PPAs, benefiting UK schools, businesses, and organisations. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/eden-sustainable-secures-75m-to-accelerate-solar-rollout/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: UKRI launches new competitions worth £7m to back AI innovation UK Research and Innovation announces two competitions with a £7 million fund to support SMEs in developing artificial intelligence solutions that tackle industry challenges. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/ukri-launches-new-competitions-worth-7m-to-back-ai-innovation/ Lack of Grade A space driving up Oxford rents, says Vail Williams According to property consultant Mike Watson from Vail Williams, rising demand for offices and labs in Oxford's diverse science and tech sector is hampered by a shortage of high-quality Grade A spaces, potentially leading to increased rents. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/lack-of-grade-a-space-driving-up-oxford-rents-says-vail-williams/ Dorset LEP and councils launch site to attract investment The Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, together with Dorset Council and BCP Council, has introduced the Invest in Dorset website to promote the region's innovative economy and draw further investment into six key sectors by highlighting local business success stories. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/dorset-lep-and-councils-launch-site-to-attract-investment-in-the-county/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Gamma Aviation partners with Australian drone technology company Farnborough's Gama Aviation collaborates with Australian Department 13 to provide advanced non-jamming, non-kinetic drone detection and countermeasures for defence and commercial use. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/gamma-aviation-partners-with-australian-drone-technology-company/ Hiring difficulties easing but concerns persist, finds BCC The latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce indicates that while hiring challenges in the UK have somewhat lessened in early 2024, with 66% of businesses experiencing difficulties, a drop from previous quarters, concerns over recruitment persist. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/recruitment-careers-hr/hiring-difficulties-easing-but-concerns-persist-finds-bcc/ Creative move to Leamington for Leon and Priya LoudLocal, a digital marketing agency founded by Leon Hidderley and Priya Pandit, is expanding from Kenilworth to a new, larger office in Leamington Spa's Spencer Yard to accommodate its growing team, which has increased from its initial two founders to a current team of eight. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/326932/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Shaw Gibbs merges with Winchester accountants Martin and Company Shaw Gibbs, a financial and business advisory firm, has merged with specialized Winchester-based accountancy firm Martin and Company, enhancing its services in the agriculture and private client sectors. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/professional-services/shaw-gibbs-merges-with-winchester-accountants-martin-and-company/ Bucks F1 supplier Alan Spargo buys its first Bruderer press Alan Spargo, a High Wycombe-based supplier to the F1, automotive, and aerospace sectors, acquired its first Bruderer press to enhance tooling solution tests for its customers ahead of its 50th business anniversary in 2025. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/bucks-f1-supplier-alan-spargo-buys-its-first-bruderer-press/ South West wins share of £13.5m for engineering biology R&D projects The UK’s South West region has secured a portion of a £13.5 million investment from the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, managed by Innovate UK, to advance 48 new projects in engineering biology aimed at addressing key issues in health, environment, food production, and sustainability. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/south-west-wins-share-of-13-5-million-for-engineering-biology-rd-projects/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: South's firms thrive at Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards Businesses across the South have been acknowledged for their international sales achievements at the Department for Business and Trade's second annual Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/souths-firms-thrive-at-made-in-the-uk-sold-to-the-world-awards/ MOD orders another six H145 helicopters from Airbus The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered six additional Airbus H145 helicopters, aimed at modernizing its rotary fleet and streamlining operations, with planned deployment in Cyprus for emergency response and in Brunei for jungle warfare training support. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/mod-orders-another-six-h145-helicopters-from-airbus/ Southampton’s Crondall Energy completes management buyout Crondall Energy, a UK-based offshore energy project consultancy, has undergone a management buyout, enabling a significant number of its 55 employees across multiple locations to acquire an ownership stake in the company. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/professional-services/southamptons-crondall-energy-completes-management-buyout/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Manufacturing minister needed as firms decry lack of government support A recent report from Crowe highlights that 90% of manufacturers are dissatisfied with government support amid global economic challenges, although 70% anticipate sales growth, underscoring the sector's call for a dedicated manufacturing minister. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/manufacturing-minister-needed-as-firms-decry-lack-of-government-support/ LSH facilitates sale of Southampton site to MDL Marinas Lambert Smith Hampton brokered the sale of the 3.2-acre, 83,073 sq ft Waterstone Marine Facility on Lower William Street, previously occupied by Oil Spill Response Limited, to MDL Marinas. