Tag Archives: UK

Aviva, Darwin, and University of Salford Expand UK’s Longest-Running Self-Driving Shuttle Service

(IN BRIEF) Aviva and Darwin Innovation Group, in collaboration with the University of Salford, have expanded the UK’s longest-running self-driving passenger service by adding a second autonomous shuttle to the fleet. Operating at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, the shuttles … Read the full press release

NatWest Regional PMI® Survey: UK Business Activity Grows, Confidence Improves

(IN BRIEF) The latest NatWest Regional PMI® survey reveals that business activity expanded across most UK regions in February, accompanied by an uptick in business confidence fueled by rising demand. While regions such as London saw robust growth, others like … Read the full press release

Siemens Mobility to Establish Cutting-Edge Rail Infrastructure Hub in Chippenham with €115 Million Investment

(IN BRIEF) Siemens Mobility announces a €115 million investment to establish a state-of-the-art rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering, and R&D center in Chippenham, UK, replacing its current site by 2026. This strategic move underscores Siemens Mobility’s commitment to innovation and … Read the full press release

UK Celebrates World Pulse Day with New Varieties of URBeans

(IN BRIEF) In celebration of World Pulse Day on February 10th, Professor Eric Holub of the University of Warwick introduces new varieties of UK Registered beans (URBeans) aimed at diversifying British cuisine with locally grown ingredients. Named after iconic figures … Read the full press release

Logicor Expands UK Presence with Forward Funding of 500,000 sq ft Distribution Warehouse in Derby

(IN BRIEF) Logicor, a prominent European logistics real estate owner and developer, is set to grow its presence in the UK by forward funding a 500,000 sq ft distribution warehouse in Derby, located within the logistics hub of the East … Read the full press release

BT Group’s Ambitious Plan: 500+ Apprentices and Graduates to Drive UK’s Digital Advancements

(IN BRIEF) BT Group has unveiled plans to hire more than 500 apprentices and graduates for its September 2024 intake, spanning various roles such as software engineering, customer service, applied research, data analytics, and cyber-security. These recruits will contribute to … Read the full press release

Thales Collaborates with Quantinuum to Launch PQC Starter Kit for Quantum-Resilient Encryption

(IN BRIEF) Thales, a global technology and security provider, has unveiled the PQC Starter Kit in partnership with Quantinuum, offering enterprises a groundbreaking solution to prepare for the era of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). This kit provides a secure environment for … Read the full press release

Record-Breaking Year for European Offshore Wind in 2023, With Positive Outlook and Investments

(IN BRIEF) Europe experienced a remarkable year in offshore wind energy in 2023, witnessing a record 4.2 GW of new offshore wind farms coming online, marking a 40% increase from the previous year. Investments of €30 billion were confirmed for … Read the full press release

Skanska’s Joint Venture Awarded Additional GBP 71 Million for HS2 High-Speed Railway Project in the UK

(IN BRIEF) Skanska, as part of the Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture, has been granted an additional GBP 71 million (approximately SEK 940 million) under their existing contract with HS2 Ltd for phase one of the high-speed railway project in … Read the full press release

DNV Continues to Lead Hydrogen Pipeline Research with NGT’s Expansion of FutureGrid

(IN BRIEF) DNV is at the forefront of advancing hydrogen pipeline research through its partnership with National Gas Transmission (NGT) in the expansion of the groundbreaking FutureGrid project. NGT, supported by DNV and other collaborators, secured two Strategic Innovation Funded … Read the full press release

NatWest and BCG Report Highlights £900 Billion Investment Requirement for UK’s Net Zero Energy Supply

NatWest Survey: UK Regional Business Activity Slows in July 2023, Employment Holds Steady while Inflation Trends Vary

(IN BRIEF) NatWest and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) have released a report emphasizing the substantial financial investment needed to achieve a net-zero energy supply in the UK by 2050, estimating the capital expenditure requirement at over £900 billion. This investment … Read the full press release

Barclays report: UK Consumer Spending Rebounds in November on Early Christmas Shopping and Black Friday Sales

(IN BRIEF) Consumer spending in the UK saw a rebound in November, driven by early Christmas shopping and extended Black Friday sales, according to a Barclays report. Consumer card spending grew 2.9% year-on-year, although it was still lower than the … Read the full press release

UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Proposes Reforms to Enhance Credit Information Quality and Competition

(IN BRIEF) The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK has proposed measures to improve the quality of credit information provided by credit reference agencies (CRAs) and enhance competition in the market. The proposals include requiring FCA-regulated data contributors to … Read the full press release

UK Becomes Associated Country to Horizon Europe, Gains Access to Research and Innovation Funding

