Author: Scott Dylan

Ashley Montanaro and Toby Cubitt, co-founders of Phasecraft—a spin-out from University College London and the University of Bristol—have cautioned that quantum computing is at a “critical juncture.” Their concerns follow the UK government’s recent decision to withdraw £1.3 billion in promised funding for technology and AI projects, which has sent ripples through the industry.As venture capital investment in quantum computing continues to decline, experts fear that the UK will struggle to keep pace with global leaders such as the United States and China. Toby Cubitt, Phasecraft’s Chief Technology Officer, remarked that the nations leading in quantum computing will accrue not…

An independent contractor has successfully completed a significant sale and leaseback agreement involving a substantial industrial property in Barnsley. This transaction, valued at £3.4 million, reflects a net initial yield of 9.25%.The deal pertains to a 70,865 sq ft industrial building situated on a 10.15-acre site within the Fall Bank Industrial Estate in Dodworth. The buyer, a private investor, has acquired the property as part of a long-term investment strategy. The vendor, a well-established haulage company, has secured a 15-year leaseback arrangement, which includes five-yearly tenant break options.Oliver Rowe, Director of the contracting firm involved, described the transaction as a…

An independent contractor has successfully negotiated the sale and leaseback of a substantial industrial facility in Barnsley. This £3.4 million transaction significantly impacts the local business landscape.The property involved is a 70,865 sq ft industrial building situated on a 10.15-acre site within the Fall Bank Industrial Estate in Dodworth. Edwards Property Consultants, based in Manchester, managed the sale to a private investor who has integrated this facility into a long-term investment strategy. The property will be leased back to Truswell Haulage, a well-established haulier, under a 15-year agreement. This contract includes tenant breaks every five years, providing flexibility while ensuring…

A significant transaction has been concluded involving the sale and leaseback of a 70,865 sq ft industrial building located in Barnsley for £3.4 million, achieving a net initial yield of 9.25%.The property, situated on a 10.15-acre site at the Fall Bank Industrial Estate in Dodworth, has been acquired by a private investor as a part of their long-term investment strategy. The transaction includes a 15-year leaseback agreement with tenant breaks every five years, favouring the long-established haulier company, Truswell Haulage.Oliver Rowe, Director at the consulting firm responsible for the deal, highlighted the strategic importance of the sale leaseback arrangement for…

In a recent statement to the stock market, fast fashion retailer Boohoo announced that it will be closing its 1.1 million sq ft distribution centre in Pennsylvania. Moving forward, Boohoo plans to fulfil all US orders from its automated warehouse in Sheffield, UK.The Manchester-headquartered company claims this strategic shift will broaden its product offering for US customers and expand its market routes. However, this move appears to be primarily driven by cost reduction efforts. Executive chairman Mahmud Kamani has been navigating numerous challenges recently, including intense competition from Chinese brand Shein and ethical concerns regarding supplier treatment.Despite Boohoo’s optimistic projection…

Boohoo, the fast fashion retailer, is set to close its large-scale distribution centre in Pennsylvania.The company will now fulfil all American orders from Sheffield, aiming to enhance product variety and streamline operations.Shifting Operations to SheffieldFast fashion giant, Boohoo, has announced a major shift in its operations by closing its 1.1 million sq ft distribution centre in Pennsylvania. The move will see Boohoo fulfil all American orders from its state-of-the-art automated warehouse in Sheffield. This decision comes as part of a strategy to streamline costs and broaden its product offering for US customers.The Manchester-headquartered company believes that this transition will expand…

Manchester-based product intelligence firm Vypr is poised to expand into the US market, setting expectations for a fourfold increase in turnover over the next three years. This strategic move, which aims to provide US consumer insights, will also create over 30 international job opportunities, with many more expected in the UK.Vypr, known for offering rapid and actionable consumer insights to global brands, has already quadrupled its revenues since 2021, following an investment by YFM Equity Partners. The company has primarily catered to the UK market, and the US expansion is anticipated to maintain its strong growth trajectory.In 2023, global spending…

The British Business Bank has welcomed Vicky Mears as its new Director of UK Network for the Midlands and North of England, significantly bolstering its leadership team.Vicky Mears, with over two decades of banking experience, assumes this role bringing expertise in trade finance, business banking relationship management, senior branch management in retail banking, and project management. Notably, she has spent five years supporting smaller businesses in their international market expansions, addressing scaling challenges, and accessing finance.In her new position, Vicky will collaborate closely with Senior Network Managers throughout the Midlands and the North to better understand the small business landscape.…

The business landscape in Wales is experiencing dynamic shifts with recent moves in equity investments and acquisitions.Prominent Welsh entities such as Awen Oncology, PlantSea, Excellence IT, Secureit, and Kontroltek are at the forefront of these developments due to substantial new funding and ownership arrangements.Awen Oncology, a life sciences venture stemming from Welsh academia, is making strides with its latest funding round. The company focuses on developing novel anti-cancer drugs, marking a benchmark for innovation in the biomedical sector.The venture, supported by the Development Bank of Wales and Start Codon, has now raised over £1 million. This investment will empower Awen…

Consumer insights company Vypr is planning a significant expansion into the United States. The move aims to increase their size by four times, adding 100 new jobs.Vypr, with its innovative “product intelligence” platform, provides brands with the tools to engage and understand their target audiences. This unique platform has amassed a dedicated digital community of over 70,000 users from the UK, France, and Germany. By participating in market research, these users aid brands in developing new products and fine-tuning existing ones. The company’s approach is revolutionising traditional focus groups through its app-based methodology.Vypr’s CEO, Chris Williams, emphasizes the strategic expansion…