UK Manufacturing on Fragile Footing Amid Conflict and Costs
Make UK warns that rising oil prices above $100 and energy costs from the Middle East conflict threaten the sector's modest 2026 growth outlook of just under 1%.
Category : Manufacturing
500+ Jobs at Widnes Solar Panel Factory Plan
Plans submitted to Halton Council propose transforming a vacant industrial unit at Viking Park into a solar panel manufacturing plant, potentially creating over 500 full-time jobs and boosting local economic growth.
Coventry Car Engineer HPL Prototypes Goes Bust, 65 Jobs Lost
Historic Coventry-based automotive engineering company HPL Prototypes has entered administration, leaving 65 employees without jobs and reportedly unpaid for six weeks, including outstanding overtime from Christmas work.
Surface Transforms Files Administration Notice After GM Loss
Knowsley-based supercar brakes manufacturer Surface Transforms has filed a notice to appoint administrators and warned of job cuts following the loss of its key General Motors contract, which accounted for 84% of its revenue.
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Be Modern Losses Widen but Bosses Stay Optimistic
South Tyneside furniture manufacturer Be Modern sees operating losses increase to over £1m as turnover falls, but directors highlight cost reductions and new products as reasons for optimism.
UK Car Industry Slams EU's 'Discriminatory' New Rules
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has strongly criticized new European Union proposals that would prioritize EU-made vehicles and components, potentially damaging the £70 billion annual trading relationship between the UK and EU.
Balfour Beatty Profits Jump 51% to £323m, Order Book Record
FTSE 250 construction giant Balfour Beatty reports a 51% profit surge to £323m and a record £22.7bn order book, driven by UK energy, defence, and transport infrastructure projects.
Amazon Fire Stick HD Slashed to £23.99 in Spring Sale
Amazon's newest generation Fire TV Stick HD is now just £23.99 in the Spring Deal Days sale, a 40% discount. Shoppers are buying multiple units to save on streaming costs, with over 5,000 sold recently.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet 60% Off in Spring Deal
Amazon has discounted the Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet from £149.99 to just £59.99 for a limited time during Spring Deal Days, including a free one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription and durable case.
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Audi Ends A8 Production After 32 Years, No Successor Yet
Audi has quietly begun winding down its flagship A8 sedan by closing order books in Germany, marking the end of a 32-year model run without a confirmed replacement vehicle.
Caldwell Construction Assets Go to Online Auction
Machinery and equipment from Caldwell Construction, which entered administration in January, are being auctioned online by BPI Asset Advisory. The auctions feature excavators, dumpers, and commercial vehicles from the firm that employed over 400 people.
UK Shoe Brand Early Days Faces Collapse After 74 Years
The historic British footwear manufacturer Early Days, established in 1952, is on the brink of collapse after a potential buyer withdrew due to Middle East conflict fears and rising costs, threatening its Leicester factory and skilled workforce.
UK Car Design Firm HPL Prototypes Enters Administration
HPL Prototypes Limited, a UK-based design and engineering company that worked with Aston Martin, Bentley, and McLaren, has collapsed into administration, putting up to 200 jobs at risk.
UK Car Parts Maker Collapses into Administration
WCM Europe Ltd, a British automotive component manufacturer, has collapsed into administration, with joint administrators appointed by the High Court in Birmingham. The firm's plastic component production and cold forming processes for major vehicle maker
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Yeovil Becomes Global Helicopter Hub with £1bn Deal
A new £1 billion contract with Leonardo establishes Yeovil as a global centre for military helicopter production, securing 3,300 jobs and boosting UK defence exports.
Heyside Group Robotics Investment with GM Support
Heyside Group, an Oldham-based plastics manufacturer, is aiming to increase capacity by 60% through robotics and automation investments backed by the GM Business Growth Hub and local council support.
Colin the Caterpillar Bakery to Demolish Old Pub for Expansion
Park Cakes, maker of M&S's Colin the Caterpillar cake, gains approval to demolish the vacant Honeywell Arms pub in Oldham to improve factory access and remove a visual blight.
Dispatch Hiring Reporter as Council Faces Budget Vote and £30m Bill
The Birmingham Dispatch is hiring a staff writer while covering major local stories including a critical council budget vote, a £30m Paradise development liability, and community investigations.
Stellantis Revives Diesel After £19bn EV Hit
Major car manufacturer Stellantis is reintroducing diesel engines in Europe following a £19 billion financial loss from its electric vehicle push, citing customer demand.
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Amazon Security Camera Deals Under £13
Discover budget-friendly video doorbells and outdoor cameras on Amazon, offering high-resolution monitoring and alerts for less than £13 to enhance home security affordably.
Tyrrells Factory Closure in Staffordshire Due to Low Demand
KP Snacks announces plans to shut a Tyrrells vegetable crisps factory in Uttoxeter, citing sustained decline in demand and loss of key export volumes, while other crisp ranges remain unaffected.
Delio Wealth Acquired by US Firm, Plans Cardiff Growth
Cardiff-based fintech Delio Wealth has been acquired by New York's iAltA Holdings. The deal will see management remain, with plans to double headcount to 50 and expand in new Cardiff offices, supported by local council investment.
Suntory's £25m Investment Secures Coleford Factory Future
Japanese drinks giant Suntory is investing £25 million in its Coleford plant to install a new production line, securing the future of Ribena and Lucozade manufacturing in Gloucestershire.
Filtronic Expands UK Space Manufacturing with New Durham Base
Satellite communications firm Filtronic opens a multimillion-pound factory in County Durham, significantly expanding production capacity to support over £200m in annual revenue and strengthen the UK's position in critical space technologies.
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Sharp's Brewery Closure Threatens Dozens of Jobs in Cornwall
Molson Coors proposes closing Sharp's Brewery in Rock, Cornwall, risking 50 jobs, citing financial unsustainability. The site, home to Doom Bar ale, may see production moved elsewhere.
Concrete Canvas Opens First Overseas Factory in Kyrgyzstan
Welsh exporter Concrete Canvas is establishing its first production facility outside the UK in Kyrgyzstan, aiming to generate £180m in sales over the next decade while modernizing irrigation systems.
UK High-Performance Car Maker JRM Enters Administration
JRM Advanced Engineering Limited, a major UK firm specializing in high-performance vehicle design and modification, has collapsed into administration. The Daventry-based company appointed Rollasons Solicitors as administrators on February 12, 2026.
British Engines Acquires Product Development Firm 42 Technology
Tyneside engineering group British Engines has acquired Cambridge-based consultancy 42 Technology, adding a £10m turnover specialist to its portfolio while maintaining the firm's independent brand and leadership.
Aston Martin to Cut 500 Jobs as Profit Plunges 37%
British luxury carmaker Aston Martin is consulting on cutting 20% of its global workforce after revenue fell 21% to £1.3bn and profit dropped 37%. The company cites tariff pressures and geopolitical uncertainties but expects improvement in 2026 with Valha
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Strictly Judge and Dubai Biscuits Boost Biscuit Maker's Profits
Fox's Burton's Companies, the maker of Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels, saw profits surge to £14.3m, driven by a Strictly Come Dancing campaign and a new Dubai-inspired biscuit range.
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