(IN BRIEF) Starting from January 1, 2024, the United Kingdom will officially become an associated country to Horizon Europe, the European Union’s research and innovation program. This milestone was achieved as the EU-UK Specialized Committee on Participation in Union Programs … Read the full press release

EQT Infrastructure to Acquire Statera Energy, Boosting UK’s Flexible Energy Generation and Storage

(IN BRIEF) EQT Infrastructure has announced its acquisition of Statera Energy Limited from InfraRed Capital Partners, a move that aligns with the evolving landscape of the UK’s energy sector. As the country shifts towards decarbonization and increased electrification, the role … Read the full press release

Neglecting Women’s Health in the Workplace Costs UK Economy £20.2 Billion Annually, Report Finds

(IN BRIEF) A report by AXA Health and the Centre of Economic and Business Research reveals that neglecting women’s health in the workplace costs the UK economy £20.2 billion annually. Despite 68% of women experiencing health issues in their careers, … Read the full press release

Vodafone Foundation Launches Zoteria App to Combat Rising LGBTQ+ Hate Crime Across the UK

(IN BRIEF) Vodafone Foundation has introduced the Zoteria app to address the increasing LGBTQ+ hate crime incidents in the UK, particularly affecting trans and LGBTQ+ individuals. The app allows victims to quickly report incidents, receive support, and access educational content … Read the full press release

UK SMEs Report Modest Decline in Business Activity but Maintain Employment Growth in Q3 2023, NatWest SME PMI® Tracker

NatWest Survey: UK Regional Business Activity Slows in July 2023, Employment Holds Steady while Inflation Trends Vary

(IN BRIEF) The NatWest SME PMI® Tracker for Q3 2023 indicates a modest reduction in business activity among UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in September. Despite this decline, SMEs reported marginal employment gains, while large enterprises saw a renewed … Read the full press release

FedEx Express Europe Initiates Trial of Renewable Diesel for Long-Distance Trucks in the UK

(IN BRIEF) FedEx Express Europe, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., has commenced a trial of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) renewable diesel to power five of its company-owned trucks in the United Kingdom. This initiative follows FedEx Express’s earlier adoption of … Read the full press release

BMT Appoints Andrew Bell as Senior Business Development Manager for Maritime Surveys in UK and Europe

(IN BRIEF) BMT, a leading maritime services company, has appointed Andrew Bell as their new Senior Business Development Manager for Maritime Surveys in the UK and Europe. Bell, with over 35 years of maritime experience, will play a key role … Read the full press release

SUEZ Strengthens UK Presence with Acquisition of DCW, Expanding Recycling and Waste Management Offerings

(IN BRIEF) SUEZ recycling and recovery UK has acquired DCW (Devon Contract Waste), an independent recycling and waste management company based in the south west of England. This acquisition is part of SUEZ’s strategy to expand its presence in the … Read the full press release

bp to Provide Power Trading and Optimization Services for HEIT’s 80MW Battery Storage Projects in the UK

(IN BRIEF) bp has entered into an agreement with Harmony Energy Income Trust (HEIT) to deliver physical power trading and optimization services for two battery storage projects in the UK. The projects, Hawthorn Pit (49.9MW / 99.8MWh) and Wormald Green … Read the full press release

bp pulse, EV Network, and NEC Group Launch UK’s Largest Public EV Charging Hub

(IN BRIEF) bp pulse, EV Network (EVN), and NEC Group have jointly launched the UK’s largest public electric vehicle (EV) charging hub on the NEC Campus in the West Midlands. The Gigahub™ can simultaneously charge 180 EVs, with ultra-fast 16x … Read the full press release

UCL Applauds UK’s Return to Horizon Europe, Unlocking Opportunities for Research and Innovation

(IN BRIEF) UCL leaders have welcomed the UK Government’s agreement with the European Commission, allowing UK scientists to fully participate in Horizon Europe, a significant £81 billion research and innovation program. This agreement enables UK organizations, including UCL, to lead … Read the full press release

UK Allocates £18.5 Million for Green Transition Ecosystem Projects to Tackle Ecological Challenges

(IN BRIEF) The UK government has allocated £18.5 million to fund four Green Transition Ecosystem projects aimed at addressing ecological challenges through design-based solutions. The initiatives encompass various areas, including retrofitting houses for improved energy efficiency, sustainable medical equipment usage, … Read the full press release

UK SMEs Poised to Drive Employment Growth: Expected to Hire 3.5 Million People This Quarter

(IN BRIEF) UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are expected to contribute to significant employment growth this quarter, with the potential to hire up to 3.5 million people. This positive projection is based on data from the Barclays Business Barometer, … Read the full press release

Škoda Auto’s ‘Offers’ In-Car App Expands to Eight Markets, Bringing Discounts and Convenience to Drivers

