Author: Dave Antrobus

A collaboration between The Prince’s Trust and TikTok will soon provide a significant boost to black-owned businesses. An exclusive market event is set to highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of young black individuals in London.Event AnnouncementThe Prince’s Trust, in collaboration with social media giant TikTok, is set to host an event aimed at promoting black-owned businesses in the United Kingdom. Scheduled to take place at the iconic Battersea Power Station in London, this one-day market, known as the Black Pound Marketplace, will occur on Friday, 30 August. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore offerings from over a dozen entrepreneurs supported…

A Birmingham-based robotics firm has successfully secured £350,000 in funding to enhance their automation capabilities. This financial boost is poised to help meet the growing demand from manufacturers seeking efficient automation solutions.The funding will enable Mechatronic Production Systems to expand its workforce and production capacity, aiding in greater efficiency and meeting industry demands. With this capital, the company is strategically positioned to strengthen its market presence and further advance its technological offerings.A Significant Financial InjectionMechatronic Production Systems, a notable player in automation technology, has been awarded £350,000 in debt funding. This financial injection will assist the business in catering to…

Ofwat has embarked on an urgent search for an independent monitor to supervise Thames Water.This initiative is a response to the utility company’s recent licensing breaches and subsequent credit downgrade to ‘junk’ status.Ofwat has initiated the search for an independent ‘monitor’ to scrutinise Thames Water’s compliance with its obligations. This decision follows a suite of recent commitments made by Thames Water to evade substantial penalties due to infractions of its licensing terms. The company’s credit status was downgraded to ‘junk’ by major credit rating agencies, which compounds the urgency of this regulatory intervention.In an effort to recuperate their standing, Thames…

Jonathan Bloomer, esteemed chair of Hiscox and former Prudential leader, tragically passed away in a yacht accident near Sicily. In response, Hiscox swiftly appointed Colin Keogh as interim chair to ensure leadership continuity during this challenging time.The incident has reverberated across the business and insurance sectors, highlighting Bloomer’s influential role and prompting a strategic response from Hiscox. The new interim chair, Keogh, is poised to steer the company with resilience and integrity.Tragic Incident in SicilyThe insurance industry faced significant mourning as news broke of Jonathan Bloomer’s untimely death. The former chair of Hiscox and Prudential’s ex-boss met his end when…

The High Street Group has officially entered liquidation, leaving investors £123 million in debt. Amidst financial turmoil, efforts to recover investments have proven unsuccessful.Once a significant player in the real estate market, the group’s failure highlights the risks faced by investors. The developments include notable projects like Newcastle’s Hadrian Tower.The High Street Group, responsible for Newcastle’s tallest building, faced significant financial challenges before its collapse. Plunged into administration in 2021, the company struggled to manage debt exceeding £200 million. Despite its reputation, the group’s financial management failed, leading to its recent liquidation, a decision made after attempts to reclaim funds…

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a warning to Barclays and Santander UK over breaches in data sharing rules, raising concerns about compliance.These breaches relate to the banks’ failure to adequately manage customer data under open banking regulations, highlighting the need for strict adherence to data sharing protocols.Regulatory Oversight and ComplianceThe Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a key regulatory body in the UK, has issued a warning to Barclays and Santander UK for breaches related to data sharing practices. The issue arose when Barclays failed to provide necessary transaction histories to customers within the stipulated time frame after…

This week’s spotlight is on organisations in the North East making impactful contributions to community well-being through charity events.From environmental initiatives to health-focused partnerships, several businesses are stepping up to make a difference.Barratt Homes’ Contribution to Mental Health SupportVolunteers from Barratt Homes recently revitalised the Souter Lighthouse to aid the charity Billy’s Lifeline. This charity is dedicated to supporting families affected by suicide, promoting mental health through various supportive measures. The collaboration resulted in a successful fundraiser, with Barratt Homes matching public donations, raising over £2,000 for the cause.Helen Murray from Billy’s Lifeline expressed gratitude for the community involvement, emphasising…

Fairstone, a prominent wealth management company, has strategically expanded its presence in the South of the UK. This expansion includes the acquisition of Grayside Financial Services and Executive Wealth Management, alongside the establishment of a new hub in Hampshire.These strategic moves bring an additional £318 million in funds under management and 1,250 clients to Fairstone’s portfolio, marking significant growth for the company.Fairstone, headquartered at Doxford International Business Park, has acquired two prominent firms: Grayside Financial Services and Executive Wealth Management. These full acquisitions are part of Fairstone’s proactive strategy to enhance its footprint across the South of the UK by…

Fred Perry has announced a substantial dividend of £90m, following a significant rise in sales exceeding £150m for the financial year.The iconic brand, known for its rich heritage in fashion and sportswear, has demonstrated resilience and growth, recording a turnover of £154.1m, up from £140.1m the previous year.Fred Perry’s recent financial results reflect a notable achievement with a turnover reaching £154.1m in 2023. This growth marks a significant increase from the previous year’s £140.1m. Concurrently, the company’s pre-tax profit also witnessed a rise, increasing from £16.5m to £18.4m, illustrating the brand’s robust financial health.The dividend reflects the company’s strong revenue…

Consensus Workspace, a prominent fit-out and interior design firm, has strategically expanded into Birmingham to enhance its regional influence.This expansion marks a significant milestone for the Altrincham-based company, establishing a base at Cornwall Buildings, Newhall Street, to fortify client relations in the West Midlands and explore new opportunities.Consensus Workspace’s decision to open a new office in Birmingham showcases the company’s strategic vision. This move aims to bolster its service capacity in the West Midlands, facilitating enhanced collaboration with existing clients while exploring new projects. The location in Cornwall Buildings positions the firm favourably to capitalise on Birmingham’s vibrant market, reflecting…