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Port Talbot welding skills academy look to retrain hundreds of former steelworkers

2025-05-07 09:13:56 By

A Port Talbot welding skills academy is aiming to retrain hundreds of former Tata steelworks and provide the platform to eventually create up to 100 new jobs. UKSE Steel Enterprise has provided a six-figure loan to engineering contractor JES to significantly increasing the capacity of its training centre.

The firm has been a key contractor to the Tata’s steelworks in Port Talbot where nearly 2,000 jobs have been lost after the ending of blast furnace steelmaking. Tata is investing in a new electric arc furnace that will make steel from scrap and will open in three years time as part of a £1.2bn investment, which includes £500m in funding from the UK Government.

The JES skills academy plans to eventually have 80 training bays where fabrication, welding and pipework will be taught offering new career paths to people leaving the steelworks and to others who want to follow this career.

The company is expanding its centre, and over the next year has made a commitment to offer training to up to 300 former Tata workers, as well as a range of other candidate to set them on fresh career paths.

In the longer term, the firm is aiming to diversify into new markets including oil and gas, petrochemical, renewables and nuclear energy and expand creating between 50 to 100 skilled and semi-skilled jobs based around the workforce trained at the skills academy.

The academy, launched last year to support JES apprentices, has secured backing from the the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Head of the academy, Sam Owen. “Our professional team of tutors will operate a range of courses for which we leverage all possible funding support from government and other agencies.

“We are not just about training, but about enabling people to step into work when they leave us.”

JES director Justin Johnson said that demand for welding and associated skills was extremely high across the UK. He added: "Research by the Engineering and Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) demonstrates a UK-wide shortage in this area and demand will almost certainly increase in years to come.

“Locally, the new Celtic Freeport in Port Talbot is planned to be a source of jobs fabricating on and offshore wind turbines and other structures in the drive towards energy efficiency and net zero.”

The need to bring younger people into the fabrication sector has been highlighted by ECITB research, which shows that 40% of the workforce is over the age of 50.

Mr Johnson said: “This is very concerning and underlines the need for training, so that knowledge is passed onto a new generation.”

On the funding from UKSE Mr Johnson said: “The investment will be the platform to expand and we are hoping to add between 50 to 100 roles in years to come as we diversify and develop.

This investment by UKSE is a major boost for us and we are very appreciative of their confidence in us by supporting the academy in the way they are.”

UKSE makes strategic investments in Welsh and UK companies which show the potential to grow and create jobs and prosperity. It provides loan and equity packages up to £1 million and UKSE estimates it has supported 83,000 jobs around the UK since it was established 50 years ago.

Howard Thompson, regional executive for UKSE in Wales said the need to build a quality, skilled supply chain was paramount. He added: “There is a UK wide shortage of welders. Almost every document published in connection with economic need and strategic economic planning by the Welsh Government and by local authorities across South Wales, highlights the skills shortage in welding and fabrication as an area of concern worthy of attention and investment.

“Welding is set to be one of energy transitions most prized skills and we are delighted to be supporting JES in their journey and wish them every success.”

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Manufacturing

Shortlist revealed for Black Country Chamber Business Awards

2025-05-07 09:13:56

The finalists have been revealed for a West Midlands business awards. Fourteen separate categories are up for grabs at the Black Country Chamber Business Awards 2024, including for international trade, manufacturing and apprenticeships. Among the companies to make the shortlist are Bilston manufacturer Bowers & Jones, which features in three categories, gas distribution company Cadent Gas, accountancy practice Jerroms and swimming school Maverick (see the full shortlist below). Chamber events officer Marie Shuker said: "Congratulations to all of the finalists on reaching the shortlist stage after more than 150 entries were submitted. "Our category partners will now begin the process of visiting all the finalists for their in-person judging to decide the winners on the big night." Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. Chief executive Sarah Moorhouse added: "We received a huge number of inspiring submissions this year, highlighting the breadth of innovation, determination and talent we have across our region. "Congratulations to all of our finalists and we look forward to celebrating with you all." The award ceremony will take place on November 21 at University of Wolverhampton at the Halls, with BBC and Sky broadcaster Amber Sandhu as host. Business in the Community Arrive Alive Cadent Gas Wolves Foundation Employer of the Year Black Country Living Museum Jerroms Maped Helix International Trade Bowers & Jones Exol Lubricants Fortress Safety Manufacturing and Engineering Bowers & Jones Jorhan Industries Consultancy and Professional Services Jerroms TPSquared VOiD Applications Science, Technology and Innovation Cadent Gas Fabory Tomato Energy Young Employee or Apprentice of the Year Dreamland The Early Years Company Weatherite Air Conditioning Small Business of the Year MoRServ TPSquared VOiD Applications Start Up of the Year Biotech Maverick Mutts Virtus Brands Family Business of the Year Maverick Sport Nickolls & Perks Walsh Funerals & Memorials Business in Schools Award BlackRook Academy HMB Training Services Tecman Not-for-Profit Organisation Black Country Women's Aid Penny Post Credit Union The Way Youth Zone Apprentice Employer Interclass Penny Post Group Credit Union Business of the Year Azets Bowers & Jones

