Author: Business Enquirer
Pre-Met, a Redditch-based manufacturer specialising in metal pressings and stampings, has taken a major step forward in its growth journey with the acquisition of Quality Springs & Pressings (QSP). The deal signals the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy aimed at enhancing the company’s service offering and increasing its market footprint. Expanding Capabilities and Workforce With the integration of QSP, Pre-Met gains valuable expertise in wire form and spring manufacturing, allowing the company to deliver a more comprehensive range of engineering solutions. As part of the agreement, all 16 employees from QSP will be retained, bringing Pre-Met’s total workforce to…
Scientists at the National University of Singapore have made a pioneering breakthrough in renewable energy by developing a method to generate electricity from falling raindrops. This novel technique, known as “plug flow,” presents a compelling new way to harness clean energy—especially in densely populated urban areas where rainfall is abundant but space for traditional infrastructure is limited. The Science Behind Plug Flow Traditional methods of harvesting energy from water movement, such as hydropower, require significant infrastructure and are often limited to specific geographical locations. However, the plug flow technique capitalises on the natural motion of raindrops to produce electricity without…
On Monday, 28 April 2025, at approximately 12:33 PM CEST, a sudden and extensive power outage swept across mainland Spain and Portugal, leaving millions without electricity for several hours. The blackout also affected parts of Andorra and southern France, disrupting transportation, communications, and essential services. Extent of the Disruption The power failure brought daily life to a standstill. Public transport systems, including trains and metro services, were halted, leaving passengers stranded. Traffic lights ceased functioning, causing gridlocks in major cities like Madrid and Lisbon. Hospitals operated on emergency generators, and telecommunications were severely impacted, with many areas losing phone and…
The UK Government has unveiled a bold £600 million investment aimed at equipping up to 60,000 new construction workers with the skills needed to help deliver 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament. This major initiative is designed to tackle the country’s housing shortage, stimulate economic growth, and ensure the construction sector is prepared for the demands of the future. Tackling the Skills Shortage The construction industry is currently grappling with a substantial skills gap. Recent data indicates over 35,000 job vacancies in the sector, with more than half remaining unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates.…
In a landmark move towards sustainable aviation, Exeter Airport has successfully conducted the United Kingdom’s first live hydrogen-powered turnaround of a commercial aircraft. This pioneering demonstration marks a significant step in decarbonising airport ground operations and advancing the UK’s Jet Zero ambitions. A Collaborative Effort Towards Sustainability The trial, conducted on 29 April 2025, involved a TUI Boeing 737-800 aircraft undergoing a complete turnaround using hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE). This included a baggage tug, pushback tug, and ground power unit (GPU), all operating on green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources. The equipment was refuelled using a HyQube 350…
Emirates has announced the deployment of its new Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft on the Dubai–Adelaide route, marking a significant enhancement in its long-haul service offerings. Commencing on 1 December 2025, this move underscores the airline’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art travel experiences and expanding its global network. Elevated Comfort and Efficiency The A350-900ULR is designed for extended-range flights and features a three-class configuration: This configuration not only enhances passenger comfort but also improves operational efficiency on long-haul routes. Strategic Expansion in Australia Adelaide becomes the first destination in Emirates’ network to receive the A350-900ULR, highlighting the airline’s strategic focus…
Taking place on 3-6 November 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, ADIPEC 2025 unites industries and innovators to unleash the power of positive energy to drive humanity’s next era of progress. Building on over 40 years of energy leadership, ADIPEC champions a solution-focused mindset to deliver the energy the world needs in the most cost- and carbon-efficient manner. By connecting today’s leaders and tomorrow’s talent, ADIPEC creates a collaborative environment where three powerful forces converge: the economic opportunities of the Global South, the transformation of energy systems, and the unprecedented rise of artificial intelligence. Together, these forces put progress into overdrive.…
The Petrochemical and Refining Congress: Europe 2025 unites industry leaders in Milan on 19-20 May to address technological advancements: circular economy principles, low-carbon hydrogen ecosystem, energy transition and innovations in sustainable fuels. Supported by Regional Partners Technip Energies, Sonatrach Raffineria Italiana S.r.l., Wood and Saras S.p.A., the event facilitates strategic discussions on reshaping the downstream sector’s future. These partnerships highlight shared commitments to advancing practices, optimising assets and fostering technological breakthroughs across Europe’s downstream landscape. The agenda of PRC Europe 2025 features the following representatives’ insights : Secure participation now to contribute to actionable dialogues on refining competitiveness and circular…
Dutch tank storage group Vopak has posted a marginal increase in core earnings for the first quarter, supported by contributions from growth projects across key international markets. Proportional EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) rose 0.7% to €300 million (approximately $341.7 million) for the three months ending 31 March, up slightly from €297.8 million in the same period last year. The earnings growth was driven by the commissioning of new capacity in China and India, while ongoing expansions in Brazil, Thailand and Oman are expected to bolster future profitability. In a strategic move last month, Vopak doubled its…
South African lender Capitec Bank has posted an impressive 30% rise in annual profit, fuelled by strong growth in net interest income as the bank continues to expand its footprint among low-income earners. In its results for the financial year ending 28 February, Capitec announced that headline earnings — a key measure of profitability in South Africa — climbed to 13.7 billion rand (approximately $738.14 million), up from 10.6 billion rand the previous year. “Our continued focus on simplifying banking and offering value-driven lending solutions is clearly resonating with South Africans,” the bank said in a statement. Capitec also declared…