Author: Business Enquirer

In a strategic move to scale up innovation and impact across global food supply chains, agri-tech leaders B-Hive Innovations, HarvestEye, and RootExtracts have appointed seasoned fresh produce expert Doreen Spikings as their new Chief Operating and Commercial Officer. The appointment signals a significant step forward for the trio of research-driven companies, as they aim to deliver transformative, science-backed solutions in areas ranging from AI and crop genetics to sustainability and valorisation. Bringing over two decades of international experience, Spikings has worked across every stage of the food supply chain, from hands-on harvesting to executive leadership. Her previous roles include Commercial…

In a bold move to redefine the role of higher education in addressing the climate crisis, the University of Exeter has announced the launch of a pioneering new degree designed to equip students with the cross-disciplinary skills needed to build a more sustainable future. Launching in September 2026 at the university’s Penryn campus in Cornwall, the BA/BSc (Hons) in Global Sustainability is set to blend natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities in a single, solutions-focused programme aimed at preparing the next generation of change-makers. This innovative degree breaks with the tradition of siloed academic study, allowing students to shape…

In a move that signals both a shift toward a low-carbon future and a nod to energy security, the UK government has reiterated its commitment to end new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, while maintaining support for existing projects and workers in the sector. A consultation paper from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) outlines the government’s intention to phase out new seaward exploration and production licences, in line with its climate pledges and net-zero strategy. However, the plan preserves flexibility for the extension and transfer of existing licences, allowing drilling near current fields…

A major milestone in industrial automation and clean energy was marked this week with the launch of the world’s first fully operational fleet of 100 autonomous electric mining trucks, powered by a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) network, at the Yimin open-pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia, China. This unprecedented rollout positions the Yimin mine, operated by China Huaneng Group Co Ltd, as a global pioneer in smart mining. The project represents a joint innovation effort with Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co Ltd. (XCMG), and State Grid Smart Internet of Vehicles Co Ltd., integrating cutting-edge AI, cloud computing, and…

Announced just months after the two companies formalised their strategic partnership, TALOS represents a major leap forward in the commercial viability of 3D printed tantalum components. Tantalum, a rare and highly valued metal, has long been recognised for its outstanding biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and fatigue strength. However, due to complex processing challenges, its adoption in additive manufacturing has remained limited, until now. Croom Medical and Global Advanced Metals joined forces earlier this year with a shared goal: to develop a closed-loop supply chain for 3D printable tantalum powder. Their work culminated in the TALOS platform, which has now transitioned from…

Carbon Futures, one of the UK’s leading consultancies in energy performance and sustainability for the built environment, has been formally appointed as a Certified Assessor for Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills initiative, a bold new housing standard promising homeowners zero energy bills for a decade. The announcement was made at the Zero Bills Awards held in London, where Carbon Futures was recognised for its vital role in helping to develop the assessment methodology and tools that underpin the new certification. This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for sustainable construction in the UK, as the standard introduces a new global benchmark for…

The strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the United States continues to gather momentum, cementing their shared commitment to a sustainable energy future. Through landmark investment initiatives, cutting-edge research collaboration, and major clean energy developments across the U.S., the two nations are building a blueprint for international cooperation in the global energy transition. At the heart of this deepening alliance is the UAE-U.S. Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), a bold initiative launched in November 2022. With an ambitious goal to mobilise $100 billion in financing and deploy 100 gigawatts of clean energy by 2035, PACE stands as…

In a breakthrough for sustainable construction, Scottish cleantech company Kenoteq is poised to make a global impact with a revolutionary product designed to tackle one of the building industry’s most pressing challenges: waste. The company, a spinout from Heriot-Watt University, has developed the K-BRIQ, a construction brick composed of nearly 100% recycled materials, primarily construction and demolition waste that would otherwise end up in landfill. Now, after years of rigorous testing, the K-BRIQ has achieved official certification from the British Board of Agrément (BBA), one of the UK’s most respected bodies for validating construction products. This milestone positions Kenoteq’s innovation…

Multinational construction giant Cemex has expanded its presence in the UK with the opening of a new training and administration facility in Coventry, aimed at streamlining internal operations and bolstering workforce development. The newly launched centre, based at the Business Innovation Centre within the University of Warwick Science Park, marks a strategic investment in employee training and infrastructure, offering a modern space dedicated to upskilling staff and fostering cross-regional collaboration. With annual revenues of approximately £15 billion, Cemex is a major global player in the building materials industry, manufacturing and distributing cement, concrete, and aggregates to clients in more than…

In a landmark move celebrating 25 years of partnership, Ryanair and aviation technology leader Navitaire have renewed their long-standing alliance with a forward-looking agreement designed to push the boundaries of digital transformation in the airline industry. The new chapter in their collaboration signals a reinforced commitment to shaping the future of global aviation through advanced, scalable cloud-based systems. The agreement builds on a relationship that began in 2000, when Ryanair was a regional carrier with big ambitions. Today, it is Europe’s largest low-cost airline, transporting over 200 million passengers annually, a meteoric rise powered in part by Navitaire’s robust digital…