Tokamak Energy, the fusion technology company, has accelerated the growth and manufacturing capabilities of its TE Magnetics business with the acquisition of specialist engineering company Ridgway Machines.
Leicester-based Ridgway Machines will operate as a subsidiary of Tokamak Energy, with the existing brand, workforce and facility remaining unchanged.
TE Magnetics launched in September 2024 to focus on the industrial deployment of transformative high temperature superconductors (HTS).
Ridgway Machines, founded in 1920, develop solutions for winding and insulating superconducting magnets and cables, and will enable TE Magnetics to scale up its UK manufacturing facilities to produce commercial products fit for multiple industries.
Warrick Matthews, Tokamak Energy CEO, said: “Since launching the TE Magnetics brand, we have been successful in securing contracts for a range of HTS products and it is now time to scale up. The acquisition of Ridgway Machines, a thriving business with a highly skilled workforce, will accelerate TE Magnetics’ manufacturing method development to deliver high quality products at scale.
“Ridgway’s specialist engineering capabilities combined with TE Magnetics’ world-leading HTS design and prototyping knowledge will deliver breakthroughs in performance, efficiency, and accessibility across a wide range of industries, helping to address global challenges and accelerate the electric revolution.”
Andy Glanville, Ridgway Machines managing director, said: “Throughout our hundred-years history, Ridgway has always been forward looking. This track record means we are well suited to expansion and this new period of growth. In Tokamak Energy, we’re proud to be joining one of the UK’s most exciting technology businesses and to play our part in their ambitious and transformative plans.
“Both businesses exist to provide innovative solutions to some of the most pressing and important technological challenges the world is facing, and we can’t wait to get started on new projects together.”
Law firm Mills & Reeve advised Tokamak Energy on the acquisition. Corporate partner Ryan Hawley said: “Tokamak is a transformative company that sits at the forefront of fusion energy through its groundbreaking technology and deep scientific, engineering and commercial expertise.
“We were delighted to have advised the team on the strategic acquisition of Ridgway Machines – a move that will strengthen its proposition and cement its position as a leader in its field – both regionally, nationally and globally.”
Howes Percival’s Leicester team advised Ridgway’s shareholders Stephen Hunt and Andy Glanville on all legal aspects of the deal.
Corporate partner Gareth John said: “We are absolutely delighted for Stephen and Andy who have worked so hard to build a fantastic business. Howes Percival have worked alongside them for many years now and are very proud to be associated with the businesses.”
PKF Smith Cooper provided tax and corporate finance advice to the sellers.
Profit warning for Van Elle as challenging trading conditions continue
A profit warning has been given by Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire ground engineering contractor.
Providing a update for the year ending 30 April 2026 (FY26), the business detailed how challenging trading conditions experienced last year have continued.
Expected improvement across the firm’s core sectors “is yet to materialise,” which has been attributed to spending constraints and delays to contract starts across all sectors, particularly related to Building Safety Act (BSA) approvals for high-rise residential buildings.
Due to these factors, year to date revenues have not increased as expected and as a result, full year trading and profitability is anticipated to be materially below market expectations, and below the prior year.
Van Elle said, however, that the medium-term outlook “remains very positive,” with significant opportunities in the growing energy and water sectors, “where good early progress is being made.”
Rolls-Royce to lead new clean aviation project
Rolls-Royce has been chosen by the European Union’s Clean Aviation programme to lead one of 12 new projects aiming to decarbonise aviation. These initiatives, which include new aircraft concepts and innovative propulsion technologies, will receive funding of around €945m.
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) is the European Union’s leading research and innovation programme for transforming aviation towards a sustainable and climate neutral future.
The UNIFIED consortium is led by Rolls-Royce and contains key industrial, academic and research partners across France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Subject to successful completion of grant preparation, the project will enable ground testing of an UltraFan technology demonstrator at a short to medium range thrust class for future narrowbody aircraft and also enable the preparation of key activities towards future flight test of the UltraFan architecture.
Alan Newby, director of research and technology, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are delighted that Rolls-Royce has been selected to lead the UNIFIED project. This recognition underscores once again our commitment to reshape aviation and further reduce its environmental impact.
