Author: Sam Allcock

Deep North, known for its artisan doughnuts and speciality coffee, is set to unveil a new location in Sunderland.This marks the third North East site for the company, highlighting its growing popularity and strategic expansion in the region.Deep North, a growing doughnut and coffee enterprise, is making a strategic move by opening a third location in Sunderland. This expansion comes after the success of its existing sites in Tynemouth and Newcastle city centre. The company, co-founded by Phil King and Tom Clark in 2022, has built a reputation for high-quality products and a strong regional presence.The latest Deep North venture…

Paramount D&B, a leading office design and fitout enterprise headquartered in Cardiff, has initiated administration proceedings. The decision emerged after the company encountered severe cash flow hurdles while expanding into new business sectors.The firm’s financial difficulties have left creditors seeking over £5 million. Efforts to sell the business or establish a pre-pack administration have not succeeded, prompting the voluntary administration decision. Key restructuring personnel have been appointed to steer the company through this challenging phase.Paramount D&B, well-known for its office design services, expanded into the repurposing sector for social housing developments. This diversification aimed at broadening revenue streams but inadvertently…

Plans are underway to expand a business park in the West Midlands with three new warehouses. The expansion aims to support local economic growth.Langtree is leading the £12.5 million final phase of the Sapphire Court project, aiming to build three warehouses totalling 61,000 sq ft.Langtree is spearheading a significant development at Bromsgrove Enterprise Park. This expansion is marked by the construction of three spacious warehouses, collectively covering an area of 61,000 sq ft. This step is seen as the final phase of the prestigious Sapphire Court project. By completing this expansion, the total number of units at Sapphire Court will…

Axis Studios, known for its work with top-tier media companies, has entered administration following severe financial strains.Their Bristol-based VFX division struggled with labour costs and cash flow, impacting ongoing projects.Axis Studio’s Struggles and AdministrationAxis Studios, a prominent animation and special effects firm, has entered administration due to significant labour cost issues and cash-flow challenges. With headquarters in Scotland, its VFX division was located at Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol for over a decade. This move has halted all production, and administrators are now seeking new operators for ongoing projects.The studio is renowned for collaborations with notable entities such as Netflix,…

Cornwall’s digital future receives a substantial boost from Wildanet.The internet provider has secured £35 million to enhance connectivity in rural areas, promising up to 20,000 households and businesses significantly quicker access. The funding, sourced from the UK Infrastructure Bank, will support this ambitious expansion, which is integral to Project Gigabit.Wildanet has announced the acquisition of a £35 million funding package aimed at extending high-speed broadband across Cornwall. This investment is backed by the UK Infrastructure Bank and forms part of the broader Project Gigabit initiative. The rollout is expected to reach an additional 20,000 homes and businesses, vastly improving internet…

The Great South West partnership has recently announced the appointment of two new directors to its leadership team.These strategic appointments aim to enhance the economic growth and investment efforts in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and the Isles of Scilly. With a focus on collaboration and development, the new directors are set to contribute significantly to the region’s prosperity.Leadership and Strategic GrowthThe Great South West partnership is strengthening its leadership structure with the appointment of two new directors. James Fairbairn assumes the role of deputy director of investment and growth, bringing extensive experience from his previous role as space cluster development…

Zipp Mobility has halted its e-scooter trials across three towns in Somerset, citing an unforeseen issue with suppliers. The suspension is temporary, with efforts underway to resolve the matter swiftly.The trials in Taunton, Minehead, and Yeovil, operational since 2020, are paused for now. Somerset Council and Zipp Mobility are in discussions to assess the situation and decide on future actions. Meanwhile, the e-scooters are being retrieved from town centres.Operating in Somerset since 2020, Zipp Mobility’s e-scooter services have become a familiar sight. However, due to an unexpected supplier issue, these services have been temporarily suspended. This pause affects operations in…

IEG4, a software and digital solutions provider to the public sector, has strategically acquired Agile Applications to enhance its service offerings.The acquisition, backed by LDC, marks a pivotal step in IEG4’s expansion strategy, aiming to propel growth and drive innovation.Strategic Acquisition to Enhance GrowthIn a significant move to bolster its market position, IEG4, a leader in software as a service solutions (SaaS) for the public sector, has acquired Agile Applications based in Bristol. This acquisition was supported by the private equity firm LDC, a crucial element in facilitating the deal. This strategic acquisition is anticipated to open new avenues for…

The Bank of England’s interest rate policy is under scrutiny as pressures on living standards persist. With inflation reaching target levels, calls for rate cuts gain momentum as the Monetary Policy Committee faces challenging decisions.Swati Dhingra, a member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, emphasised the urgent need for a decrease in interest rates. Currently at a 16-year high of 5.25%, the rate has remained unchanged for seven meetings to combat inflation. However, with inflation reaching the target 2% in May, Dhingra believes a reduction is warranted. Analysts anticipate a possible rate cut in the forthcoming vote in…

Brand agency B7 is poised for significant growth following its recent funding success from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.The agency, based in the Cobalt Business Exchange, plans to expand its operations by harnessing the opportunities provided by this initial investment.North Tyneside’s B7 has successfully obtained funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, managed by NEL Fund Managers. This investment is the first of its kind in the region since the fund’s launch earlier this year. B7 was established four years ago by David Broom, initially as a consultancy focused on business growth and management. It has since expanded…