Foresight makes further investment into Loughborough University spin-out Zayndu
Foresight Group, a regional private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has made a further £1m investment into Zayndu, as part of a £1.5m funding round alongside Growthdeck and EIS investors.
Zayndu is a Loughborough University spin-out that has developed an innovative seed priming technology aimed at boosting crop yields. The technology is already being used globally to treat seeds across the value chain, from seed producers to indoor growers.
Since Foresight’s initial investment into Zayndu in 2023, the company has introduced its initial products to market, expanded its range and is accumulating customer data evidencing the increasing plant yields from the technology.
The senior management team has been bolstered with several new hires bringing extensive industry expertise. The follow-on investment will allow the company to accelerate commercialisation of the technology, increase recurring revenue and position the business for further growth.
Ralph Weir, CEO of Zayndu, said: “Zayndu is moving forward at pace, delivering systems which simultaneously remove chemicals from agriculture and boost crop yields.
“With Foresight we feel we have found an investor who shares our passion for the environment while also understanding the challenges of building a high-growth technology startup. These funds will be instrumental as we continue our growth journey.”
Line Kristine Gauteplass, investment manager at Foresight Group, added: “We are delighted to continue to support Zayndu on its growth journey. The Company has been through exciting change since initial investment and is well positioned for scale.
“Zayndu’s innovative technology is unique in its ability to boost plant health, and we look forward to seeing the impact it has with its growing customer base.”
Motorpoint revs up profits
Motorpoint Group, the Derby-based vehicle retailer, has returned to profitability. It comes as the business looks to accelerate its strategic growth plans.
According to results for the year ended 31 March 2025 (FY25), the firm posted a pre-tax profit of £4.1m, recovering from a £10.4m loss in the year prior. Motorpoint noted that the return to profit was driven by strong growth in retail volumes of 13.9%, with 59.9k retail vehicles sold.
Revenue, meanwhile, grew to £1.17bn, from £1.09bn.
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint Group PLC, said: “I am extremely pleased with our performance in FY25. Motorpoint has experienced several years of considerable economic headwinds that have hampered our industry. We responded in FY24 with our Brilliant Basics programme which rightsized the business and improved margin performance.
“This successfully laid the foundations for growth and in FY25 resulted in double digit year on year volume growth, significant gains in market share, faster stock turn, and a welcome return to profitability. I am also delighted that our customer NPS improved through the year, reaching record levels in the final quarter, and that we have been recognised as one of the Sunday Times’ best big places to work.
“Recent falls in interest rates are welcome, although they remain relatively high, and supply continues to slowly improve, with more bulk deals available of newer stock. We remain cautious while conditions for the consumer remain uncertain but are well placed to continue to grow profitably and outperform the market.
“This will allow us to continue to invest in our strategic objectives, and accelerate activity over time as conditions allow, in addition to returning excess capital to shareholders.”
EMT Healthcare moves manufacturing in-house with Gwalia partnership
EMT Healthcare has announced a strategic shift to in-house production of its dispensing bottles, acquiring the plant and machinery previously used by Krystals, the manufacturer of RoundEx and GlassEx bottles. The company has partnered with Gwalia Healthcare, a Wales-based manufacturer of polymer-based pharmaceutical and medical-grade products, to ensure uninterrupted supply to UK pharmacies.
This marks EMT’s first direct move into manufacturing, enabling the firm to retain quality control and continuity across its dispensing product range. The partnership leverages Gwalia’s sector expertise and long-standing presence in pharmaceutical packaging, dating back to 1976.
The new setup will produce pre-capped dispensing bottles, with both companies maintaining existing certifications and compliance standards. The move is positioned as part of EMT’s long-term strategy to grow through vertical integration and strengthen its value proposition in the healthcare supply chain.
Health and safety consultancy appoints new director
A growing health and safety consultancy has appointed a new director.
Acorn Safety Services, based in Northampton, has promoted its operations manager, Zeynep Guzelkasap, to the role of operations director.
