Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has formed a strategic retail partnership with GMG, a global retailer, distributor and manufacturer of international and home-grown brands across sport, lifestyle, health and beauty and more, as it continues its international growth plans.

GMG has a strong presence in the Gulf, North Africa and Southeast Asia, where it’s a key distributor and operator of Nike stores as well as its home-grown multi-brand sports retailer, Sun & Sand Sports, among others.

The new partnership will facilitate Frasers Group’s expansion in the Gulf and Egypt, with its retail expansion plan, targeting 50 new Sports Direct store openings across the Gulf and Egypt over the next five years. The first year of the partnership will see the introduction of five new stores in the region.

Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, said: “GMG is an unrivalled retailer in the region, operating and distributing an incredible portfolio of global brands in markets where we see real growth potential, particularly in sports and lifestyle.

“By leveraging GMG’s scale, deep retail expertise and market knowledge, our partnership will support the growth of our Sports Direct brand in the Gulf and in Egypt.”

Mohammad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG, said: “Our collaboration with Frasers Group represents not just a key milestone but a strategic expansion that underscores our commitment to redefine the sports arena across all markets in which we operate in.

“By introducing Sports Direct, a flagship brand in the industry, we are further positioning ourselves as a dominant force within the retail sports industry. At GMG, with over four decades of experience, we are committed to use our expertise in providing the best choices for quality products.

“We are uniquely positioned to integrate and scale Sports Direct’s presence successfully, bringing it closer to our consumers and crafting unparalleled sports retail experiences”

Business confidence in the East Midlands fell two points during February to 37%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. While companies in the East Midlands reported greater optimism in the economy, up five points to 30%, their confidence in their own business prospects fell 10 points month-on-month to 43%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 37% (vs. 39% in January). Looking ahead to the next six months, East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training and development (43%), evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products and services (34%), and investing in sustainability (32%). A net balance of 35% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up five points on last month. The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. National picture Overall, UK business confidence rose 12 points in February to 49% — its highest level since August 2024. Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects increased six points to 57%, while their confidence in the wider economy rose 18 points to 42%. The North East was the most confident UK nation or region in February (69%), followed by the North West and East of England, both at 61%. Sector insights All four sectors surveyed saw double-digit increases in confidence. The largest improvements were seen in manufacturing, which rose by 13 points to 51%, and construction, which increased by 14 points to 50%. Retail also experienced a significant gain, up 11 points to 51%, and services rose by 10 points to 48%. Within the services sector, hospitality firms posted a particularly strong rebound in sentiment. Confidence across these sectors reached their highest levels in several months, ranging from four months in services to seven months in manufacturing. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds, said: “Despite a slight dip in business confidence, it’s positive to see the region’s firms still setting out clear plans for growth, with investment in their people, service and product innovation, and sustainability at the fore. “We’ll continue to provide our tailored, on-the-ground support to help local firms on their growth journeys.”

Finedale Foods has acquired the intellectual property of the George Adams 1910 meat products brand, following its collapse in January and the closure of its Lincolnshire manufacturing site. Production will resume at Finedale’s facility in Norfolk in the coming weeks.

The acquisition includes the brand’s trademark, recipes, and other non-physical assets. George Adams 1910, known for its pies, sausage rolls, and Scotch eggs, supplied the retail and food service sectors across the UK.

Finedale Foods, which also owns the Frank Dale Foodservice and Deli Santé brands, sees the acquisition as a strategic fit that expands its production capabilities. The company specialises in ready-to-eat pastry and meat products, serving private labels and its brands.

The George Adams 1910 range will now be produced at Finedale’s BRC-accredited site in Norfolk. The company aims to build on the brand’s 113-year heritage.

AstraZeneca and renewable energy firm Future Biogas have launched a biogas plant in Gonerby Moor, Lincolnshire, to supply renewable energy for the pharmaceutical company’s UK operations.

The Moor Bioenergy plant will generate 100 gigawatt hours of biomethane annually, meeting the heating needs of more than 8,000 homes. By the end of 2024, AstraZeneca aims to power all its UK research and manufacturing facilities with clean energy, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The company expects the plant to offset 18,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, equivalent to 20% of its total global gas consumption.

Unlike some renewable energy projects, the plant was developed without government subsidies. AstraZeneca says the investment aligns with its broader goal of achieving 100% renewable energy across all global operations by the end of this year and reaching net-zero emissions by 2045.

AstraZeneca shares rose 0.24% to 11,910p on Thursday, reflecting a 15% increase over the past year.

According to Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders, UK businesses are expected to continue supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives despite US companies scaling back similar efforts.

Madders stated that British firms have their “own approach” to equality and are unlikely to follow the US trend, where companies like Google, Meta, Amazon, and McDonald’s have rolled back diversity programmes. The shift in the US came after Donald Trump’s election victory and executive orders that eliminated federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

In contrast, UK firms such as Deloitte and Barclays reaffirmed their commitment to diversity. Apple shareholders also rejected a proposal that aligned with Trump’s stance on workplace DEI initiatives.

Meanwhile, the UK government has introduced an Employment Rights Bill to enhance worker protections, including for pregnant employees and new mothers, while making flexible work the default. However, new hires will face a nine-month probation before gaining unfair dismissal protections, addressing business concerns over “day 1” employment rights.