(IN BRIEF) Škoda Auto has extended its ‘Offers’ in-car infotainment app to eight markets, offering over 100 discounted products and services accessible from the user’s vehicle. The app is compatible with Škoda vehicles equipped with the latest-generation Amundsen and Columbus … Read the full press release

Port of Ipswich Continues 18-Year Streak as UK’s Top Agricultural Export Port

(IN BRIEF) For the 18th consecutive year, ABP’s Port of Ipswich has maintained its position as the leading export port for agricultural products in the UK, surpassing other major ports like London, Bristol, and Great Yarmouth. The recently published UK … Read the full press release

Port of Newport Maintains Dominance as Leading UK Steel Port for Seventh Consecutive Year

(IN BRIEF) The Port of Newport, part of Associated British Ports (ABP), has retained its position as the UK’s premier steel port for the seventh consecutive year. Recent statistics from the UK Department for Transport’s Port Freight Annual Statistics for … Read the full press release

Live Entertainment and Summer Spending Boost UK Hospitality & Leisure Sector

(IN BRIEF) Consumer card spending in the UK grew by 4.0% YoY in July, driven by the hospitality and leisure sector as Brits spent more on getaways, dining out, and entertainment like concert tickets. Spending on supermarkets grew at a … Read the full press release

TÜV Rheinland Becomes New MCS Certification Body, Advancing Sustainable Energy in the UK

(IN BRIEF) TÜV Rheinland, an independent testing and certification organization, has been accredited as a new product certification body for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) in the UK. Initially focusing on solar panel products, the partnership aims to expand into … Read the full press release

UK Business Confidence Declines in July Amid Economic Uncertainty and Rising Interest Rate Worries

(IN BRIEF) Business confidence in the UK fell by six points to 31% in July, mainly due to lower economic optimism, reaching a five-month low. Rising interest rates have become a major concern for businesses, and the retail sector showed … Read the full press release

Aviva Research Shows UK Financial Advisers Prepared for Consumer Duty, But Challenges Remain Ahead of Deadline

(IN BRIEF) According to research by Aviva, financial advisers in the UK are largely prepared to evidence their work on Consumer Duty outcomes, with over 90% indicating that they have either completed or are currently working on providing evidence for … Read the full press release

Logicor’s Ambitious Redevelopment Plan Creates Modern and Sustainable Logistics Hub in the UK’s Golden Triangle

(IN BRIEF) Logicor, a prominent logistics real estate owner and manager in Europe, is embarking on its largest redevelopment project in the UK. The site, located in the Midlands, within the Golden Triangle logistics hub, will be transformed into Logicor … Read the full press release

Poll Highlights Swing Voters’ Support for Green Economy: RenewableUK’s Key Findings

(IN BRIEF) A recent independent poll conducted by Opinium Research for RenewableUK revealed that the majority of swing voters want more action on renewable energy. Among voters who supported the Conservatives but plan to switch to Labour, 67% believe the … Read the full press release

University of Exeter Recognized as Finalist for UK Social Mobility Awards

(IN BRIEF) The University of Exeter has been nominated for prestigious national awards, the UK Social Mobility Awards, in the Leadership of the Year and University of the Year categories. The university’s initiatives aim to improve access to higher education … Read the full press release

NatWest Enables Tap to Pay on iPhone for Businesses Across the UK

(IN BRIEF) NatWest has announced the availability of Tap to Pay on iPhone for eligible businesses across the UK. Through the NatWest Tap to Pay iOS app, businesses can seamlessly accept contactless payments using their iPhone, without the need for … Read the full press release

UK Receives First Shipment of Net Zero Fertiliser at Southampton Port, Advancing Sustainable Agriculture

(IN BRIEF) Southampton’s port in the UK welcomed a historic arrival of green fertiliser, marking a significant milestone in the country. Grupo Fertiberia’s Impact Zero product line, known for its use of renewable energy during production, was imported by Bartholomews … Read the full press release

Alstom’s Economic Impact in UK and Ireland Exceeds £1 Billion, Spearheading Sustainable Rail Innovation

(IN BRIEF) Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, releases its 2023 Economic Impact Report, revealing its significant contribution to the UK and Ireland. With roots tracing back to the world’s first locomotive works in Newcastle, Alstom has … Read the full press release

Southwest Scotland Harnesses Clean Energy from Vattenfall’s South Kyle Wind Farm

(IN BRIEF) Vattenfall has inaugurated the South Kyle Onshore Wind Farm in southwest Scotland, its largest onshore wind farm in the UK. Once fully operational, the wind farm will have a capacity of 240MW, equivalent to powering 187,000 homes annually. … Read the full press release