Zeynep joined Acorn Safety Services in January 2023 as business manager, bringing with her a construction management degree and 12 years of experience in construction, asbestos and health and safety. After a year, she was promoted to operations manager.
During her time at Acorn Safety Services, Zeynep has been instrumental in shaping the future of the company and scaling up its operations. Since 2023, the company has doubled its team, outgrowing two offices, and won contracts with major brands and retailers.
The appointment comes just as Acorn Safety Services is moving offices again to create some much-needed space for its growing team, which now stands at 14 people.
The new 5,400 sq ft building – which is twice the size of the company’s last office – is still situated on Northampton’s Moulton Park Industrial Estate.
Zeynep said of her promotion: “I am really proud of the team we have built over the last two years and the growth we have experienced. We are now working with some big brand businesses across a wide variety of sectors, helping them to remain compliant with regards to legionella, fire, and health and safety.
“Having previously experienced discrimination at university and in the workplace, I am also proud of past me. Being a woman in construction and health and safety, there are many times I could have given up and switched career paths, but I am passionate about what I do and am so thankful to have found a company that believes in me and supports women and mothers and encourages them to reach their full potential.
“This appointment coming just as we start a new chapter in a larger office is very timely. I’m hugely excited for the future.”
Fellow director, Neil Munro, added: “Zeynep has really earned this directorship. Through sheer hard work and drive, Zeynep has helped us to scale up our operations, expand our team, develop innovative solutions to help customers to stay compliant, and win awards and contracts. We look forward to seeing where we can take Acorn Safety Services with Zeynep on the board of directors.”
British Business Bank expands financial reach to support growth
The British Business Bank’s financial capacity is being raised to £25.6 billion, allowing it to scale up investments to approximately £2.5 billion annually. The expansion aims to unlock significant private capital and support high-growth, innovation-driven UK firms, particularly those in the life sciences, deep tech, and venture capital sectors.
The move follows confirmation of governance and financial reforms to the Bank, as outlined in the latest government Spending Review. These changes are expected to be implemented by the end of the current financial year.
The Bank has already backed 22 of the UK’s current unicorns through its equity programmes, representing over half of all such firms in the country. With its expanded mandate, the institution is expected to play a pivotal role in delivering the government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy and broader ambitions for regional growth and scale-up funding.
New grid plan aims to double East Midlands power capacity
National Grid has unveiled early-stage plans for a major infrastructure upgrade to expand electricity transmission capacity between Weston Marsh in Lincolnshire and East Leicestershire. The initiative is part of The Great Grid Upgrade, a national programme designed to modernise the UK’s energy infrastructure and support the country’s transition to low-carbon power.
The proposals include approximately 60 km of new high-voltage overhead lines and the construction of two new substations, one near Corby Glen and another near Wartnaby. Additionally, approximately 55 km of existing overhead lines from East Leicestershire to Grendon in Northamptonshire would be upgraded.
This expansion is intended to meet a forecasted doubling of electricity demand by 2050, allowing more home-grown energy generated along the East Coast to be distributed throughout the Midlands and southern regions. National Grid says this will help reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports and protect consumers from volatile global energy markets.
An eight-week public consultation opened on 11 June and runs until 6 August. Feedback is being sought on the proposed route, substation sites, and community benefits. A mix of in-person events, webinars, and local information points across Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire is available to support stakeholder engagement.
Spending Review: East Midlands businesses react
Following the Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spending Review – which included announcements of £2bn into AI and £1.2bn into apprenticeships and training, increased investment in housing, nuclear power, the NHS and Defence, and backing for the Midlands Rail Hub – East Midlands businesses and leaders have reacted.
East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight, Richard Blackmore said: “The starting position is that all investment is welcome. However, in what’s been a tough period for businesses, investment in defence, new homes and infrastructure is welcome but it’s essential that spending has been properly costed, so there’s no risk of additional cost burdens for business.
“With businesses still absorbing the announcements of the last Budget – which has meant higher staffing bills from things like raised National Insurance contributions and a higher national living wage – any additional cost would be painful.