“UltraFan provides ultra-efficient and credible technology for future narrowbody applications and within UNIFIED we will demonstrate that we have the relevant, next-generation capability ready to deliver best-in-class performance in thrust, fuel burn, noise, emissions and durability.”
Freeths reveals record financial results
Law firm Freeths has revealed record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, reporting another year of double-digit growth.
Turnover rose by 14.8% to £166.8 million, an increase of £21.5 million compared to the previous year and overall profit climbed to £59.4 million, an increase of 13.0% from the previous year. This strong growth continues Freeths’ trajectory of sustained success, with average annual turnover growth exceeding 10% for more than five consecutive years.
The firm also paid a record staff bonus pool of £4.3 million.
Reflecting on the success, Karl Jansen, national managing partner at Freeths, said: “This year’s results are a testament to the incredible dedication of our people and the trust our clients place in us.
“As well as being crowned Legal Business’s Law Firm of the Year in 2024, our continued double-digit growth reflects not only the strength of our legal offering but also our commitment to building a purpose-driven, inclusive and sustainable business.
“As a certified B Corporation™ (“B Corp”) accredited organisation, we’re proud to show that commercial success whilst remaining focused on our responsible business goals can go hand-in-hand.”
New medical centre planned for Enderby
Plans have been submitted to Blaby District Council for a new medical centre and pharmacy in Enderby. The proposed development on George Street would be located less than 100 metres from the current Shortridge Lane facility.
Developer One Medical Property intends to construct the building and lease it to Enderby Medical Centre. The centre is designed to include 13 treatment rooms, with a capacity to serve around 12,000 patients.
The current premises have reached capacity, prompting the need for expanded facilities. The new centre aims to improve accessibility, accommodate the growing local population, and provide a broader range of healthcare services.
Total Specialist Maintenance names new head of commercial development
Total Specialist Maintenance (TSM) has appointed Suzanne Saynor as Head of Commercial Development to support the company’s growth across multiple construction sectors.
Saynor brings more than 15 years of experience in sales leadership and commercial strategy, covering international sales, specification management, and commercial roles within heavy civils, building products, structural waterproofing, and expansion joints. She has a track record in driving revenue growth, managing profit and loss, and leading sales teams.
In her new role, Saynor will lead TSM’s commercial development strategy, focusing on client engagement, expanding direct client business, identifying new market opportunities, and aligning sales activities with long-term growth objectives. Her responsibilities include overseeing TSM’s portfolio of specialist services, which encompasses structural repair, waterproofing, strengthening, ground stabilisation, refurbishment, and the protection of civil and building structures.
TSM’s business spans highways, marine, coastal, power, industrial, nuclear, airports, utilities, commercial, and residential sectors. Saynor will play a central role in developing these markets while supporting the company’s expansion into new areas.
Her appointment forms part of TSM’s ongoing strategy to strengthen commercial capability and maintain its position as a specialist provider of complex construction services.
G F Tomlinson
G F Tomlinson is a privately owned business, operating through central England and is known as one of the Midlands’ most respected and recognised brands in the industry.
Formed in 1892, the business has over 130 years of experience and offers a truly collaborative approach to project delivery, resulting in long-term working relationships and high levels of client satisfaction through the completion of exceptional quality projects, to programme, within budget and in a safe manner.
With their high calibre of personnel and organisational capacity, they have the confidence to tackle the most demanding of projects through the adoption of a “can do” attitude at all times. Their in-house services include pre-construction advice, risk management, feasibility support and value management, helping to provide a greater level of certainty on key project drivers.
Using their knowledge and experience supported by their supply chain partners, they are able to work across a broad portfolio of construction projects within the public and private sectors, including, education, commercial, healthcare, heritage, leisure, civic, retail and industrial.
The company has been involved in several iconic buildings of late from the development of the Sutton on Sea Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens to the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Central Building at Castle Meadow Campus, Nottingham, and the delivery of the new Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium in Mansfield, showing how G F Tomlinson’s impact can be felt across the region.
