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.”

PuK Gaming, a precision-engineered mobile gaming accessories firm, has welcomed influential gaming content creator Alastair “Ali-A” Aiken as a co-owner and strategic partner. It marks a major milestone in PuK’s mission to transform the mobile gaming landscape.

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 and poultry supplier Noble Foods has acquired Leicestershire firm Just Egg from Pankaj Pancholi and his family. Over the past 20 years, Just Egg has become a valued name in the egg industry, manufacturing hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs and egg mayonnaise. This acquisition supports Noble Foods’ long-term strategy to grow and diversify. Pankaj Pancholi, founder of Just Egg, said: “This business has been my life’s work, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved. As I step back, I do so with confidence knowing Just Egg is joining Noble Foods – a company that shares our values and passion for quality. I know the business is in capable hands for the future.” Duncan Everett, CEO, Noble Foods, said: “We feel honoured to be taking forward the Just Egg legacy. The business Pankaj and his team have built is one we deeply respect, and we’re committed to preserving the quality, service and care their customers value so highly.”

Businesses across the Midlands are showing resilience and optimism, with the vast majority reporting strong performance and a positive outlook for the future, according to new insights from Barclays UK Corporate Bank. More than four in five (83%) businesses in the Midlands have seen revenue growth compared to the same quarter last year, underlining the region’s economic momentum. Confidence is equally robust, with 81% of firms expressing optimism about their prospects over the next five years – more than five times the number who feel uncertain (15%). Trade remains a key driver of this confidence. Two in five (43%) Midlands businesses believe the current ease of importing and exporting will positively influence their long-term growth. Notably, businesses in the West Midlands are significantly more likely to see this as “extremely positive” (15%) compared to just 5% in the East Midlands and 9% across the wider UK. However, global trade tensions are not without impact. A substantial 77% of Midlands firms express concern over US tariffs and broader trade uncertainty – with this unease more common in West Midlands businesses (81%) than those in the East Midlands (72%). Nearly half of companies across the region (47%) are already planning changes to their operations or supply chains in the US in response to the tariffs. Despite these challenges, many businesses are finding opportunity in adversity. A notable proportion expect US tariffs to positively affect their profits (36%), supply chain stability (34%) and competitive positioning (29%) – with West Midlands businesses more positive on this issue across every metric examined, than those in the East Midlands. In fact, more than a quarter of Midlands companies (28%) see the tariffs as likely to improve their overall business prospects. Beyond tariffs, the top issues currently facing Midlands businesses include economic uncertainty (39%), rising operational costs (38%), market competition (32%), and cybersecurity threats (31%). East Midlands businesses are particularly impacted by operational costs (46%), compared to their peers in the West Midlands (31%). Barclays revealed this data and insight as part of their inaugural ‘Building Confidence in the Midlands’ event, held at the bank’s regional headquarters in Snow Hill. This event offered clients in the area an opportunity to discuss trade, business prosperity and opportunities for Midlands-based businesses to grow – as well as to hear insights from both the Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP and senior leaders at the bank. Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair Business and Trade Committee, said: “As a former entrepreneur, I know that growing a business is never easy – especially when global trade headwinds are blowing strong. So, these figures are a remarkable testament to the resilience, ingenuity and ambition of Midlands firms. “But we can’t take this success for granted. As Chair of Parliament’s Business and Trade Committee, I’m leading an inquiry into how we can better back our small businesses – especially in the face of growing global risks. If we get this right, we won’t just unlock growth. We’ll unleash a new era of Midlands-made prosperity.” David Farrow, Head of Barclays UK Corporate and Payments Coverage, said: “These findings paint a picture of a region that is not only weathering global challenges but actively adapting and thriving. “The Midlands continues to be a powerhouse of UK enterprise, driven by innovation, trade, and a confident outlook for the future. We look forward to working with all of our clients across the region to support them as they navigate and succeed in this dynamic landscape.”