“Rolls-Royce getting backing to build Small Modular Reactors is good news for Derby’s economy, for job creation in the region and for the wider supply chain, as is investment into nuclear fusion in Nottinghamshire.
“For businesses looking to recruit, news of investment in apprenticeships and training is encouraging, especially when businesses are finding it so hard to recruit. Nearly 7 out of 10 East Midlands firms told us in our Quarterly Economic Survey that they’ve struggled to fill positions.”
With Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcing she is providing funding for the Midlands Rail Hub, Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect, said: “This marks a major milestone in this transformational, nationally significant project. The Midlands Rail Hub is our flagship scheme, and it is the result of years of collaboration and determination by cross-party leaders from all corners of the Midlands.
“It will deliver a step change for passengers, for communities and ultimately for Government’s central mission of economic growth. In this region, we need improved transport connections, and Midlands Rail Hub will help make that happen.
“The project will create new jobs, improve access to opportunities and boost growth. It will also provide tailored apprenticeship schemes, as well as boosting much-needed house building. We will continue to work with our mayors, leaders and MPs across the region to progress the work on Midlands Rail Hub.”
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “It’s been a massive week for the region and bringing in more money to invest locally. After many calls and meetings with the Government, I have secured £2bn for transport to get the region moving.
There’s also £2.5bn to convert West Burton Power Station into one of the world’s first fusion power plants, creating thousands of skilled jobs. A huge vote of confidence in Rolls Royce, who have been selected to develop small modular reactors, again securing more skilled jobs in our region.
“The increase in our defence spending will benefit our local world-leading businesses in manufacturing and engineering, and the smaller traders that supply to them.
“On top of that, the largest injection of cash into the NHS will help bring down local waiting lists, along with a boost for housing and schools in the spending review.
“Our region rightly got a special mention in the Chancellors speech because Government only invest if you’re a safe bet and can be trusted to deliver. This shows what we are made of and where we’re going. The East Midlands is the best bet in Britain today.”
On defence and security, Tom Saunderson, corporate partner at the law firm Browne Jacobson, said: “Raising defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027 is a clear signal of intent – but it’s only the start. In order to meet the aspirations of the Strategic Defence Review and build a truly resilient defence industrial base, government must go further: unlock private capital, follow through on procurement reform, and create the conditions for long term investment.”
Polly Dhaliwal, COO of Enterprise Nation, said: “The Spending Review is a very clear indication of the government’s key priorities, so to see a £2bn commitment to boost AI skills and a £1.2bn boost to apprenticeships and training is excellent to see.
“The path to widespread digital adoption and AI use remains critical to our economy if our nation is to remain resilient and compete in a complex global marketplace.
“Small businesses need access to a high-aspiration national programme of support to equip SMEs with AI tools, skills and guidelines to boost confidence and productivity, such as Google’s AI Works. It demonstrates the power and expertise that working with private sector can offer in upskilling the nation’s SME community in the digital space, whilst delivering savings to the tax payer.
“Extra support for exporting is good to see – but it must not come at the expense of supporting small businesses to succeed at home.
“Enterprise Nation believes that a thriving SME sector not only fuels economic growth but also creates more prosperous and resilient communities. The success of small businesses is woven into the fabric of our society, and it is our duty to support them in every way possible.
“That’s why we also welcome the Chancellor’s new Trailblazer Neighbourhoods project which offers a boost to deprived high streets and communities – but we’d like to see this rolled out more widely.
“We’re pleased to see increases to the British Business Bank budgets – but we also note a chunky decrease in day-to-day spending for the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). We hope this won’t mean a decrease in support for small businesses at the time when they need it the most. Understanding more about the impact of these cuts will hopefully be clarified when the Industrial Strategy and the Small Business Strategy are published later this year.”
