Huxloe Group, a third-party logistics provider from Kettering, has teamed up with Shipster, a provider of advanced shipping integration software, to create a smarter parcel management system tailored for eCommerce retailers. This new collaboration integrates Shipster’s sophisticated shipping rules engine with Huxloe’s delivery and multi-carrier management systems, providing a comprehensive solution for retailers seeking to enhance their logistics operations.

Retailers using Shipster’s platform can now access Huxloe’s expansive network of fulfilment and carrier management services, while maintaining the flexibility of Shipster’s customisable shipping rules.

Huxloe handles over 50 million parcels annually for major clients, including eBay and Amazon, and the partnership enhances its offering with greater shipping customisation for complex needs.

This alliance also gives retailers access to a broader range of couriers, including Evri, Yodel, Royal Mail, and FedEx, without being tied to a single provider. As the delivery sector evolves, the collaboration ensures that retailers can remain responsive to market shifts and optimise their logistics operations.

East Midlands business leaders are channelling their inner Doc Brown – and they’ve got a message for their past selves: “Great Scott! Train your team!” In a nod to Back to the Future’s 40^th birthday, Lloyds’ Business Barometer shows nearly half (45%) of East Midlands bosses would go back in time to boost skills in their workforce. A similar proportion would invest more in marketing or communications (47%), while two in five (40%) would launch new products or services. Look ahead to the future and the skills race is still on. Nearly half (47%) say upskilling is key to growth, with skills relating to sustainability (62%), AI (51%), cybersecurity (48%) and leadership (45%) top of their priority lists. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands, said: “Across the East Midlands, businesses are taking cues from past experience as they plan ahead and prioritise the skills that will help them grow. “Alongside know-how in areas like sustainability or AI, leadership skills are seen as a vital ingredient to long-term success – something that will help companies not only achieve their ambitions, but also build even stronger resilience.”

Agilio Software, a Sheffield-based provider of healthcare software solutions, has acquired Blue Stream Academy, a Derbyshire healthcare e-learning solutions firm. This strategic acquisition brings together two well-recognised providers in Primary Care to create a comprehensive and complementary healthcare learning platform. The combined platform will integrate content from Blue Stream Academy, which covers the wider healthcare practice team, with Agilio’s GP-aligned courses. The acquisition significantly expands Agilio’s sector reach, taking the company into new healthcare sectors including Social Care, Urgent Care, and Hospice & Palliative Care. “We are excited to join forces with Agilio Software,” said Casey Braddock, Blue Stream Academy CEO. “Our combined expertise and resources will enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers, providing them a broader range of content and access to Agilio’s platform of market-leading HR tools.” Ben Betts, CEO of Agilio Software, added: “We are delighted to welcome Blue Stream Academy and all their customers to the Agilio family. “This acquisition aligns with our vision of providing comprehensive and innovative healthcare learning solutions as part of making our frontline healthcare services operationally excellent. Together, we will continue to support and empower healthcare professionals with the best tools and resources available.”

Midlands mid-sized businesses are optimistic about plans to export overseas in the next year, despite recent turmoil in global trade and tough economic challenges. This is according to the latest research from accounting and business advisory firm, BDO. BDO’s survey of over 500 mid-sized businesses reveals that more than a third (35%) of regional companies are confident about their growth prospects over the next 12 months. Expansion plans also include opening new premises, recruiting new staff and investing in new technologies and R&D. Midlands businesses see exports as an important part of their growth strategy over the next year – with nearly two in five (39%) citing strong or growing demand as their main motivation. More than half (51%) said favourable trade agreements or government support in receiving markets makes them more attractive. Asked which regions would be the most appealing, 41% said Eastern Europe and Central Asia as businesses work to forge new trade corridors amid ongoing negotiations between the UK and other territories. Similarly, more than a third (34%) were most interested in Asia-Pacific. For nearly one in three (30%), the opportunity to diversify away from dependence on other markets, such as the European Union, was a deciding factor. As the Government continues to discuss favourable terms on trade with the United States, North America ranked as the most attractive export region for more than a third (35%). Despite optimism amongst Midlands businesses, major challenges could still stifle growth prospects. Nearly two thirds (60%) consider the combination of overseas trade complications and supply chain pressures, including changing tariffs and delays or shortages in distribution networks, as a top challenge. This follows continued uncertainty around trade tariffs for the US market. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “These findings show the resilience of the Midlands mid-market in the face of significant challenges and their potential to be a major international force for UK economic growth. “Mid-sized businesses in the region generate significant revenues and support hundreds of thousands of private sector jobs. Frictionless trade is crucial to help these companies power the UK economy forward. “Although the Trade Strategy published last week is welcome, targeted support for mid-sized businesses – whether that’s new hubs to support them to export or trade deals enabling their access to international markets – must build on this and create the right conditions to help them deliver their plans for growth and thrive.”