EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Did Budget herald new dawn for investment?

There has been a fair bit of uncertainty around the UK’s financial landscape of late, but amid everything, therecent Budget has actually delivered something many business owners have been waiting a long time for, at least according to Rory Crisp-Jones of Jones & Co Finance. After two years of economic hesitation, SMEs finally have a more predictable fiscal landscape and with it, a genuine incentive to invest.

A steady corporation tax rate, improved capital allowances, and renewed support for growth, innovation and skills gives UK businesses reasons to be cautiously optimistic. According to a  survey by Barclays, while many firms paused investment ahead of the Budget, 42% agree it has given them a clear and stable direction for future plans, while 38% of businessesthat delayed investment until the Budget now plan to increase it.

More information https://jonesandcofinance.com/

Engineering firms back STEM competition

Not-for-profit organisation EngineeringUK says Thales will join Siemens as a key supporter for top awards at the next Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition. A global specialist in advanced technologies, Thales will support the UK Young Engineer of the Year award for the first time, while Siemens will return to support the UK Young Technologist of the Year award. The Big Bang Competition invites students aged 11 to 18 from state-funded schools, home education or community groups to enter a STEM project. All participants receive feedback from STEM professionals to help them learn and improve their skills.

More information www.bit.ly/48NjrVc

TSSE buys KRG

Torishima Service Solutions Europe (TSSE) has acquired of KRG Specialist Engineering Services (KRG) located in Coatbridge, Scotland. KRG is a subcontract precision engineering company that will provide TSSE and its parent company Torishima Pump Manufacturing of Japan with additional machining capabilities and resources. Both TSSE and KRG have complementary engineering expertise and can jointly provide their customer base with a fuller range of services. KRG was founded in 1978 as a family owned business and has grown significantly to employ 82 people and generate turnover of £8.7m (2024).

More information www.torishima.co.uk

Sustainability world summit

The international industrial sector is preparing for a milestone in its transition towards

sustainability and climate neutrality with ‘DS – Decarbonised & Sustainable Industry’, a new biennial world summit designed to strengthen competitiveness and accelerate the decarbonisation of industry in line with major global challenges and EU policies. Taking place in Bilbao on 3-5 November 2026, the event was created to offer practical answers, facilitate access to technological solutions and promote action-oriented dialogue at its dynamic and participatory forum.

More information www.bit.ly/3MgKgK1

Thousands of new apprenticeships promised

A £725m package of reforms to the apprenticeship system will help tackle youth unemployment and drive economic growth, with as many as 50,000 more young people expected to benefit over the next three years. As part of the package, the Government will cover the full cost of apprenticeships for eligible young people under 25 at SMEs. Businesses will also gain from a boost in flexibility as new short courses in cutting-edge areas including AI, engineering and digital skills will commence rollout from April. This includes working closely with the defence sector to develop a suite of flexible, work-based training options.

More information www.gov.uk