David Morris, central region market lead, PwC, said: “The Chancellor’s announcements today underscore the critical shift towards empowering regions with more control and decision-making tailored to local needs, executed by local leaders. Notably, the research and development package, which includes up to £500 million for regions across the UK, will significantly bolster the robust manufacturing sector and ‘innovation cluster’ in the Midlands. This funding will facilitate ongoing development, upskilling, and rapid scaling of operations.
“The infrastructure updates, particularly the advancements in the Midlands Rail Hub, promise to enhance connectivity from Birmingham throughout the West Midlands and beyond. This is encouraging news, as it will further fuel regional growth. To fully realise these benefits, a sustained emphasis on equipping our young people with the right skills is essential – the announced additional investment in training and upskilling is vital in achieving this goal.”
David Watson, principal consultant at energy consultancy BFY Group, said: “Rachel Reeves has just delivered her first Spending Review as Chancellor, announcing £30bn for the UK’s largest deployment of nuclear infrastructure in 50 years. This, alongside the backing of GB Energy, and carbon capture projects in Merseyside and Teesside, represent a key step to achieving the government’s energy and climate commitments. It’s also been confirmed that the £13.2 billion fund for the Warm Homes Plan hasn’t been cut.
“While increasing pressures on defence and public services could have signalled a risk of short-term trade-offs, we’re glad to see the government back investment in the transition to clean energy. Striking the right balance between short-term budget constraints and long-term benefits, like future-proof jobs, lower energy bills and reduced emissions, has never been more crucial.
“The real challenge now is delivery – turning ambition into impact through clear timelines, private investment, and local action. The government’s announcement today will focus minds on the question of how quickly the UK can now accelerate towards delivering a net zero.”
Andrew Redfern, CEO, Framework, said: “We welcome the additional investment in social and affordable housing, which should increase the range of options for those who are ready to move on from supported housing. However, the spending review has ignored the crisis in supported housing itself, which is very disappointing. So is the lack of resourcing for prevention work. It seems the government’s intention is to continue trying to regulate supported housing out of existence, rather than choosing to fund it properly.
“In this context the proposed de-criminalisation of rough sleeping is a distraction. Whilst it is obviously absurd to arrest someone for being homeless, what’s really needed is a national strategy, with accompanying resources, to get people off the streets and into accommodation with the support they need. We will continue to make the case for this; in the meantime, as more services close we expect to see ever higher levels of homelessness, both visible and hidden, with all its adverse consequences.”
Gabor Taller, partner and co-head of social housing, Browne Jacobson, said: “A new £39bn 10-year Affordable Homes Programme is being described as ‘transformative’ and a ‘watershed moment’ by the housing sector, providing a potentially once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost the provision of social housing in England.
“Coupled with the 10-year rent settlement, a pledge to consult on how social rent convergence can be implemented and giving housing associations equal access to building safety funding, this package of measures provides housing associations – and their partners – with the certainty they have been severely lacking in recent years.
“Details are still to come on aspects such as the types of homes to be prioritised, the ratio between social rented and shared ownership, the role of modern methods of construction and the involvement of SME developers – while there’s also plenty of work to do in practically closing construction skills gaps despite separate funding pledges.
“The government’s manifesto said it would deliver the biggest increase in supply of social and affordable homes in a generation – and these announcements signal a transition from policy to practice.”
UK economy contracts after better than expected first quarter
After seeing better growth than expected in the first quarter of 2025, the UK economy has shrunk.
According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in April, following growth of 0.2% in March.
It reflects, across key sectors, services output dipping by 0.4%, production output falling by 0.6%, and construction output conversely growing by 0.9%.
Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist, CBI, said: “After bumper growth at the start of the year, the economy has started off the second quarter on a disappointing note. Weaker momentum is more in line with the picture painted by our own business surveys.
“The sunniest April on record clearly boosted retail sales, but this wasn’t enough to offset drags on activity elsewhere, including some payback from sectors that saw strong growth in March. In addition, the onset of the US’ “Liberation Day” tariffs; the ensuing volatility in financial markets; and the ramp up in uncertainty may have taken the edge off activity for some businesses.
