Supply chain innovator Li & Fung has made its first acquisition in over a decade, acquiring Orrsum, a Nottingham-based hosiery, underwear, and loungewear business.
Founded in 1998, Orrsum delivers over 50 million pairs of socks annually to more than 5,000 retail doors worldwide. “This acquisition marks a significant step in accelerating our growth strategy,” said Destan Bezmen, president of LF Europe. “By combining Orrsum’s category leadership and product development capabilities with Li & Fung’s digital infrastructure and global reach, we are scaling high-demand categories, broadening our customer offering, and driving faster, more flexible execution across markets.” “Joining the Li & Fung family is a milestone for Orrsum,” said William Orr, CEO of Orrsum. “With access to their global platform and advanced technology, we can expand our footprint, enhance service levels, and unlock new growth opportunities for our customers and partners.” Orrsum will operate as part of LF Europe and continue to be led by William Orr. The business will leverage Li & Fung’s AI-enabled digital infrastructure and sourcing network across 40 economies to strengthen supply chain agility, improve speed-to-market, and expand into new geographies and channels.Jobs secured as Chesterfield’s CBE+ sold
Van Elle unveils strategic partnership with VolkerWessels UK
Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire ground engineering contractor, has unveiled a strategic partnership with VolkerWessels UK, a multidisciplinary contractor delivering engineering and construction solutions across the rail, highways, aviation, ports, defence, energy, water, and environment sectors.
The partnership includes the acquisition of the concrete piling assets of VolkerGround Engineering.
Van Elle and the businesses within VolkerWessels UK will work together closely, with the capacity and technical expertise to deliver solutions across major investment programmes in the water, energy, defence, industrial and rail sectors.
Van Elle chief executive, Mark Cutler said: “We have a long trading relationship with VolkerWessels UK and this agreement brings us closer together as strategic partners, providing mutual benefits to both parties.”
Strategy approved to unlock investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in the East Midlands
Stagecoach leads UK transport sector in climate engagement
Stagecoach has set a new standard in climate action within the transport sector. It is the only UK and European operator to achieve the prestigious ‘A’ grade on the CDP Supplier Engagement Assessment (SEA) for 2024, marking a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey. The achievement highlights Stagecoach’s leadership in addressing climate change through comprehensive supply chain engagement and environmental strategy.
The CDP A-List recognition was granted for the company’s robust governance practices, commitment to emissions reductions, transparent Scope 3 emissions reporting, and active engagement with its suppliers on climate issues. Stagecoach’s approach is in line with global climate goals, positioning the company as a climate leader in the road transport industry. It remains one of only two companies worldwide to receive this accolade in the sector.
Additionally, Stagecoach secured an ‘A-‘ climate disclosure rating, placing it in the top 1% of companies globally. The company also maintained a ‘B’ rating in water-related disclosures, underlining its efforts to manage water risks and safeguard natural resources across its operations.
Stagecoach’s continued dedication to sustainability is setting a high bar for climate action in the transport sector.
Vulcan Creatives opens applications for third business incubation cohort
Vulcan Creatives has launched its third cohort of the Vulcan Works business incubation programme, inviting aspiring entrepreneurs from Northamptonshire to apply. The six-month programme, designed to support individuals in developing business plans and refining their entrepreneurial skills, is open to applicants aged 18 or over who are committed to dedicating at least two days a week to business coaching and support.
Since its inception in 2024, the programme has successfully helped 20 entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into fully operational businesses. The third cohort will select 10 new participants, who will benefit from tailored mentorship, including one-on-one sessions with business growth experts, access to free coworking spaces, and opportunities to attend masterclasses and networking events.
Graduates of the programme will also gain discounted access to office, coworking, or workshop spaces at Vulcan Works for the following six months. This initiative aims to help entrepreneurs sustain the momentum gained during the programme and continue their business growth.
Applications are open until 12th September, with the third cohort set to begin in October.
Second content creator becomes co-owner in Leicester mobile gaming accessories firm
Ali-A is followed by over 20 million fans worldwide, but is bringing more than just his name to the table, investing time, expertise, and capital into PuK.
As co-owner, Ali-A will play an active role in product development, marketing strategy, and creative campaigns. He joins fellow creator iFerg, who came aboard as a co-owner and strategic investor in June.
“Their modular accessories are next-level, and I’m eager to collaborate on products that give players a real edge,” said Ali-A. “This partnership is about shaping the future of mobile gaming, and I’m all in.”
Simon Burgess, PuK Gaming co-founder and creator of the SCUF® controller, said: “Ali-A joining our growing team of mobile gaming innovators is exciting news for our team. His long-term experience within the gaming sphere is exactly what we need to push PuK to the next level and beyond.”
Egg supplier acquires Leicestershire firm
Revenue rises at Yü Group
Revenue is up at Yü Group, the independent supplier of gas and electricity, meter asset owner, and installer of smart meters to the UK SME & corporate sector.
In a trading update for the six months ended 30 June 2025, the Nottingham business highlighted continued strong organic growth in line with management expectations. The firm delivered first half revenue of approximately £341m, up 9% on the same period of the prior year and in line with group strategy of gaining market share.
Average monthly bookings, however, at £41.4m, were down 12%, reflecting the wholesale commodity market normalising.
Yü Group further noted strong meter point growth for the fifth consecutive period. The company delivered a 48% increase in meter points versus the prior year, to close at 107,000. The group added that it continues to grow volumetric consumption and leverages off the implementation of the five-year commodity hedging agreement with Shell Energy enabling continued scaling.
Yü Smart, meanwhile, delivered value and volume, with meters owned in the period up 179% on the same period in 2024, providing 200% increase in forward annualised, indexed annuity income.
Bobby Kalar, CEO, said: “I’m pleased with our continued delivery for the first 6 months providing confidence management are in-line with expectations for the year. Our forward contract book remains strong and continues to grow despite the recent drop in wholesale energy prices.
“While I’m personally disappointed investor appetite remains restrictive, prolonged cash outflows from the UK continue to severely hinder our valuation. I would like to thank all my team for their continued support and effort. We will remain focussed on our growth strategy to deliver continued shareholder value and returns.”