Finance - The Business Magazine

Fluid engineering manufacturer pumps funds into green upgrades

Nicky Godding — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:25:00 +0000

A Bristol manufacturer that builds specialist pumps for aquariums, zoos and entertainment parks, boosts its green credentials to support its next phase of growth. Apex Pumps, founded in 1988, has seen its turnover double since 2022. The business recently installed a 150-kW solar panel system on its factory roof, using a £150,000 asset finance package from Lloyds Bank, supported in part by a CGFI...

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Confidence returning to South East commercial property markets, finds Vail Williams

Daniel Face — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 03:03:00 +0000

Office market confidence is returning across the Thames Valley, Oxford and Surrey – but a lack of new industrial supply remains a core issue for the commercial market. These are the latest findings from property consultancy Vail Williams, which has published a comprehensive report on the region’s commercial property landscape. David Barden, regional managing partner for the Thames Valley, said...

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Sales flat at Halfords as consumers sit on their hands before budget

Nicky Godding — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 02:28:00 +0000

Like-for-like sales at motoring and cycle retailer Halfords remained flat for the half year to September 27 as consumers reigned in their discretionary spend ahead of the budget. The Redditch-based national retailer said: "Despite pockets of improving consumer sentiment, the short-term outlook remains uncertain, particularly for big ticket, discretionary purchases. Our outlook for FY25 is...

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Corporate advisers survey shows continued rise in SME confidence

Nicky Godding — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:44 +0000

A survey from leading alternative lender Thincats, which canvassed opinions into activity among UK lower mid-market companies from more than 100 leading debt advisors, has revealed a boost in confidence over the last six months. Market activity is continuing to pick up following a challenging number of years, the survey found. While there is a general sense of positivity, everyone'

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BPE backs sale of Cheltenham’s Gemba Advantage to Surrey firm

Daniel Face — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:34:00 +0000

Actica, a technical and management consultancy based in Guildford, has acquired software and data engineering business Gemba Advantage in a deal advised by BPE Solicitors. This marks the second acquisition for Actica since securing a major investment from Sovereign Capital Partners in 2022, having absorbed digital engineering practice Ntegra this August. Founded in Cheltenham by Dave Mann...

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Meriden Financial Planning appoints new director

Daniel Face — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:31:00 +0000

Meriden Financial Planning in Stourbridge, West Midlands has appointed Eleanor Jordan as its first female director. Eleanor joined the business in January 2023, taking an active interest in updating and streamlining the firm’s systems and processes in addition to her advisory role. She now joins fellow directors Richard Oliver and Richard Chapman, as well as the firm’s managing director...

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Bicester Motion secures £26.8m loan for YASA HQ build

Daniel Face — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:03:00 +0000

Bicester Motion mobility estate in Oxfordshire has secured a £26.8 million development loan from Cain International, an alternative asset manager specialising in real estate. The funding will be used to deliver the first phase of The Ranges, the estate’s latest development designed for headquarters buildings for innovative transport technology companies. Phase 1 comprises the new 90,000...

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Begbies Q3 Red Flag report shows rise in firms with 'significant' financial distress as uncertainty persists

Giles Gwinnett — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 13:27:59 +0000

The UK economy is far from being 'out of the woods' as shown by the third quarter Begbies Traynor Red Flag Alert, which showed an upswing in UK businesses in "significant" financial distress with yet more potential uncertainty ahead as firms await the Autumn Budget. The report showed the number of businesses in 'significant' financial distress in the three months was up 5.1% (at 632,756)...

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De La Rue set to sell authentication division to New York-listed Crane NXT

Giles Gwinnett — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:25:00 +0000

Basingstoke-headquartered bank note giant De La Rue announced that it had struck a definitive agreement for the sale of its authentication division to New-York listed Crane NXT, Co. The deal is for cash and De La Rue said it represented an enterprise value of £300 million, of which 5% to be held in escrow for up to 18 months following completion. READ MORE: Hampshire’s De La Rue ‘confident’ as...

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Versarien raises £450,000 as it sees traction in construction sector

Giles Gwinnett — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:26:00 +0000

Forest of Dean-based advanced materials group Versarien revealed it had raised £450,000 via a share placing to further its in-house concrete and mortar testing capabilities and fund external UKAS accredited testing services for 3D construction printed products. The funds will also be used for general corporate and working capital purposes, the Gloucestershire firm said in a statement. READ MORE...

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