“The latest data means that, at best, we’re heading for near-stagnation over the second quarter. While we expect some pick-up in growth momentum further ahead, an environment of high uncertainty and cost pressures is still proving a significant headwind to activity.
“Looking ahead, while we expect some growth momentum to be sustained, an environment of high uncertainty and cost pressures is proving a significant headwind to activity. Yesterday’s Spending Review rightly chose to prioritise investment in clean energy and R&D, as well as delivering a much-needed boost to housing, transport, and infrastructure.
“But businesses are labouring under the cumulative burden of rises in NICs and the National Living Wage. With the Autumn Budget now coming sharply into focus, the Chancellor should prioritise squashing tax rumours and speculation that risks stymieing confidence and hitting investment plans further.”
Sustainability consultant named Bronze Peak Partner in support of Peak District National Park
A Nottinghamshire-based sustainability consultant has been named a Bronze Peak Partner by the Peak District National Park Foundation, recognising her commitment to protecting and promoting the natural landscape that has inspired her since childhood.
Sophie Wragg, founder of Be Your Best Version, works with businesses across the region to help them reduce their environmental impact. Her new role as a Bronze Peak Partner will see her supporting vital conservation projects across the national park, including habitat restoration, improving access to nature, and the protection of carbon-rich peat bogs.
“I’ve lived on the doorstep of the Peak District my whole life,” said Sophie. “It’s where I went on day trips with my parents, and it’s where I took my own children. I’ve also worked with so many businesses in and around the Peaks over the past year, so this felt like a really natural way to give something back.”
The Peak District National Park Foundation launched the Peak Partners scheme to bring together like-minded businesses and organisations that want to help care for the national park. Funds raised through the programme support a wide range of environmental and heritage projects, from planting wildflowers and creating wildlife corridors to preserving historic landscapes.
For Sophie, the chance to champion one particular cause – peatland restoration – was especially important.
“Peat bogs are often overlooked in favour of more ‘Instagram-friendly’ tree-planting schemes,” she said. “But they’re actually one of the most powerful carbon sinks we have. When they’re healthy, they store huge amounts of carbon, and they help protect biodiversity, too. I think they’re beautiful in their own way – and a big part of what makes the Peak District landscape so special.”
Businesses that apply to become Peak Partners are vetted to ensure their values and practices align with the Foundation’s goals. Sophie said being accepted as a Bronze Partner had deepened her sense of connection to the place she calls home.
“It’s made me even prouder to do what I do – helping businesses understand their impact and take action to reduce it. The Peaks have given me and so many other people so much over the years. Now I get to help protect them for the future.”
Business confidence rebounds but hiring and demand remain uneven
New data from NatWest’s May Regional Growth Tracker points to a modest resurgence in business confidence across the UK, with firms reporting more optimistic outlooks and slight improvements in activity levels. Half of the 12 monitored regions reported growth in output, while sentiment about future activity rose in all areas. The North West and London saw the largest monthly increases in expectations, with the West Midlands remaining the most optimistic overall.
However, the recovery remains patchy. Wales posted the fastest growth in business activity during May, while London recorded its weakest performance in two and a half years. Inflows of new business rose only in Wales and stabilised in the East of England, with all other regions seeing a drop, led by a sharper decline in the East Midlands.
Employment figures were generally down, with Scotland being the only region to report a slight increase in headcount after six months of stagnation. The North West continued to cut jobs for the eighth straight month, though the pace slowed.
Order backlogs fell across the board for the third consecutive month, with the North West experiencing the most significant drop in outstanding work. Scotland saw the mildest decline.
Pricing trends moderated slightly, with the rate of increase in average prices charged slowing in every region compared to April. Wales recorded the biggest fall in output price inflation, while Northern Ireland and the West Midlands saw the highest ongoing pressure.
Input costs rose at a softer pace than the previous month but remained above historical norms. The South West and East of England faced the steepest increases, while Scotland saw the most subdued rise. Businesses continue to raise prices to manage persistent cost pressures, including rising labour expenses following April’s national insurance changes.