The business is also involved in several public sector frameworks with organisations such as Scape, Pagabo, Crown Commercial Services, Department for Education, Constructing West Midlands, NEUPC, NHS Shared Business Services, Procure Partnerships and the University of Birmingham.
An award winning company, G F Tomlinson operate tried and tested UKAS accredited systems, including ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. They are a member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme and accredited to Constructionline Gold demonstrating their high attainment of best practice in the industry.
Through the delivery of their projects, G F Tomlinson drive social-economic and environmental benefits into the communities in which they work. In the last 12-months they have provided £12.7m of social value added opportunities across 18 projects, totalling £49.2m which equates to 26% against project costs.
They work with local schools and colleges to promote careers in construction and offer career and skills advice, along with work experience placements and apprenticeship opportunities and currently employ and support 12-in-house technical apprentices.
The company support many worthwhile causes locally which include the University of Nottingham’s para and inclusive wheelchair basketball group, Switch Up Nottinghamshire and Treetops Hospice, demonstrating their commitment to giving something back to the communities they work in.
G F Tomlinson has had a Carbon Reduction Plan in place since their Baseline year of 2019 and measure Scope1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions year on year. Since this introduction the company has seen a 17% reduction in carbon usage and by 2027 they anticipate usage to reduce to 235tCO2e with the target to be Net Zero emissions by 2035.
G F Tomlinson are aware of the impacts of mental health and offer guidance and support to their employees and supply chain partners through their team of in-house specialised trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA). The Company also offer a ‘Private Health Scheme’ (WPA) which provides confidential support, advice, and treatment for its employees physical and mental health.
Regular site initiatives are held to support the wellbeing of the workforce. One recent initiative includes organised site visits from The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. As part of their ‘Make it Visible’ campaign, which aims to make welfare and well-being support visible on every construction site, all site personnel paused work to engage with the Lighthouse team about mental health and well-being.
G F Tomlinson are an award-winning contractor, having been presented with multiple prestigious awards over the years. Most recently their project – the Air and Space Institute (ASI) for Lincoln College Group. The project comprised the design and construction of the new state-of-the-art Air and Space Institute (ASI), accommodating a full-size Airbus A318. The facility was crowned ‘Building Project of the Year’ at the Constructing Excellence Awards 2024, ‘Construction Project of the Year’ at the East Midlands Property Dinner Awards 2024 and ‘Commercial Development of the Year’ at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024.
For more information on G F Tomlinson, please visit: https://gftomlinson.co.uk/
Using their knowledge and experience supported by their supply chain partners, they are able to work across a broad portfolio of construction projects within the public and private sectors, including, education, commercial, healthcare, heritage, leisure, civic, retail and industrial.
The company has been involved in several iconic buildings of late from the development of the Sutton on Sea Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens to the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Central Building at Castle Meadow Campus, Nottingham, and the delivery of the new Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium in Mansfield, showing how G F Tomlinson’s impact can be felt across the region.
The business is also involved in several public sector frameworks with organisations such as Scape, Pagabo, Crown Commercial Services, Department for Education, Constructing West Midlands, NEUPC, NHS Shared Business Services, Procure Partnerships and the University of Birmingham.
An award winning company, G F Tomlinson operate tried and tested UKAS accredited systems, including ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. They are a member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme and accredited to Constructionline Gold demonstrating their high attainment of best practice in the industry.
Through the delivery of their projects, G F Tomlinson drive social-economic and environmental benefits into the communities in which they work. In the last 12-months they have provided £12.7m of social value added opportunities across 18 projects, totalling £49.2m which equates to 26% against project costs.
They work with local schools and colleges to promote careers in construction and offer career and skills advice, along with work experience placements and apprenticeship opportunities and currently employ and support 12-in-house technical apprentices.
The company support many worthwhile causes locally which include the University of Nottingham’s para and inclusive wheelchair basketball group, Switch Up Nottinghamshire and Treetops Hospice, demonstrating their commitment to giving something back to the communities they work in.
G F Tomlinson has had a Carbon Reduction Plan in place since their Baseline year of 2019 and measure Scope1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions year on year. Since this introduction the company has seen a 17% reduction in carbon usage and by 2027 they anticipate usage to reduce to 235tCO2e with the target to be Net Zero emissions by 2035.