Manufacturing

Swizzels Matlow sees profits halve despite sales surge to nearly £100m

2025-05-07 09:13:56

Swizzels Matlow, the confectionery company known for Love Hearts and Refreshers, saw its profits halved in its most recent financial year, despite a surge in sales to nearly £100m. The firm, based in the Peak District, reported a pre-tax profit of £4.4m for 2023, a significant drop from the £8.2m recorded in 2022. According to recently filed accounts at Companies House, Swizzels Matlow's turnover rose during the same period from £89.3m to £96.6m, as reported by City AM. The company's UK turnover increased from £76.6m to £80.8m over the year, while its European sales also grew from £10.1m to £13.2m. However, its sales in other global markets remained steady at £2.6m. Over the course of the year, the average number of employees at Swizzels Matlow increased from 561 to 578. These results follow the completion of a new manufacturing and warehouse site in Middlewich, Cheshire. The new facility is expected to significantly boost production capacity, according to Swizzels Matlow. A statement approved by the board read: "The group continues to invest heavily in new equipment in order to improve efficiency and product quality." During the year, Swizzels Matlow reached an agreement with M&S following accusations that it had copied its Percy Pig sweets. As part of the "amicable resolution", Swizzels Matlow agreed to alter the design of its Pigs Mugs sweets. M&S initially claimed in November 2022 that the sweets were too similar to its own. As per a 37-page document submitted to the High Court in London, since its inception in 1993, the Percy Pig brand has amassed a turnover of £131.7m.

Manufacturing

Go Ahead makes £500m investment into zero emissions buses, creating 500 new jobs

2025-05-07 09:13:56

A £500m investment by North East transport operator Go Ahead is set to create up to 500 new manufacturing jobs. The Newcastle-based bus and rail business has announced the major investment as part of moves to decarbonise its fleet, a strategy which includes creating a new manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus. The investment is set to fund up to 1,200 new zero emission buses over the next three years for Go Ahead, accelerating its transition to greener buses across the country. For every vehicle manufactured, 10 trees will be planted by Go-Ahead and Wrightbus in the towns and cities where the buses are deployed. Go-Ahead Bus CEO Matt Carney said: “This multimillion-pound investment and partnership with WrightBus will accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleet across the UK. We are proud to be working in partnership with the UK Government and local authorities to deliver transformational environmental change for communities, while supporting UK jobs and the growth of the country’s supply chain.” Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said: “The deal with Go-Ahead is hugely significant and represents a huge boost to the UK’s economy. It will support homegrown manufacturing, jobs and skills for the next three years and beyond. We’ve always been proud to support the UK’s supply chain and our Go-Ahead partnership will ensure even more money can be spent securing good green jobs. “We must also not forget that this deal represents a massive step forward in our ambition to help decarbonise the transport sector with our world-leading products. It was heartening today to hear the Government reaffirm its commitment to a green transport sector.” The announcement comes ahead of the International Investment Summit which will gather UK leaders, high-profile investors and businesses from across the world. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is also set to announce the creation of a new UK bus manufacturing expert panel, which will bring together industry experts and local leaders to explore ways to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing, help authorities deliver their transport ambitions, and take advantage of growing opportunities within zero emission transport technologies. Ms Haigh said: “The number one mission of this Government is growing the economy. The half a billion pounds Go Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the UK. This announcement will see communities across the country benefit from brand new, state of the art green buses – which will deliver cleaner air and better journeys.

