North East Firms Show Cautious Optimism in 2025 Survey
A new survey shows North East businesses are feeling more confident as inflation and energy worries fall. Chamber leaders warn the recovery remains fragile. Read the full analysis.
Category : Search result: manufacturing sector
Hoot Creative Arts Wins Kirklees Volunteering Award
Hoot Creative Arts, a Huddersfield charity, receives the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award for its outstanding volunteer management. Discover how they support mental health through the arts.
UK GDP grows 0.3% in November, exceeding expectations
The UK economy expanded more than expected in November 2025, with GDP rising 0.3% led by services and manufacturing. Official ONS data shows a rebound from October's decline.
TGI Fridays closes 16 UK sites, 450 jobs lost
Family restaurant chain TGI Fridays shuts 16 UK outlets immediately after entering administration, with 456 redundancies. A rescue deal saves 33 sites. Read the full story.
UK manufacturing competitiveness 'flashing red', warns Make UK
A Make UK survey reveals UK manufacturing competitiveness is under severe threat, with rising costs near a 'tipping point'. Read the full report and the urgent call for government action.
Ebac sees £4.9m loss but forecasts profitable future
County Durham appliance maker Ebac reports mounting losses after closing a production line but insists a turnaround is underway, with profitability expected from 2026. Read the full story.
Law Firm Ward Hadaway Sees Record Turnover Growth
Newcastle law firm Ward Hadaway celebrates record financial results with turnover up 11.6% to £53.6m. Strong growth across all offices and key practice areas. Read the full story.
Pension delays hit retired civil servants
Retired UK civil servants report waiting months for pension payments amid service failures. The National Audit Office criticises MyCSP as Capita takes over the £239m contract.
Key North East Appointments Drive Business Growth
Major North East firms including Sintons, RG Corporate Finance, and OnPath Energy announce strategic new hires, signalling regional expansion and sector specialisation. Discover the latest business moves.
West Midlands chief executive pay rises to £250,000
The West Midlands Combined Authority is raising its chief executive salary to £250,000 to compete with rivals and attract top leadership. The role has been vacant since June.
Integrated Air Systems becomes employee-owned via EOT
Wilmslow's Integrated Air Systems transitions to an Employee Ownership Trust with £1.45m HSBC funding, aiming for 15% growth and global expansion. Read the full story.
Morrisons bakery closure puts 115 jobs at risk
Morrisons is set to close its Rathbones Bakery in Wakefield, putting 115 jobs in jeopardy. The decision follows significant losses and challenging market conditions. Read the full story.
Sintons LLP hits record £19.3m revenue in Newcastle
Newcastle law firm Sintons LLP celebrates a record year with turnover reaching £19.3m and significant team expansion. Discover how their commercial teams drove growth and their commitment to sustainability and community.
DWP strike ballot delayed after legal challenge
A planned Jobcentre strike is postponed after the DWP challenged the union's ballot notice. The PCS union accuses the government of using anti-union laws to block industrial action over pay.
North East Business Founders Hartley & Pediredla Step Down
Lee Hartley of Fairstone and Sarat Pediredla of hedgehog lab leave firms they founded. Read about their legacies and new ventures in the UK business sector.
JLR sales dive 40% after cyber attack disruption
Jaguar Land Rover's wholesale sales fell over 40% last quarter after a major cyber attack halted production. The firm reports 'strong progress' in recovery. Read the full impact analysis.
Avon Group appoints trio of senior leaders for global growth
Bristol's Avon Group has strengthened its leadership with three senior appointments, aiming to expand its global reach and surpass £100m in sales for the first time in 2026.
Nissan Sunderland secures £900m after major losses
Nissan's Sunderland plant receives a £900m cash injection from Japan after posting an £850m operating loss. Read how the EV transition and competition shape its future.
Bristol Hotels Cautiously Optimistic for 2026
Bristol hoteliers express cautious optimism for 2026, citing major events and stable Q4 2025, while navigating challenges like the April living wage increase. Discover the sector's outlook.
Prima Cheese grows turnover and profit with factory investment
Family-run Prima Cheese reports a 5% turnover rise to £108.9m and a 7% profit increase, driven by multimillion-pound investments in its County Durham factory and a refreshed brand. Discover how the firm tops six million UK pizzas weekly.
Chemicals firm Thomas Swan confident on return to profit
North East chemicals exporter Thomas Swan reports rising turnover to £35.4m as it invests for growth ahead of its centenary. Bosses express confidence in a return to profitable expansion.
High Street Insolvencies to Rise in 2026 as Pressures Intensify
Retail and hospitality businesses face a 'toxic cocktail' of rising costs from April 2026, with experts predicting a significant uptick in restructurings and insolvencies across the UK.
South West Manufacturers Gear Up for 2026 M&A Surge
A new report reveals nearly 40% of South West manufacturers plan sell-side M&A in 2026, with major investments in digitalisation and skills. Discover the strategic shift.
Car Industry Job Cuts Loom in 2026
A stark report warns thousands of UK and European automotive jobs are at risk in 2026 due to falling sales, tariffs, and Chinese competition. Discover the full story and where new jobs are being created.
Sterling Pharma Targets 2026 Recovery After Tough Year
Northumberland's Sterling Pharma Solutions reports a challenging FY25 with widening losses but forecasts a recovery in 2026, backed by new leadership and a cost-cutting plan. Discover the full story.
Kraken tech firm splits from Octopus in $1bn deal
Octopus Energy announces a landmark $1bn investment into its Kraken technology platform, valuing it at $8.65bn and paving the way for its independence. Discover what this means for 11 million UK customers.
DWP can now access bank accounts to seize cash
New DWP powers allow direct access to bank accounts to recover benefit overpayments and fraud. The law change aims to save £1.5bn. Find out what it means.
Dyson: UK must 'want' manufacturing to keep it
Billionaire inventor Sir James Dyson argues the UK has lost its passion for making things, urging government and public to reignite manufacturing to create wealth and jobs.
TGI Fridays UK closures put 500 jobs at risk
TGI Fridays enters administration, closing 49 UK restaurants. 500 staff face redundancy due to 'insurmountable' economic pressures. Read the full story and list of closures.
Major UK construction firm Warwick Ward enters administration
Warwick Ward (Machinery) Ltd, a major UK construction equipment supplier, has collapsed into administration after 55 years, making nearly all 89 staff redundant. Read the full story on the economic pressures behind the failure.
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