Author: Business Enquirer

The city of Derby has been awarded £1.6 million in funding to deliver energy-efficiency upgrades to privately owned, low-income homes over the next three years. The funds will come via the UK Government’s Warm Homes: Local Grant Scheme, enabling insulation, renewable energy systems and improved heating solutions in properties rated EPC D–G. The initiative is being managed locally by Derby City Council in collaboration with delivery partner YES Energy Solutions, a not-for-profit educator and installer already active in the city’s eco-upgrade programmes. Key programme features Motives and strategic alignment Local governance emphasises that warmer, more energy-efficient homes not only ease…

UK further education colleges are facing a pressing capacity challenge: an unprecedented surge in demand for construction and skilled-trade courses has forced many institutions to close enrolments or establish waiting lists. A survey conducted among members of the Association of Colleges (AoC) reveals the scale of the pressure and the structural hurdles the sector now needs to overcome. A surge in demand The survey of 105 colleges found that nearly nine in ten reported an increase in enrolments for 2025-26 compared with the previous academic year, with growth ranging from 0.1% to nearly 20%.In the construction and built environment subject…

Archer Aviation has achieved another major step in its mission to revolutionise urban air mobility, successfully completing flight tests of its Midnight aircraft in the United Arab Emirates. The tests mark an important milestone for the company’s paid “Launch Edition” programme and signal growing momentum toward commercial operations in the region. Flight tests under UAE conditions The flight campaign took place at Al Ain Airport, where Archer tested the Midnight aircraft in hot desert conditions to demonstrate its capability across a full flight profile — from vertical take-off and hover to wing-borne cruise and transition. Operating in such challenging weather…

Mayor Ken Sim is reportedly advancing a plan to dismantle Vancouver’s dedicated climate and sustainability department, a move that signals a major shift in the city’s environmental governance. According to those familiar with internal discussions, the rationale centres on cost-cutting and a desire to reduce property tax burdens, but many observers see it as a reversal of Vancouver’s historic ambition to lead on urban climate policy. Key Elements of the Proposal Why It Matters Considerations & Risks What to Watch Next Final Thought The mayor’s move to dismantle Vancouver’s climate and sustainability department marks a potentially significant realignment of municipal…

Chevron has reported a strong operational quarter, with total net oil-equivalent production reaching 4.086 million barrels per day (boe/d) in the third quarter of 2025 — one of the highest figures in its history. The results underscore the company’s focus on expanding scale through acquisitions and optimising production across both domestic and international assets. Production Overview Chevron’s output was almost evenly divided between its U.S. and international operations: In the United States, liquids production totalled 1.496 million barrels per day, supported by continued strength in the Permian Basin, while natural gas production reached 3.27 billion cubic feet per day. Internationally,…

Teck Resources disclosed that it held intermittent discussions with Vale Base Metals (a division of Vale S.A.) regarding a possible combination of their base-metals operations prior to announcing its major merger with Anglo American. These talks, which began around May 2023, reportedly faltered over valuation and governance issues. Teck ultimately opted to merge with Anglo American in a deal valued at around US$40 billion. MINING.COM+1 Why the Disclosure Matters Key Considerations & Risks What to Watch Next Final Thought Teck Resources’ behind-the-scenes discussions with Vale Base Metals before choosing Anglo American illustrate just how dynamic and tactical mining-sector M&A has…

Chinese manufacturers find themselves navigating through swirling uncertainty as tariffs and trade policy shifts leave many firms unsure about the rules, timing and risk profile of future export investment. The situation is emerging as one of the less-visible but potentially more damaging dimensions of today’s geopolitical trade tension. The Nature of the Disruption The core issue is not just whether tariffs are high or low, but how unpredictable they have become. Firms face a landscape where: In China, this means companies that once relied heavily on export-led growth are now pushing pause on new investment, delaying plant upgrades or relocating…

Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, has underscored a vital shift in global energy investment: while fossil-fuel regions such as the Middle East continue to attract major capital, the focus must increasingly turn to resilience, diversification, and the electric-power system — not just oil and gas. Key Insights Why It Matters Challenges Ahead What to Watch Final Thought Fatih Birol’s remarks serve as a reminder that the global energy transition is becoming more than a shift away from oil — it’s about what energy means in a digital, electricity-dominated world. While regions like the Middle East still matter…

Construction has officially begun on Project GB1, a landmark 62,000-square-foot laboratory and office development at Norwich Research Park. The new building marks the first major phase in a long-term investment programme designed to expand the park’s role as one of the UK’s leading centres for research, innovation and science-based enterprise. About the Project Project GB1 will provide high-quality, flexible laboratory and office space to meet growing demand from companies operating in the agri-food, health and environmental sectors. The facility will allow start-ups and expanding research firms to remain on campus as they scale, strengthening the park’s ecosystem and supporting the…

Qatar Airways is set to grow its presence in Saudi Arabia by launching a new destination and increasing flights to key cities in the kingdom. Starting 5 January 2026, the airline will begin service to Hail (HAS), making it the carrier’s 13th destination in Saudi Arabia. Alongside the new route, the airline will add extra daily flights to its existing services connecting Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh (RUH). Why This Expansion Matters Strategic Implications & Considerations What to Watch Next Final thoughtQatar Airways’ launch of the Hail route and increased service to Jeddah and Riyadh reflects a confident expansion into Saudi…