The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has uncovered the UK’s first illegal manufacturing site for weight loss medicines following a raid in Northampton.

Officers from the agency’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, supported by Northamptonshire Police, seized thousands of unlicensed injection pens and raw materials used to make drugs containing retatrutide and tirzepatide. Tens of thousands of empty pens and packaging were also recovered, alongside around £20,000 in cash.

The raid, which took place on an industrial estate, marked the largest single seizure of illicit weight loss medicines by any enforcement body worldwide. The value of the finished products was estimated at more than £250,000.

The facility was set up for large-scale production, packaging, and distribution of unlicensed medicines designed to mimic legitimate weight loss treatments. These products were intended for sale to UK and overseas buyers through unregulated online channels.

The two-day operation is part of the MHRA’s wider crackdown on illegal medicines. Officials said the site’s closure prevented tens of thousands of potentially unsafe products from entering the market and disrupting legitimate pharmaceutical supply chains.

Businesses operating in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors are being reminded to ensure full compliance with licensing and safety regulations and to report any suspected illegal activity through MHRA’s reporting channels.

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has renewed and expanded its partnership with Leicester Business Voice (LBV) to strengthen support for the city’s business community.

The agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between the two organisations. It will see DMU’s Business Services team work closely with LBV to design joint events, share market insights, and connect local firms with the university’s research expertise and graduate talent.

Sue Tilley, Chair of LBV, said: “LBV understands the critical support that our local universities provide to the local business community, through access to research, technology and facilities; student and graduate talent; bespoke training and CPD; and collaborative projects like Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).

“By strengthening our relationship with De Montfort University through this new agreement, we will be working collaboratively to create business-focused events for members, share intelligence and insights, and identify joint opportunities for LBV members.”

The partnership aims to help companies across Leicester and Leicestershire navigate challenges such as digital transformation, workforce development, and regional economic change. It will include joint projects and events developed through the Universities Partnership of Leicester, Loughborough, and DMU—an initiative that engages employers on strategic issues from skills shortages to sustainability.

By aligning LBV’s business network with DMU’s research and innovation resources, the collaboration seeks to create new opportunities for knowledge exchange and business growth. The university will also continue to work with LBV’s board and ambassadors to ensure business priorities are represented at the regional and national levels.

The partnership reaffirms DMU’s role as a key driver of local enterprise engagement, offering companies direct access to research, facilities, and innovation support through DMU Business Services.

Punch Pubs Group recorded a rise in both revenue and earnings for the year ending 10 August 2025, supported by acquisitions and site investments across its UK estate.

The operator, which runs 1,266 pubs nationwide, posted turnover of £337.9 million, an increase from £323.5 million the previous year. EBITDA climbed to £95.8 million from £88.6 million. The company attributed the performance to recent purchases of individual pubs and small portfolios, as well as the continued growth of its converted pub partnerships.

During the 52 weeks, Punch Pubs invested £20 million to acquire 35 additional pubs and a further £40 million in capital projects for expansion and upkeep. Despite these investments, the group reported a pre-tax loss of £22.8 million compared with a £600,000 profit the year before.

The business noted that the first eight weeks of the new financial year to 5 October 2025 have shown strong trading, with EBITDA exceeding the same period in 2024. The company’s acquisition-driven model and reinvestment strategy indicate ongoing confidence in the long-term performance of the managed pub sector.

Etihad Cargo has launched twice-weekly freighter flights between Abu Dhabi and East Midlands Airport, marking a new connection between the UAE and the UK’s main express freight hub.

The carrier, which operates a fleet of Boeing 777 freighters capable of moving more than one million tonnes of cargo annually, is expanding its network from its base at Zayed International Airport. Established in 2004, Etihad Cargo provides both charter and scheduled freight services worldwide.

The airport’s newly appointed Commercial Director, Adam Andrews, said: “I’m pleased that Etihad Cargo has announced regular flights to East Midlands Airport – our strategic central location and ease of operation make us a great choice for quick access to all parts of the UK.

“This new operator is a further positive sign of East Midlands Airport’s success as the number one UK airport for express cargo, with the capacity and capability to grow.”

The addition of Etihad strengthens East Midlands Airport’s position as a key UK logistics gateway. The airport recorded a 17.4% increase in cargo volumes between May and July compared with the previous year and continues to attract international operators. Recent entrants include Central Airlines, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo and Atlas Air, all running routes that link Asia and the Middle East with the UK. British carrier One Air also relocated its operations from Heathrow to East Midlands, expanding its fleet with additional Boeing 777 aircraft.

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer of Etihad Airways, added: “Introducing a new freighter service to East Midlands Airport is an important step for Etihad Cargo as we continue to expand our global footprint.

