De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has renewed and expanded its partnership with Leicester Business Voice (LBV) to strengthen support for the city’s business community.

The agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between the two organisations. It will see DMU’s Business Services team work closely with LBV to design joint events, share market insights, and connect local firms with the university’s research expertise and graduate talent.

Sue Tilley, Chair of LBV, said: “LBV understands the critical support that our local universities provide to the local business community, through access to research, technology and facilities; student and graduate talent; bespoke training and CPD; and collaborative projects like Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).

“By strengthening our relationship with De Montfort University through this new agreement, we will be working collaboratively to create business-focused events for members, share intelligence and insights, and identify joint opportunities for LBV members.”

The partnership aims to help companies across Leicester and Leicestershire navigate challenges such as digital transformation, workforce development, and regional economic change. It will include joint projects and events developed through the Universities Partnership of Leicester, Loughborough, and DMU—an initiative that engages employers on strategic issues from skills shortages to sustainability.

By aligning LBV’s business network with DMU’s research and innovation resources, the collaboration seeks to create new opportunities for knowledge exchange and business growth. The university will also continue to work with LBV’s board and ambassadors to ensure business priorities are represented at the regional and national levels.

The partnership reaffirms DMU’s role as a key driver of local enterprise engagement, offering companies direct access to research, facilities, and innovation support through DMU Business Services.

Punch Pubs Group recorded a rise in both revenue and earnings for the year ending 10 August 2025, supported by acquisitions and site investments across its UK estate.

The operator, which runs 1,266 pubs nationwide, posted turnover of £337.9 million, an increase from £323.5 million the previous year. EBITDA climbed to £95.8 million from £88.6 million. The company attributed the performance to recent purchases of individual pubs and small portfolios, as well as the continued growth of its converted pub partnerships.

During the 52 weeks, Punch Pubs invested £20 million to acquire 35 additional pubs and a further £40 million in capital projects for expansion and upkeep. Despite these investments, the group reported a pre-tax loss of £22.8 million compared with a £600,000 profit the year before.

The business noted that the first eight weeks of the new financial year to 5 October 2025 have shown strong trading, with EBITDA exceeding the same period in 2024. The company’s acquisition-driven model and reinvestment strategy indicate ongoing confidence in the long-term performance of the managed pub sector.

Etihad Cargo has launched twice-weekly freighter flights between Abu Dhabi and East Midlands Airport, marking a new connection between the UAE and the UK’s main express freight hub.

The carrier, which operates a fleet of Boeing 777 freighters capable of moving more than one million tonnes of cargo annually, is expanding its network from its base at Zayed International Airport. Established in 2004, Etihad Cargo provides both charter and scheduled freight services worldwide.

The airport’s newly appointed Commercial Director, Adam Andrews, said: “I’m pleased that Etihad Cargo has announced regular flights to East Midlands Airport – our strategic central location and ease of operation make us a great choice for quick access to all parts of the UK.

“This new operator is a further positive sign of East Midlands Airport’s success as the number one UK airport for express cargo, with the capacity and capability to grow.”

The addition of Etihad strengthens East Midlands Airport’s position as a key UK logistics gateway. The airport recorded a 17.4% increase in cargo volumes between May and July compared with the previous year and continues to attract international operators. Recent entrants include Central Airlines, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo and Atlas Air, all running routes that link Asia and the Middle East with the UK. British carrier One Air also relocated its operations from Heathrow to East Midlands, expanding its fleet with additional Boeing 777 aircraft.

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer of Etihad Airways, added: “Introducing a new freighter service to East Midlands Airport is an important step for Etihad Cargo as we continue to expand our global footprint.

“As the UK’s major hub for airfreight and cargo operations with direct access to key distribution networks for both domestic and European deliveries, this route allows for fast turnaround times and efficient customs handling. Above all, it empowers the people and businesses behind each shipment, helping them build connections that go beyond borders.”

To accommodate rising demand, the airport has expanded parking areas and stands for cargo aircraft, while FedEx and Swissport have upgraded on-site facilities. Plans are also under way for four new cargo developments next to the runway, supporting projected growth of more than 50% over the next two decades.

UK employers could unlock more than £500bn in productivity by using artificial intelligence to overhaul recruitment, a new LinkedIn analysis suggests.

The findings point to growing corporate interest in automating the most time-consuming parts of hiring, such as screening CVs, drafting job adverts, and sourcing candidates. AI platforms are already being deployed to speed up these stages, allowing recruitment teams to focus on strategic workforce planning and candidate engagement.

Adoption, however, remains uneven. Most UK recruiters report limited AI training despite expectations from leadership teams to build future-ready workforces. Regional differences also persist, with most AI-related vacancies and skill development concentrated in London. Outside the capital, progress has been slower, reflecting broader disparities in digital investment and infrastructure.

Separate studies highlight both the promise and the pitfalls of automation. Research by the Alan Turing Institute and the Institute for Ethical AI has shown that hiring algorithms can mirror existing workplace biases, while HR surveys reveal widespread concern that automated processes weaken the human connection during hiring.

Data from other consultancies reinforce the mixed picture. EY’s latest analysis finds that demand for AI expertise is rising across financial services boards, though few firms have the governance to manage the ethical and operational risks it entails. Meanwhile, surveys indicate that while automation has accelerated candidate screening, high early-stage turnover remains common, suggesting that efficiency alone does not guarantee better recruitment outcomes.