West Midlands Business Confidence Rose in May
Business confidence in the West Midlands rose in May, according to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer, with firms optimistic about the economy and their own prospects.
Business confidence in the West Midlands rose in May, according to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer, with firms optimistic about the economy and their own prospects.
IQE expects over 20% revenue growth in 2026, driven by AI and data centre demand, after completing an £81m fundraise including a strategic investment from MACOM.
Binzhou has revealed its 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining strategic goals for economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development over the next five years.
Discover the latest Simba mattress sale offering discounts on hybrid sleep technology. Upgrade your sleep quality with advanced comfort and support at reduced prices.
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RecommendedWolverhampton Wanderers have issued a firm statement on transfer policy, learning from past errors. The club emphasizes financial prudence and long-term planning.
Purito Seoul, a K-beauty brand, expands its global presence through multi-channel growth, reaching new markets and customers worldwide.
The Cambridge Forum unveils 'Pitch My Idea' to accelerate AI and health innovations, offering startups funding and mentorship opportunities.
Tyneside underwear brand OddBalls, founded by sports stars, secures backing from London investment group Alcuin to support international growth and product expansion.
Birmingham City's reliance on ageing players last summer has left them with few assets. This time, they must focus on younger talents with resale value and Championship experience.
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RecommendedBilly Hills, owner of Apollo Audio in Hertford, faces a £15,000 annual business rates increase but signs a new five-year lease, vowing to keep the studio running with community backing.
The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 list includes 22 South West companies, featuring Butcombe Group, Goughs Solicitors, St Ewe Eggs, and more.
Businesses spend 33% of operating costs on diesel, while electric fleets use only 3% on electricity. Experts predict diesel vehicles could disappear from roads.
Emma Jones, the small business commissioner, met Newcastle business leaders, hearing concerns about admin burdens, wage costs, and hiring young people.
Ambition North Wales is launching a business advisory board to guide regional economic growth, seeking private sector leaders to shape the future and drive investment.
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RecommendedEconomy Minister Adam Price announces a new national development agency and a productivity target to close the gap with the UK, along with a review of the Development Bank of Wales.
Newcastle University unveils Newcastle Innovations, a single front door for businesses and investors to access expertise, talent, and funding, aiming to boost spin-outs and partnerships.
Experts urge Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves to overhaul the Plug-In Truck Grant, claiming it favours large fleets and shuts out SMEs, hindering the transition to electric HGVs.
The UK's ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030 is just four years away. Drivers must prepare for a shift to electric or hybrid vehicles.
BNY and the University of Manchester have launched a £5m, five-year project to explore how AI will change work, combining industry expertise with academic research.
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RecommendedChancellor Rachel Reeves confirms £120m support for ceramics sector in Stoke-on-Trent, including £60m for energy efficiency and £60m for energy costs relief.
UK public sector borrowing reached £24.3 billion in April 2026, the second highest on record, exceeding OBR forecasts by £3.4 billion.
Imperagen, a University of Manchester spinout using AI and quantum physics to engineer enzymes, has closed a £5m seed funding round led by PXN Ventures, bringing total funding to £8.5m.
Sealprem, a Scunthorpe sealing products firm, secures seven-figure funding from HSBC to boost international sales, especially in the Middle East, and expand e-commerce.
VS Group acquires The PC Support Group after securing Foresight investment, plans more acquisitions in North and Midlands to expand IT services.
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RecommendedHistoric Birmingham manufacturer appoints a new managing director, aiming to drive growth and innovation in the region's industrial sector.
Alexander Technologies reports strong project pipeline and new methods to speed up development for drone and other markets, despite a fall in turnover and profits.
Sage posted 10% revenue growth to £1.36bn and 15% profit rise, driven by cloud products and increased AI adoption. CEO Steve Hare calls it an excellent first half.
Nationwide reports 22% income rise to £6.4bn, driven by consumer lending and credit card expansion, despite a dip in pre-tax profit.
Ian Griffiths, founder of whocanfixmycar.com, launches Surff, an AI-powered platform that tracks consumer decisions across domains, rewarding users for their data.
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RecommendedNewcastle-based Rightbrain AI lands £3m investment to help businesses adopt AI, hiring new staff and expanding its partner network.