Author: Business Enquirer
Civils and groundworks specialist Applebridge Construction has posted a substantial rise in turnover and profitability, signalling a year of strong progress for the North East-based contractor despite wider challenges facing the construction sector. For the financial year ending April 2025, Applebridge recorded pre-tax profits of £21.9 million, a significant increase from the previous year’s £7.2 million. Turnover climbed to £119.6 million, up from £82.9 million, reflecting sustained demand across the company’s core civils, groundworks and multi-utilities activities. Disciplined Strategy Underpins Growth The business attributed its strong performance to disciplined commercial management, careful project selection and robust operational controls. Chief Executive…
India’s aviation regulator has introduced new rules banning the use of power banks to charge electronic devices during flights, a decision driven by increasing concerns over lithium-ion battery fires in aircraft cabins. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that passengers may no longer use power banks or portable chargers to power phones, tablets or other devices while airborne. The restriction applies whether the power bank is connected directly to a passenger’s device or to the aircraft’s onboard power outlets. The move follows a rise in battery-related incidents globally, including overheating, smoke production and thermal runaway events —…
The beginning of a new year offers the perfect opportunity to pause, reset and welcome 2026 with a sense of calm. January travel is defined by warmth, space and unhurried days — an escape from the intensity of the festive season and a chance to ease into the year with comfort and clarity. These destinations combine sunshine, refined hospitality and a soothing pace, ideal for those seeking a restorative start to the year. Caribbean January is one of the most idyllic times to visit the Caribbean. Warm, dry weather meets serene turquoise waters, creating conditions ideal for beachside relaxation. Days…
Procurement and supply chain leaders are facing mounting pressure to deliver value with greater speed and accuracy, and artificial intelligence is emerging as a core part of the solution. GEP, a global provider of procurement and supply chain software, has launched a suite of AI-powered tools designed to address longstanding bottlenecks and unlock more strategic outcomes for organisations. The initiative reflects a broader shift in the industry: moving procurement from a largely transactional function to a more predictive, insight-driven capability that supports competitive advantage, cost optimisation and resilient supply chains. Tackling Traditional Procurement Challenges Many organisations struggle with manual processes,…
A UK government minister has expressed confidence in the sustainability transition underway at the Grangemouth refinery and petrochemical complex, signalling ongoing support for efforts to decarbonise operations and secure a viable future for one of Scotland’s largest industrial sites. The comments come amid industry and community interest in ensuring that Grangemouth — a major employer and energy hub — can adapt to changing economic and environmental expectations. Operational since the early 20th century, the sprawling complex has long been central to the region’s economy, producing fuels, chemicals and other industrial products. A Strategic Shift Toward Cleaner Operations Officials and industry…
Canada has unveiled a comprehensive set of new methane emission regulations aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas pollution from its oil and gas sector, as part of a broader effort to tackle climate change and modernise energy production. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a warming effect many times greater than carbon dioxide over short timeframes. The new rules target emissions from upstream production, processing and transmission activities across the onshore oil and gas industry, including gas plants and pipeline systems. They build on earlier regulations first introduced in 2018, but tighten requirements on leak detection and repair, restrict…
Europe is steadily building momentum in battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, establishing itself as a serious contender in a global market long dominated by Asia. Although challenges remain, analysts say the continent now has a solid industrial base, increasing investment activity and supportive policy frameworks that together form a strong platform for long-term growth. Scaling Up Capacity Across the Continent Over the past several years, Europe has attracted significant investment in battery production and EV supply chains. New factories, expansions of existing automotive plants and dedicated battery clusters are emerging across member states. Countries including Germany, Poland, Hungary and…
As 2025 draws to a close, recent movements in the global energy sector paint a picture of accelerating change — and intensifying strategic realignment. From advancing renewable build-outs to continued investment in critical infrastructure, the energy transition continues to reshape markets, policy priorities and investment flows. Renewables Expansion Gathers Pace Across multiple regions, renewable energy deployment continues at scale. Offshore and onshore wind capacity, solar PV installations and storage projects have moved from pilots into full commercial roll-out, supported by declining technology costs and stronger policy frameworks. Multiple governments have reaffirmed renewable targets for 2030 and beyond, linking clean power…
The UK government has announced a new long-term strategy aimed at modernising the construction sector, strengthening safety, and providing greater clarity and confidence for industry stakeholders. The initiative outlines major reforms designed to reshape how buildings, construction products and professional standards are regulated across the country. A central proposal within the strategy is the creation of a single construction regulator — a major structural shift intended to replace the current fragmented framework with a unified body overseeing safety, competency and compliance. This marks one of the most significant regulatory reform efforts in the sector in decades. A Unified Approach to…
Angola has taken a significant step forward in modernising its aviation infrastructure with the appointment of a lead operator for the country’s new flagship airport near Luanda. The decision marks a key milestone in one of the most anticipated infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa, and positions Angola to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth and support rising passenger and cargo demand across the region. The new airport — designed to support Luanda’s status as a strategic African hub — is envisioned as a modern, high-capacity gateway capable of serving millions of passengers annually. With a dedicated operator now in place, Angola…