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/lsh-oversees-sale-of-southampton-facility-to-mdl-marinas/ Tech company Roke opens major new site in Gloucester Roke, a tech firm based in Hampshire, expands its UK presence by inaugurating a new office in Gloucester, aiming to bolster innovation and technological development in the region. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/tech-company-roke-opens-in-gloucester/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Wessex Internet to roll out full fibre in rural Dorset and Somerset Wessex Internet has been awarded a £33.5 million Project Gigabit contract to bring ultrafast broadband to 21,400 homes and businesses in rural parts of Dorset and Somerset. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/wessex-internet-to-roll-out-full-fibre-in-rural-dorset-and-somerset/ Quantuma advises Spire Technology on its sale to Westcoast Quantuma successfully guided the sale of Dorset-based IT distributor Spire Technology to the Westcoast Group, marking a new chapter for the company founded by Victor Unt and Geoff Fidler and currently led by managing director John Appleton. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/quantuma-advises-spire-technology-on-its-sale-to-westcoast/ University of Southampton in push to recruit 180 new academics by 2025 The University of Southampton aims to bolster its education, research excellence, and enterprise by recruiting over 180 new academics across various subjects and seniority levels by 2025. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/recruitment-careers-hr/university-of-southampton-in-push-to-recruit-180-new-academics-by-2025/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Berkshire’s Westcoast acquires rival IT distributor Spire Technology Berkshire-based IT distributor Westcoast has expanded its market presence by acquiring the entire share capital of its rival, Spire Technology, a company with over 30 years of experience in supplying a range of IT products. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/berkshires-westcoast-acquires-rival-it-distributor-spire-technology/ Labl.it wins South East Angels’ Southampton Startup Roadshow Labl.it secured victory at the South East Angels' Southampton Startup Roadshow with their innovative smart labelling device designed to streamline tasks for businesses. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/labl-it-wins-south-east-angels-southampton-startup-roadshow/ Boeing inks 10-year distribution agreement with Gloucestershire OEM Ontic Boeing extends its exclusive distributor partnership with UK's Ontic for another decade, ensuring the continued provision of vital aerospace components such as thrust reverser actuation systems and propeller electronic control units. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/boeing-inks-10-year-distribution-agreement-with-gloucestershire-oem-ontic/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Lockheed Martin leads $3m round for Bristol automated wire harness firm Lockheed Martin Ventures spearheads a $3 million investment in Bristol-based Q5D Technology, a firm that enhances automation in wire harness manufacturing with advanced robotic tools and software. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/lockheed-martin-leads-3-million-investment-round-in-bristol-automated-wire-harness-manufacturer/ Oxfordshire’s Polar Technology to help kit out army transporter Oxfordshire-based Polar Technology collaborates with Supacat UK to enhance safety with a roll over protection system for the British Army's 'Jackal' high mobility transporter. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/oxfordshires-polar-technology-to-help-kit-out-army-transporter/ Soton Science Park bids farewell to Catalyst graduates and calls for new cohort Southampton Science Park's business accelerator programme, Catalyst, concluded with final pitches from the graduating cohort, signalling the departure of innovative start-ups like BirthGlide and the park's search for a new group of pioneering enterprises for the 2023/24 cycle. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/soton-science-park-bids-farewell-to-catalyst-graduates-and-calls-for-new-cohort/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: University of Southampton secures £1.4m to train future cancer scientists The University of Southampton received nearly £1.4 million from Cancer Research UK to train future clinician scientists to develop life-saving cancer treatments. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/university-of-southampton-secures-1-4m-to-train-future-cancer-scientists/ Report reveals ‘True Impact’ of manufacturing is much bigger than thought A new report titled 'The True Impact of UK Manufacturing' reveals that the manufacturing sector significantly boosts the UK economy, contributing £518 billion and supporting 7.3 million jobs, figures that surpass previous estimates. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/report-reveals-true-impact-of-manufacturing-is-much-bigger-than-thought/ Skewb secures major funding to supercharge growth Skewb has secured a £6.25 million investment from BGF to bolster its growth and expand its consultancy and digital transformation services in the energy and water sector to meet increasing customer demand. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/skewb-secures-major-funding-to-supercharge-growth/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Green light for final key structures to bring HS2 into Birmingham Local councils have approved the construction of two major viaducts for the HS2 project, representing a significant advancement in the high-speed rail development in the West Midlands. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/green-light-for-final-key-structures-to-bring-hs2-into-birmingham/ Oxfordshire’s Westminster Group to help upgrade security at DRC airports Oxfordshire-based Westminster Group has signed a 10-year contract to enhance security at five Democratic Republic of the Congo airports, an agreement formalized during the UK–DRC Trade and Investment Mission in Kinshasa. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/oxfordshires-westminster-group-to-help-upgrade-security-at-drc-airports/ Hampshire’s Barnbrook secures six-figure aerospace order Hampshire-based Barnbrook Systems has secured a six-figure deal to provide its advanced helicopter refuelling system to Italian aerospace giant Leonardo for use in various helicopter models including the AW101, AW149, and AW159. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/manufacturing-engineering/hampshires-barnbrook-secures-six-figure-aerospace-order/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Industry leaders hail 10-year anniversary of Aerospace Technology Institute Government and industry leaders celebrated the Aerospace Technology Institute's 10th anniversary in Bedford, marking a decade of sustainable aviation advancements backed by £3.6 billion in funding for over 400 R&D projects supporting numerous jobs. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/industry-leaders-hail-the-10-year-anniversary-of-aerospace-technology-institute/ South East is key player in UK's burgeoning lawtech sector The South East of the UK is becoming a crucial hub in the legal technology industry, as detailed in a comprehensive 45-page Ecosystem Tracker Report by the government-supported LawtechUK initiative. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/south-east-is-key-player-in-uks-burgeoning-lawtech-sector/ Young people in Havant given taste of a career in construction Three employees from Barratt Homes' Southampton division attended Havant's Link Up Youth Hub to offer training and insight into construction careers to local young people aged 16 to 24. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/young-people-in-havant-given-taste-of-a-career-in-construction/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: University of Portsmouth bags £1.5m boost for Moon-orbiting satellite The University of Portsmouth received a £1.5 million funding boost from the UK Space Agency for its CosmoCube mission, which aims to investigate the early Universe by sending a small satellite into lunar orbit. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/university-of-portsmouth-bags-1-5m-boost-for-moon-orbiting-satellite/ Oxford University’s most successful student startup sold to US firm Minnesota-based tech company Entrust acquires Onfido, the University of Oxford's most lucrative student startup to date, specializing in identity verification and originating from the university's innovation incubator. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/oxford-universitys-most-successful-student-startup-sold-to-us-firm/ Nova Motorsport hits the road with new acquisition Nova Motorsport, a company seeking to transform the premium competition and specialist tyre industry, has expanded its capabilities by acquiring Camac, a leading Portuguese national tyre manufacturer with an annual production capacity exceeding 500,000 tyres. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/corporate-finance/nova-motorsport/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: Construction sector on the up for first time in seven months, finds S&P Global The UK construction sector has experienced fractional growth for the first time in seven months, with a significant increase in new orders and a decrease in input price inflation as reported by S&P Global UK Construction PMI for March. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/construction-sector-on-the-up-for-first-time-in-seven-months-finds-sp-global/ Thames Valley accountants MHA complete landmark merger Thames Valley accountancy firm MHA successfully merges with MHA Moore and Smalley, expanding their nationwide reach and bringing together over 400 staff from multiple cities including Preston, Liverpool, and Manchester. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/professional-services/thames-valley-accountancy-firm-mha-completes-landmark-merger/ Superbike racer keeps dream alive with help of Hampshire’s HIPPO New Zealand superbike racer Shane Richardson secures sponsorship from Hampshire-based waste removal company HIPPO for the 2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, marking a first-time motorsport venture for the sponsor and a significant backing for the seasoned 28-year-old rider. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/property/hampshires-hippo-gears-up-to-sponsor-superbike-racer/

These are the top stories making the headlines across The Business Magazine website today: South East space firms share in £13m boost to international projects Firms in Oxfordshire, Hampshire, and Surrey have benefitted from a £13 million injection from the UK Space Agency's International Bilateral Fund to enhance collaborative space projects with global partners. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/technology-innovation/south-east-space-firms-share-in-13m-boost-to-forge-international-ties/ New venue director for Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre names industry veteran Sarah Marshall, with over 25 years of experience, as its new venue director to oversee and expand its global events portfolio. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/professional-services/new-venue-director-for-farnborough-international-exhibition-conference-centre/ Barclays Eagle Labs comes to Bristol’s Engine Shed Barclays has expanded its Eagle Labs network to Bristol's Engine Shed, providing local startups with access to expertise, banking services, and valuable connections in its 37th UK location. Full story here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/recruitment-careers-hr/barclays-eagle-labs-comes-to-bristols-engine-shed/