A new study from the University of Nottingham reveals that the UK’s top 10 asset managers, representing a combined £584 billion in assets, are failing to integrate public health considerations into their responsible investment strategies fully.

The research, backed by the Health Foundation, evaluated asset managers’ disclosures across 14 key public health themes, including antimicrobial resistance, nutrition, mental health, employment, and water pollution. While some firms reported on select issues, none consistently or comprehensively addressed all themes.

Only two asset managers identified health as a priority within their ESG frameworks. Of those, only one had a dedicated health policy, and that policy covered only two health-related areas. Issues such as air pollution, gambling, and obesity received limited or no reporting across the group.

The findings highlight significant gaps in how health risks associated with investment decisions are assessed and disclosed. Researchers argue that investor inaction in this space not only overlooks substantial public health impacts but also misses potential financial risks associated with harmful commercial activities.

The study calls for stronger accountability and more robust health-focused ESG integration to position public health as a material concern within investment risk frameworks. The full report is available online.

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4D Capital Partners has acquired Hepworth Clay, the UK’s last remaining producer of vitrified clay drainage systems, in a move that signals renewed investor interest in vertically integrated manufacturing assets.

The firm, formerly part of Orbia subsidiary Wavin, operates across two production sites at Hazlehead (Yorkshire) and Forest Works (East Midlands) totalling over half a million square feet.

Its operations span the full value chain, drawing raw materials from its own 18-million-tonne clay reserves, an increasingly rare advantage in UK industry. Alongside its core drainage systems, Hepworth also produces terracotta components for flue and chimney ventilation.

The acquisition positions Hepworth as a standalone business under private equity ownership, with 4D Capital expected to focus on expanding its capacity, modernising operations, and driving long-term value through operational independence.

The deal was supported by advisers including Quantuma, Shoosmiths, Dickson Minto, K3, and Ford Campbell Freedman.

UK employers are being urged to make practical workplace changes to better support emerging generations, particularly neurodivergent individuals expected to make up a significant share of the future workforce.

According to new findings from Benenden Health and Neurodiversity in Business, 77% of surveyed HR professionals are already taking steps to adapt office environments and policies with neurodiversity in mind. Recommendations include integrating flexible working patterns, quiet zones, mental health days, and mentorship programmes to foster inclusion and psychological safety.

The report frames these adjustments as essential, not optional, as diagnoses for conditions such as autism continue to rise rapidly. Businesses that fail to evolve their workspaces and culture may struggle to attract and retain the next generation of skilled workers, particularly as expectations for inclusivity and support increase.

While many organisations have made progress, the study highlights the need for ongoing structural and cultural improvements to accommodate a workforce that is not only more diverse but also more vocal about their needs.

The University of Nottingham has cut casual teaching staff from its Language Centre, citing financial pressures and the need to prioritise core academic services. The decision affects staff delivering evening language courses to the public as well as supplementary language options for undergraduate students.

According to the university, these offerings did not generate a financial surplus, prompting a review of resource allocation. The cuts are part of broader cost-saving measures aimed at stabilising the institution’s financial position.

The affected staff were employed on casual contracts, which required no notice or consultation prior to termination. This has sparked concern among some educators, particularly those who had relied on the work for income stability.

The move has drawn criticism from members of the University and College Union and the wider community, with concerns about access to British Sign Language education and the erosion of the university’s community-facing initiatives. An open letter opposing the decision has gathered hundreds of signatures.

The university stated that it may reconsider community language programmes once its financial situation improves. For now, it is focusing its investment on undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences.

Blackrow Group and On Line Group Ltd (OLG) have entered a strategic partnership aimed at delivering integrated engineering solutions across the UK’s industrial heartlands. The move positions both firms to capitalise on growing public and private investment in energy and transport infrastructure, following the 2025 Spending Review.

Combining over 100 years of industry experience, the two companies generate a joint annual revenue exceeding £75 million and employ more than 600 staff. Their six-site footprint, including key locations in Grimsby, Immingham, and Leicester, offers more than 250,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

The partnership offers a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing design, engineering, fabrication, installation, and mechanical services. Blackrow will lead on mechanical and installation services, while OLG will handle design and project management, creating a unified delivery model from concept to completion.

Workforce development is a priority for the alliance, with over 50 apprentices in training across six disciplines. Both firms are working towards ISO 44001 certification to formalise a collaborative approach centred on client value.

Sustainability is also a core focus. Blackrow contributes to the renewables sector through the fabrication of components for wind, solar, and biofuel infrastructure. The partnership is aligned with government-backed industrial decarbonisation initiatives in the Humber region, including hydrogen, carbon captur,e and clean energy projects.

The alliance reinforces the UK’s industrial supply chain at a time when scale, specialisation, and collaboration are increasingly essential for delivering national infrastructure.