“As the UK’s major hub for airfreight and cargo operations with direct access to key distribution networks for both domestic and European deliveries, this route allows for fast turnaround times and efficient customs handling. Above all, it empowers the people and businesses behind each shipment, helping them build connections that go beyond borders.”

To accommodate rising demand, the airport has expanded parking areas and stands for cargo aircraft, while FedEx and Swissport have upgraded on-site facilities. Plans are also under way for four new cargo developments next to the runway, supporting projected growth of more than 50% over the next two decades.

UK employers could unlock more than £500bn in productivity by using artificial intelligence to overhaul recruitment, a new LinkedIn analysis suggests.

The findings point to growing corporate interest in automating the most time-consuming parts of hiring, such as screening CVs, drafting job adverts, and sourcing candidates. AI platforms are already being deployed to speed up these stages, allowing recruitment teams to focus on strategic workforce planning and candidate engagement.

Adoption, however, remains uneven. Most UK recruiters report limited AI training despite expectations from leadership teams to build future-ready workforces. Regional differences also persist, with most AI-related vacancies and skill development concentrated in London. Outside the capital, progress has been slower, reflecting broader disparities in digital investment and infrastructure.

Separate studies highlight both the promise and the pitfalls of automation. Research by the Alan Turing Institute and the Institute for Ethical AI has shown that hiring algorithms can mirror existing workplace biases, while HR surveys reveal widespread concern that automated processes weaken the human connection during hiring.

Data from other consultancies reinforce the mixed picture. EY’s latest analysis finds that demand for AI expertise is rising across financial services boards, though few firms have the governance to manage the ethical and operational risks it entails. Meanwhile, surveys indicate that while automation has accelerated candidate screening, high early-stage turnover remains common, suggesting that efficiency alone does not guarantee better recruitment outcomes.

Browne Jacobson has advised Norway-based Milient Software AS, backed by private equity investor Monterro, on its acquisition of UK software provider Cubic Interactive Limited, trading as Rapport3. The move strengthens Milient’s foothold in the UK project management software market and forms part of its wider European expansion strategy.

Milient develops digital management platforms for architects, engineers, and other professional service firms. Rapport3 delivers a project and resource management system tailored to similar users, making it a strong strategic fit for Milient’s growing portfolio.

Browne Jacobson’s private equity team, led by Partner Gareth Davies and supported by Principal Associate Matthew Dorman and Associate Jonathan Bradley, provided legal advice on the transaction, with additional input from the firm’s tax and employment specialists.

Gareth Davies, Partner at Browne Jacobson, commented: “Supporting Milient Software and Monterro for the second time on their UK expansion underscores a broader market trend: the growing confidence of overseas investors in UK tech. This transaction is a powerful signal that international capital continues to back the UK’s world-class technology sector. It has been a pleasure to work with the team again and see their continued growth into the UK market. Our wider Private Equity practice is acting on an increasing number of international deals year on year, and this transaction is another example of our leading position in the mid-market space.”

Simon Nystrom, Investment Manager at Monterro, added: “We’ve been impressed by the quality and innovation within the British software sector, and Rapport3’s expertise and client base make this a highly strategic addition to our business. Browne Jacobson’s deep understanding of cross-border transactions and the UK market has been invaluable. This is our second deal together, and their commercial approach and technical excellence made the process seamless.”

The acquisition reflects continued investor confidence in UK software firms and highlights the growing interest of international funds in supporting the country’s expanding technology landscape.

Vaillant Group UK’s manufacturing facility in Derby welcomed a royal visit to mark its growing role in the UK’s low-carbon heating sector. The 12,200-square-metre plant, located near the company’s Belper headquarters, produces uniSTOR high-recovery hot water cylinders designed for both traditional and low-temperature heating systems.

The visit included a guided tour of the factory and an overview of the company’s production process for its cylinder range. Apprentices specialising in welding and engineering were among those who met guests, highlighting Vaillant’s investment in developing technical skills to support the transition to cleaner heating technologies.

Henrik Hansen, Managing Director of Vaillant Group UK and Ireland, said:

“It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to our manufacturing site. She was able to view the innovating manufacturing process we have developed to support the growth of low carbon home heating systems. We are very proud of the contribution we are making to help customers transition to cleaner energy use through our technology and manufacturing excellence based in the East Midlands.”

Local and regional leaders attended the event, including representatives from Derby City Council, the Lord-Lieutenant’s office, and business and community partners such as Derby Museums, Derby College, and Marketing Derby.

The Derby plant, opened as part of Vaillant’s 150th anniversary celebrations, forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to expand its UK manufacturing capabilities. The facility has increased local employment and created apprenticeship opportunities, strengthening the East Midlands’ contribution to the low-carbon economy.