Author: Business Enquirer

At a time when public services are under increasing pressure to deliver more with less, Norse Group offers a compelling example of how local authority-owned enterprise can combine commercial discipline with long-term community value. Wholly owned by Norfolk County Council, the Norfolk-headquartered group operates across a broad range of public-facing services, from school catering and highways maintenance to waste management, construction project management and specialist education facilities. Yet despite its ownership structure, Norse is not a traditional in-house council provider. It competes, delivers and reports with the rigour of a commercially focused organisation. For Justin Galliford, the principle underpinning that…

Business Enquirer recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tommy O’Donoghue, Head of Consumer Foods at Lakeland Dairies. Headquartered in County Cavan, the company is Ireland’s largest dairy co-operative, with operations across Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States, exporting dairy products to more than 100 countries worldwide. In the interview, Tommy discusses his role and career journey, the consumer trends shaping the dairy industry, how Lakeland Dairies is responding to changing customer demands, and the company’s ambitions for the future.

Across the UK, a new generation of independent bakeries is turning sourdough, viennoiserie, cakes and seasonal pastries into destination experiences, drawing visitors far beyond their local neighbourhoods. Britain’s independent bakery scene has become one of the country’s most exciting food movements, shaped by craftsmanship, local ingredients and the growing appeal of small everyday luxuries. Britain’s bakery culture is enjoying a remarkable renaissance. Once defined largely by supermarket loaves and familiar high-street chains, the country’s relationship with bread and pastry has become more thoughtful, creative and experience-led. Across cities, coastal towns and historic market streets, independent bakeries are now becoming destinations…

Set against the reflective calm of Wood Wharf’s waterways, Songbird Restaurant & Bar feels like the kind of place London has been waiting for in Canary Wharf. It is polished without being cold, elegant without being overworked, and quietly atmospheric in a way that makes you want to stay longer than planned. This is not a dining room built around showmanship for its own sake. Instead, Songbird is shaped by restraint, light and mood. It understands that luxury often lives in the details, in the confidence of a space that does not need to shout to make an impression. From…

Corfu has long been one of Greece’s most beloved island destinations, combining Venetian charm, crystal-clear waters and some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean. Located in the Ionian Sea, the island offers an incredible variety of coastal experiences, from dramatic cliff-backed coves and hidden turquoise bays to expansive stretches of golden sand perfect for long summer days. While Corfu boasts dozens of beautiful beaches, a select few stand out as must-visit destinations for travellers seeking the very best the island has to offer. Whether you’re planning a luxury escape, a romantic getaway or an island-hopping adventure, these five…

Europe’s luxury hospitality sector is entering one of its most exciting periods in recent memory. Across iconic cities, coastal escapes and historic destinations, a wave of extraordinary new hotels is redefining luxury travel for a new generation of guests. From restored palaces in Venice and London to ultra-exclusive resorts on the French Riviera and contemporary retreats overlooking Lake Como, the continent’s newest openings are blending heritage, design and experiential travel in ways that go far beyond traditional hospitality. Luxury travellers are no longer seeking simply a beautiful room—they are searching for immersive experiences, authentic storytelling and destinations that feel truly…

London’s dining scene continues to evolve at a remarkable pace. From Michelin-starred tasting menus and elevated British cuisine to globally inspired culinary experiences and spectacular city views, the capital remains one of the world’s most exciting destinations for food lovers. This June, a collection of standout restaurants is redefining what it means to dine in style, combining exceptional cooking with memorable settings, impeccable service and innovative menus. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, entertaining clients or simply seeking an unforgettable meal, these venues represent some of the finest dining experiences London has to offer. “The best restaurants create more than…

The future of Britain’s oil and gas industry has become one of the most fiercely contested economic and political debates in the country. At the heart of the discussion lies a fundamental question: should the UK continue developing North Sea oil and gas resources to support jobs, energy security and economic growth, or accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels in pursuit of climate targets? Recent political developments suggest the issue is becoming increasingly influential. Following a surprise Conservative victory in the Aberdeen South by-election, support for North Sea energy production has once again moved to the centre of the…

As automotive manufacturers race to expand beyond their domestic markets, the ability to move vehicles, components and batteries efficiently across continents is becoming just as important as the vehicles themselves. That reality is driving a new generation of strategic partnerships throughout the automotive sector, and one of the latest examples comes from Chinese automotive giant Chery Auto, global shipping leader CMA CGM and logistics specialist CEVA Logistics. The three companies have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to strengthen Chery’s international supply chain capabilities as the automaker continues its rapid global expansion. The agreement highlights a growing recognition…

As sustainability moves from aspiration to necessity, architects are increasingly finding themselves at the forefront of one of the most important transformations in the built environment. From net-zero buildings and circular design principles to low-carbon materials and regenerative development, the industry’s role in tackling climate challenges has never been more significant. Against this backdrop, the Architects’ Journal has announced its AJ100 Sustainability Leader of the Year 2026, recognising an individual whose work is helping drive meaningful environmental progress across the architectural profession. The award celebrates leadership, innovation and a commitment to embedding sustainability into both design practice and business strategy,…