Manufacturing

AstraZeneca invests in future of heart health with $2bn licensing agreement for dyslipidemia drug

2025-05-07 09:13:56

Astrazeneca has entered into a licensing agreement, potentially worth up to $2bn (£1.5bn), with China's CPSC Pharmaceutical Group for the development of a novel cardiovascular drug, as announced by the company on Monday, as reported by City AM. The Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical behemoth will make an upfront payment of $100m (£76.5), along with additional milestone payments that could reach up to $1.9bn (£1.4bn), to license a preclinical small molecule designed to treat dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is characterised by an abnormal or imbalanced level of lipids in the bloodstream, often leading to a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases. This deal bolsters Astrazeneca's cardiovascular portfolio, a crucial growth sector as the firm aims to broaden its range in managing cardio-metabolic diseases, including those associated with lipid disorders. Last month, the pharmaceutical company became one of the latest UK-listed firms to achieve a market valuation of £200bn, with its shares experiencing a nearly 20 per cent surge over the past year. The new drug candidate, named YS2302018, targets lipoprotein (a), which is associated with multiple cardiovascular conditions. Sharon Barr, Astrazeneca's head of bio-pharmaceutical R&D, stated: "This asset is an important addition to our cardiovascular pipeline and could help patients to more effectively manage their dyslipidaemia and related cardiometablic diseases". "With cardiovascular diseases being a leading cause of death globally", she continued, "advancing novel therapies that can be used alone or in combination to effectively address known risk factors is particularly important". This agreement arrives at a time when the demand for innovative cardiovascular treatments is on the rise, fuelled by ageing populations and increasing rates of heart disease worldwide.

Manufacturing

£15m investment sees Pure Pet Food gear up for expansion

2025-05-07 09:13:56

A Yorkshire pet food company is poised for growth after sealing a £15m investment. Pure Pet Food, based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, provides personalised dog food delivered to customers’ doors and has completed the multimillion-pound funding round led by Felix Capital and including Mercia Ventures. The firm was founded in 2013 by childhood friends Daniel Valdur Eha and Mathew Cockroft with a £300 loan and a mission to revolutionise the pet food market by creating an alternative to traditional kibble. The firm makes and markets natural, healthy and easily digestible food for dogs, tapping into growing demand for healthy meals for pets. Since its launch the business has grown to employ more than 100 people at its manufacturing site and offices, serving 40,000 regular customers throughout the UK who pay a monthly subscription to receive deliveries of pet food tailored to their dog’s needs. The company appointed new CEO Roz Cuschieri in April 2023, who has previously held board roles at Warburtons and Genius Food, to work alongside the founders, a move which encouraged the founders to seek additional external investment to fuel further expansion both in the UK and new markets, as well as develop its distribution channels and product categories. Felix Capital – which has previously invested in businesses including Castore, Moonbug, Deliveroo and Oatly – led the £15m investment round alongside participation from existing investor Mercia Ventures. Mat Cockroft, co-founder of Pure Pet Food, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Felix Capital, whose team have demonstrated exceptional support and collaboration. Having one of Europe’s leading consumer investors involved in the business marks a significant milestone for us, and we are excited to shape the future of Pure together. “We are also delighted for the ongoing support from our current investors and team, who believe in our mission and sector. Dan and I have come a long way from starting Pure. Our ambitions have grown alongside the business, and we are eager to continue in our quest to create food that makes a profound impact on the health and happiness of our dogs.” Antoine Nussenbaum, co-founder and investor at Felix Capital, said: “We will always remember the first visit to Pure’s offices. We witnessed everything we like to see in an entrepreneurial journey. The longstanding relentless drive from Mat and Dan, combined with Roz’s amazing experience in consumer-packaged goods is a true recipe for success.” Jan Oosthuizen, investor at Mercia Ventures, added: “Pure has gone from strength to strength in recent years, a testament to the dedication and hard work of Dan, Mat, Roz and the team. The company’s vision and ambition consistently excite us, so we are delighted to continue to support them in their pursuit of future milestones and to partner with Antoine and the wider Felix team.”