G F Tomlinson are aware of the impacts of mental health and offer guidance and support to their employees and supply chain partners through their team of in-house specialised trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA). The Company also offer a ‘Private Health Scheme’ (WPA) which provides confidential support, advice, and treatment for its employees physical and mental health.
Regular site initiatives are held to support the wellbeing of the workforce. One recent initiative includes organised site visits from The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. As part of their ‘Make it Visible’ campaign, which aims to make welfare and well-being support visible on every construction site, all site personnel paused work to engage with the Lighthouse team about mental health and well-being.
G F Tomlinson are an award-winning contractor, having been presented with multiple prestigious awards over the years. Most recently their project – the Air and Space Institute (ASI) for Lincoln College Group. The project comprised the design and construction of the new state-of-the-art Air and Space Institute (ASI), accommodating a full-size Airbus A318. The facility was crowned ‘Building Project of the Year’ at the Constructing Excellence Awards 2024, ‘Construction Project of the Year’ at the East Midlands Property Dinner Awards 2024 and ‘Commercial Development of the Year’ at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024.
For more information on G F Tomlinson, please visit: https://gftomlinson.co.uk/ £1bn investment for Northamptonshire’s AI industry
A £1bn investment in Northamptonshire has been welcomed by Professor Anne-Marie Kilday, Vice Chancellor of University of Northampton (UON), as she calls on local businesses and partners to be prepared to capitalise on the investment.
As part of the overall £31bn investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) from major US firms, £1bn will be invested in Northamptonshire to boost the county’s AI capacity.
The investment is from the UK-based company AI Pathfinder. Their mission is to ramp up sovereign AI through super-computing capacity at factories in the UK, with the company’s first operations coming to their Northamptonshire site in 2025.
UON’s Professor Anne Marie Kilday said: “This investment will be one of the largest the county has ever seen and we need to be ready to capture and harness the money and innovation coming into Northamptonshire.
“Working alongside our local businesses and partners we want to seize these opportunities and build on the contributions of the University to our local economy and community.
“There is no reason that Northamptonshire cannot be at the forefront of the AI and quantum computing revolutions and with the University’s strategic initiatives around automation/AI, research and degrees on offer, we are ready to play our part.”
The Government has said the Tech Prosperity Deal announced on 17 September is focused on developing the fastest growing technologies like AI, quantum computing, and nuclear energy.
In addition to generating high quality jobs in UK and US communities, the aims of the investment are to nurture new healthcare breakthroughs, boost clean homegrown energy and put the UK at the forefront of the current industrial revolution.
Northampton Town partners with NexGen Business Finance
Northampton Town Football Club has entered a partnership with NexGen Business Finance, making the finance company an official club partner.
NexGen provides tailored business finance solutions, including asset finance, commercial loans, and asset refinancing, drawing on a network of more than 95 lenders. The company supports businesses ranging from early-stage ventures to established organisations, aiming to simplify access to funding.
The collaboration will focus on connecting with local businesses and promoting growth within the community. Northampton Town intends to leverage the partnership to strengthen ties with regional enterprises while aligning with the club’s wider commercial and community objectives.
The agreement highlights shared priorities around business development, community engagement, and fostering long-term relationships, with both parties anticipating benefits that extend beyond football. The partnership will be active throughout the upcoming season, supporting initiatives both on and off the pitch.
AI data centre to handle advanced healthcare workloads
A new AI data centre is set to open in Chelveston, Northamptonshire, focusing on complex healthcare and logistics applications. Work on the facility is scheduled to start in December. The project is part of a wider plan to develop 2GW of supercomputing capacity across the UK.
The development aligns with recent government initiatives to strengthen AI research and drug discovery, including a £31bn agreement with US technology firms. AI Pathfinder, the company behind the project, operates multiple sites in the UK and has experience managing complex technology projects.
Separately, US logistics firm Prologis will invest over £900m to expand the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal. The expansion aims to increase national rail freight capacity, reduce road transport reliance, and support job creation.
