Author: Business Enquirer
The U.S. construction industry is on the brink of a labour crunch of unprecedented scale, with recent forecasts indicating the sector will need up to half a million new workers in 2027 to meet rising demand — a marked increase driven by a combination of demographic shifts, ageing workers and explosive investment in AI-related infrastructure projects. (Fortune reporting) This widening labour gap comes at a time when spending on construction — particularly in data centres and other high-tech facilities — is surging, even as broader signs point to softness in other segments of the U.S. labour market. Demand Surges Amid…
In a landmark expansion of international connectivity, Vietnam Airlines has announced the launch of its first direct non-stop air service linking Hanoi (Vietnam) with Amsterdam (the Netherlands), marking the national carrier’s first ever non-stop route between the two countries and a major milestone in its European network strategy. Scheduled to begin on 16 June 2026, the new service will operate three round-trip flights per week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays — using the airline’s modern Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft. A New Bridge Between Southeast Asia and Northwest Europe Vietnam Airlines’ announcement reflects the airline’s strategic emphasis on enhancing global…
As the European Union advances towards climate neutrality, hydrogen and its derivatives, including ammonia and methanol, are key energy carriers for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as industry, refining and transport. This role is reflected in EU policy frameworks, including the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the REPowerEU Plan. However, market deployment remains uneven. Renewable hydrogen is unlikely to meet industrial demand at scale in the near to medium term, making low-carbon hydrogen a necessary complement, yet it continues to face regulatory uncertainty and limited access to support under EU frameworks. These challenges are addressed at DECARBON 2026 through a focused discussion…
London’s Thai dining scene has evolved far beyond tradition alone. Today, a new wave of restaurants is honouring Thailand’s culinary heritage while reinterpreting it through a contemporary London lens. From northern noodle soups and southern Thai grills to elegant townhouse dining rooms, these kitchens balance authenticity with creativity, offering dishes that feel both rooted and refined. Here are five standout destinations where classic Thai flavours meet modern sophistication. Khao So-i — Fitzrovia Northern Thai cuisine takes centre stage at Khao So-i, an intimate Fitzrovia spot celebrated for its deeply aromatic khao soi noodle soup. Rich coconut broth, tender meats and…
Barnsley, a former industrial town in South Yorkshire, has been designated the United Kingdom’s first government-backed “Tech Town” — a pilot initiative intended to demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies can be harnessed to transform public services, skills training and local economic opportunity. The announcement positions the town as a national blueprint for future AI adoption across the country. From Mining Roots to Digital Ambition Historically known for its coal mining heritage and later industrial decline, Barnsley’s reinvention journey has gathered fresh momentum with the Tech Town designation. The initiative builds on years of local investment in technology…
Shell plc has agreed to sell a 20 per cent minority interest in its deepwater Orca oil and gas project offshore Brazil to the Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC), in a move that reconfigures the ownership of one of the Brazilian pre-salt basin’s most anticipated developments and underscores broader investment trends in global upstream assets. Under the terms of the agreement, Shell’s Brazilian unit, Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda., will reduce its working interest in Orca from 70 per cent to 50 per cent, with Colombia’s state-controlled oil company Ecopetrol maintaining its 30 per cent stake, and KUFPEC taking the…
Plans for a major industrial redevelopment on the former Parkside Colliery site in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside have received detailed planning consent, unlocking the second and largest phase of the project following earlier approvals for the first stage of development. The green light, confirmed by St Helens Borough Council, clears the way for a further 1.6 million square feet of logistics and advanced manufacturing space alongside more than 800,000 square feet already consented in phase one. Phase Two: A Strategic Expansion Detailed consent has been granted for enabling and infrastructure works that will support the expansion, with building designs to be settled…
The United States is poised to see solar power lead new electricity generation capacity additions through at least 2028, according to industry data and forecasts. New capacity from solar photovoltaic (PV) projects is expected to grow substantially over the next three years, vastly outpacing additions from other energy sources and underscoring a broader transition toward renewable energy in the U.S. power system. Analysis of recent data reveals that solar has dominated new capacity additions in 2025 and is projected to continue doing so well into the latter part of the decade, reshaping the resource mix and signalling fundamental changes in…
HG Construction has been confirmed as the main contractor on a £73 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Wembley, marking one of the largest student housing developments in the area and strengthening the company’s track record in high-rise residential delivery. The project will deliver a 609-bed PBSA scheme for developer YourTRIBE, and represents a continuation of the ongoing partnership between the contractor and its client. Landmark Development Near Wembley Stadium The Wembley student accommodation project — set within easy reach of Wembley Stadium and key transport links — comprises two high-rise towers of 19 and 27 storeys. The new…
Australia’s flag carrier Qantas Group has announced its intention to divest its 33.32 per cent minority stake in Jetstar Japan, marking a strategic repositioning of its international business and a transition to a fully Japanese-led ownership structure for the low-cost carrier. The announcement follows a preliminary agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL) and outlines a phased transfer of ownership ahead of a full rebrand and operational evolution. A New Era for Jetstar Japan Jetstar Japan was established in 2011 as a joint venture between Qantas, Japan Airlines and Tokyo Century, with Qantas holding roughly one-third of the airline. Under the proposed…