Manufacturing

Tarmac sheds jobs as turnover at building materials giant hits £2bn

2025-05-07 09:13:56

Tarmac, the building materials group, has reported a turnover of £2bn during its latest financial year, marking an increase from the previous year's £1.99bn. The Solihull-based company also saw a significant rise in pre-tax profit, climbing from £125.9m to £168.1m, according to accounts recently filed with Companies House, as reported by City AM. Despite this financial upturn, Tarmac experienced a reduction in workforce numbers, dropping from 2,782 to 2,621 employees over the year, which led to nearly £5m in redundancy costs. In light of its stronger financial performance, the firm reduced its interim dividend from £230m down to £127m. Owned by Dublin-headquartered CRH plc, an international conglomerate of diversified building materials businesses, Tarmac's origins date back to 1903, although it was established in its current form in March 2013 following the merger of Anglo American's Tarmac UK and Lafarge's UK operations. The company enjoyed a £141m boost, as stated by the board: "The improved performance can be predominantly attributed to the £141m dividends received in the year." The statement further noted: "Underlying market conditions were relatively stable in 2023 albeit with variable levels of growth seen across the industry, with expansion in the infrastructure sector offset by a marked decline in residential." The company noted: "Cost inflation continued to be a factor during the period, albeit at lower levels to what has been experienced during 2022." They added that the effect of this had been offset by an optimisation program which delivered "The company has mitigated the impacted of this through an optimisation programme delivering benefits through commercial, operational and logistics excellence." For the same financial year, building materials giant CRH plc reported revenues of $34.9bn (£26.8bn), a seven per cent increase. Chief executive Albert Manifold commented on the results: "2023 marked another record year of financial delivery for CRH, supported by good underlying demand across our key end-use markets, further pricing progress and the continued benefits of our differentiated, customer-focused strategy."

Manufacturing

Rix Petroleum snaps up fellow Humber business in undisclosed deal

2025-05-07 09:13:56

Fuel business Rix Petroleum has snapped up a fellow Humber business to extend its services to domestic customers. Rix – part of 150-year-old family business J R Rix & Sons Ltd based at Two Humber Quays on Hull’s waterfront – has acquired Phoenix Heating Specialists, based on the east side of Hull in Preston, for an undisclosed sum. The move comes after the Hull company acquired two other domestic energy sector businesses to complete the family company’s heating and plumbing services for residential customers across the region. Phoenix Heating Services will be rebranded as Rix Gas Services as part of the deal, and will join group businesses Rix Heating Services, Rix Electrical Services, and Rix Plumbing Services at their base in Bank Side, central Hull. Duncan Lambert, managing director of Rix Petroleum, said the acquisition would ‘future-proof’ the company’s domestic energy services, enabling it to install, service, and maintain oil, gas, electrical, and renewable-based heating systems. He said: “As a business with a 150-year heritage in Hull and East Yorkshire, we have always taken great pride in being able to offer the products and services our customers need to keep their houses warm and dry. But as technologies develop, and the variety of heating systems available expands, we needed to update our skills and services to ensure we can continue to do this. “This latest acquisition completes our offering, giving us comprehensive services across all domestic energy types, including oil, gas, electricity, and renewable technologies. I’m delighted to welcome Phoenix Heating Specialists into the Rix family. The move not only helps to futureproof our business, it ensures we can continue providing the trustworthy service we’ve become known for over the past century-and-a-half.” Phoenix Heating Services was launched by owner-manager Matt Dixon and employs four staff, all of whom will move across to the Rix Group. Mr Dixon said having the backing of the Rix Group would enable the business to grow much more rapidly than if it had stayed independent.

Manufacturing

Glenfiddich and Hendricks Gin maker sees sales near £2bn as profit tops £500m

2025-05-07 09:13:56

William Grant & Sons, the esteemed distiller behind popular brands such as Glenfiddich and Hendricks Gin, has reported a surge in sales to nearly £2bn, with profits soaring past the £500m mark during 2023. The Scotland-based company announced a turnover of £1.96bn for its latest financial year, marking an increase from £1.72bn in 2022, as reported by City AM. According to accounts recently filed with Companies House, the firm's pre-tax profit experienced a significant rise, climbing from £397.5m to £554m within the same timeframe. The company's portfolio also features well-known labels like Monkey Shoulder, Sailor Jerry, and Drambuie. Over the course of the year, William Grant & Sons saw its workforce expand from 3,120 to 3,505 employees. Chief Executive Sren Hagh commented: "Despite 2023 being a year faced with supply chain challenges and macro-economic shifts, we are proud of the growth delivered across our portfolio of leading brands and look forward to continuing to build an ever-stronger company that delivers for our customers and consumers." The board, in a statement, acknowledged: "The group expects that in the year ahead there will likely be continuing difficult headwinds." They added: "In addition economic conditions in most parts of the globe have become more challenging." "Slowing growth, commodity and energy-driven inflation and potentially taxation increases all impact the group either directly or indirectly." The statement also noted: "While high energy prices affect suppliers and operations, they also impact consumers' disposable income." "However, the brand portfolio is a key asset for the group. One of the most important objectives for the group is to build and develop its brands."

