Wattbike, a Nottingham-based company specialising in indoor performance fitness bikes, has been sold to Interactive Strength, a NASDAQ-listed firm known for its innovative fitness equipment brands CLMBR and FORME.

This acquisition creates a comprehensive fitness equipment portfolio with a strong presence in three of the world’s largest fitness markets: the US, Germany, and the UK. By leveraging Interactive Strength’s marketing and distribution capabilities, the deal is expected to significantly enhance Wattbike’s international growth.

Wattbike’s team, renowned for its high-performance indoor cycling equipment, is set to expand its reach with new product launches. The company plans to continue developing training solutions for athletes and fitness enthusiasts while also targeting the mainstream health and wellness market.

Interactive Strength’s acquisition of Wattbike aligns with its strategic goals to drive growth in the global fitness sector, particularly across the US, UK, and Germany, with further expansion into Asia.

According to new findings from Vodafone Business, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Derbyshire are collectively losing £84 million annually to cyber-attacks. The surge in cybercrime has left many local businesses exposed, with nearly one in three (29%) reporting they were targeted at least once in 2024 alone.

The study showed that more than 10% of businesses in the region were hit with between one and five cyber-attacks, while 5% faced multiple attacks, with some experiencing more than ten. This translates to a loss of £1,559 per business each year.

A key issue is the lack of robust security measures. Many local businesses struggle with limited budgets and insufficient expertise, leaving them vulnerable to data breaches, system failures, and reputational damage. These challenges are part of a broader national problem, with UK small businesses collectively losing £3.4 billion annually to cyber-attacks.

The research highlighted several concerning trends. Over half of SMB employees (52%) have not received cybersecurity training, and nearly a third (32%) of businesses operate without adequate protection against digital threats. Furthermore, despite the growing risks, 38% of businesses invest less than £100 annually in cybersecurity. With remote working becoming more common—64% of companies have staff working off-site regularly—cybersecurity vulnerabilities are exacerbated by using personal devices for work, with 60% of companies allowing this practice.

The most common attacks reported include phishing, which affects 70% of businesses, ransomware (23%), and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks (20%). In light of these findings, some businesses are opting to restrict remote working for employees to mitigate the risks associated with cybercrime.

To address the escalating threat, Vodafone Business is emphasising the importance of SMEs investing in scalable, cost-effective cybersecurity solutions. The company also offers a complimentary one-month trial of CybSafe, a platform that leverages AI and behavioural science to improve cybersecurity awareness and practices within organisations.

The UK Government has unveiled a set of measures aimed at securing the future of the domestic car industry, which has been under increasing pressure due to global factors, including US tariffs and the ongoing shift to electric vehicles (EVs).

The automotive sector has faced significant difficulties recently, including a 25% tariff on exports to the US, which has raised concerns over potential job losses and economic impact. The Government’s new initiatives are designed to mitigate these challenges and support the transition to electric mobility, a critical component of the industry’s long-term strategy.

One of the key changes is a revision to the zero-emission vehicle mandate, which will provide greater flexibility to manufacturers in meeting the 2030 target for phasing out petrol and diesel cars. This includes extending allowances for hybrid vehicles and offering exemptions for smaller manufacturers, such as McLaren and Aston Martin. In addition, the financial penalties for manufacturers failing to meet EV targets have been reduced from £15,000 to £12,000 per non-compliant vehicle.

Nissan, which has significant operations in the UK, will benefit from these adjustments. The company, which focuses on exporting vehicles primarily to Europe, is on track to expand production at its Sunderland plant. The launch of new electric models, including the next-generation Leaf, Juke, and Micra, is expected to strengthen its market position, with 2024 projections showing a rise in production and revenues.

While the measures are a step in the right direction, some industry leaders have voiced concerns that they do not go far enough to address the broader challenges manufacturers face. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has welcomed the flexibility provided to car makers, but cautioned that a more comprehensive approach is needed to stimulate demand for EVs, beyond the current focus on quotas and penalties.

The Government’s efforts aim to balance the need for environmental progress with the economic realities of a rapidly changing global market, offering a mix of regulatory adjustments and targeted support to help the UK automotive sector remain competitive on the world stage. However, as manufacturers continue to face mounting pressure, many are calling for further action, particularly on the demand-side incentives necessary to accelerate EV adoption among consumers.