Manufacturing

Hula Hoops maker KP Snacks reports profits of almost £100m

2025-05-07 09:13:56

KP Snacks, the esteemed snack manufacturer known for popular brands such as Mccoy's, Hula Hoops, and Tyrell's, has seen its profit soar to nearly £100m during its latest financial year. The company, headquartered in Slough and also responsible for household names like KP Nuts, Butterkist, Pom-Bear, and Popchips, declared a pre-tax profit of £93.7m for 2023, climbing from £64.3m reported in 2022, as reported by City AM. Latest documents lodged with Companies House reveal the firms turnover increased significantly from £546m to £626.7m over this period. Reflecting its robust fiscal health, KP Snacks has boosted its dividend payout from £36m to £50m. Originating in Rotherham in 1853, KP Snacks has a long-standing heritage and is presently under the ownership of Germanys Intersnack Group. The company was acquired by Intersnack Group for £500m at the close of 2012 from its previous owner, United Biscuits. However, industrial strife touched KP Snacks in September 2023, as Unite union members at the company staged strikes in protest over earnings they claimed had diminished in real terms. According to the union, while profits had increased by an impressive 275% since 2018, average salaries had dipped by 14% across the corresponding timeframe. A report endorsed by the board addressed these challenges: "2023 saw significant inflationary pressures in the supply chain, levels not seen since 2008, impacting the whole food industry." It further detailed the strategies adopted by the firm: "Pricing, mix, revenue management and cost savings supported the recovery of 2023 inflation." Additionally, the report attributed some growth to overcoming hurdles from the previous year: "Growth was also supported by lapping the KP cyber attack in 2022, which whilst effectively managed, had a significant impact on our business last year." "KP grew share in 2023 and continued to strengthen its branded position in the UK crisps, snacks, popcorn and nuts market." "Gross profit margin has increased back to 2021 levels of 47.7 per cent from 46 per cent as a result of mix management with brands growing ahead of own label, the lapping of the cyber attack, cost savings from investments in our sites and brands, manufacturing efficiencies and hedging strategies delaying some inflationary pressures."

Manufacturing

Bank of England printer De La Rue agrees to £300m breakup

2025-05-07 09:13:56

De La Rue, the Bank of England's banknote printer, has agreed to a £300m sale of a division of its business to an American firm. The London-based company announced this morning that it had entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of its authentication arm to Crane NXT, a New York-listed industrial technology company. Upon completion of the sale, De La Rue will solely be a currency printer, abandoning its authentication business that assists government clients in detecting fraud. This sale follows a series of issues for the company, including most recently being compelled to postpone significant pension payments into its retirement fund, as reported by City AM. "Completion of the sale will allow us to repay our existing revolving credit facility in full ahead of its maturity on 1 July 2025 and will provide a springboard to unlock further intrinsic value as we move to find a long-term funding solution for the group's legacy defined benefit pension scheme," stated De La Rue chair Clive Whiley. The company also added that an additional £12.5m in deficit repair contributions will be paid into the pension scheme over the next three years. In July, De La Rue confirmed it was in discussions to sell off a portion of the company, which was announced alongside the printer's full year results that had already been delayed in order for the firm to find a potential suitor. De La Rue reported a decline in earnings in line with forecasts, attributing it to "substantial trading difficulties", as its revenue fell 11.3% from £350m to £310m. Nonetheless, the entity's authentication division enjoyed a 12.5% increase in revenue, exceeding the company's set goal of £100m. "The sale of our authentication division to Crane NXT represents a substantial step forward on our route to realise the underlying intrinsic value of the De La Rue business for the benefit of all stakeholders," remarked Whiley. "We are delighted to reach agreement with a company with the stature of Crane NXT, with its complementary strengths and are confident that the authentication division will continue to build on its considerable successes over the past few years." Furthermore, the statement continued, "In addition, we will be able to focus fully on building and growing our world-leading currency business."