Author: Sam Allcock

Star Platforms, a leading powered access company, is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of steady growth, operational excellence, and commitment to both its workforce and local communities. Since its founding in October 2014, the company has evolved from a small operation in Dunstable into a national provider, now operating from nine locations across the UK and employing 180 staff. This year, a significant milestone was achieved with the relocation of Star Platforms’ head office to a larger facility in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire. The new headquarters accommodates over 50 staff and central functions, ensuring the company continues to meet…

FBC Manby Bowdler, a Midlands-based law firm, is celebrating the recognition of more than 25 of its lawyers in the prestigious Legal 500 UK rankings for 2025. The firm has seen a number of its teams and individuals secure high accolades in one of the legal industry’s most respected guides, solidifying its reputation for excellence. Among the firm’s top achievers are Guy Birkett and Charlotte Clode, both partners in the commercial litigation department, who have retained their top rankings. They were joined by Susan Todhunter, also named as a Leading Individual, which is the highest accolade a lawyer can achieve…

Cequence Security has appointed Randolph Barr, former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Zoom, to drive the company’s API security efforts. Barr brings over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT, having held senior roles at leading tech firms including Qualys, Cisco-Webex, and InterVenn Biosciences. His extensive expertise is set to bolster Cequence’s commitment to providing robust protection against the evolving threat landscape facing businesses today. Barr, well-regarded for his ability to lead security teams and implement large-scale protection strategies, will oversee Cequence’s internal security programme. His remit will include strengthening customer trust by ensuring that the…

ZF has opened a pioneering 800V Test & Validation Laboratory at its R&D Hub near Solihull, aiming to accelerate the development of next-generation electric vehicles (EVs). The facility is the first of its kind for ZF in the UK and one of only a few nationwide. Partially funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the lab is designed to support the rollout of advanced 800V systems, which promise significant gains in efficiency, charging speed, and vehicle performance. The laboratory, which is 46 square metres in size, will enable ZF to carry out crucial high-voltage (HV) testing for its own projects…

The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) has launched a series of case studies showcasing how Taiwanese machinery and metalworking enterprises are driving advancements in industrial automation. This initiative aims to facilitate collaborations with leading automation and machinery companies globally. According to a recent report by McKinsey, automation has emerged as the foremost investment priority across various sectors from 2023 to 2029. However, organisations face significant challenges in scaling up automation, including selecting the right technology, planning effective implementation, and acquiring specialised expertise. Taiwanese machinery firms, known for their diverse expertise and extensive experience, are uniquely equipped to tackle these…

A remarkable collection of laboratory equipment from the renowned Danish firm Bruel & Kjaer is set to go under the hammer in a unique auction, with bidding starting at just £6,000. The auction, hosted by Vintage Electric Musical Instrument Auctions (VEMIA), will run from November 2nd to 9th and is anticipated to attract interest from collectors and sound enthusiasts alike. The owner of the collection, Peter Forrest, is spearheading the auction, having spent the past three decades acquiring this equipment from various sources, including auctions, BBC sales, and universities. His passion for Bruel & Kjaer’s gear was ignited by witnessing…

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed three loan agreements with the Republic of Serbia, amounting to $205 million, to support major projects in agriculture, education, and energy. This move marks the SFD’s first entry into Serbia, aiming to bolster the country’s long-term economic growth. The agreements were signed by Sultan Al-Marshad, CEO of the SFD, and Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Siniša Mali, at a ceremony attended by Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Ali Aldossary. This latest partnership builds on last year’s Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations, further cementing…

The 136th session of the China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, commenced on October 15 in Guangzhou. Spanning three phases from October 15 to November 4, the event features participation from over 3,000 enterprises and showcases an impressive array of 1.15 million new products, underscoring China’s ongoing strength in foreign trade while attracting global buyers eager to explore new opportunities. Chu Shijia, the Secretary General of the Canton Fair and Director General of the China Foreign Trade Centre, commented on the significance of the event, stating, “The Canton Fair, celebrated as ‘China’s No. 1 Fair,’…

Exyte, a global leader in high-tech facility design and engineering, has finalised its acquisition of Kinetics Group, a renowned provider of installation services and technical facility management. The deal, initially announced in April, officially closed on 15 October 2024, after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals. Kinetics, which operates in sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and advanced technology, has an extensive presence in key markets across Asia, Europe, and North America. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move by Exyte to expand its service offerings and strengthen its position within the global high-tech facilities market. Dr Wolfgang Büchele, CEO of…

Unily, a leader in employee experience (EX) platforms, has introduced its latest innovation, the Insight Center, aimed at transforming how enterprises manage and interact with digital assistants. This new offering features a unique Bring-Your-Own-Assistant (BYOA) and Bring-Your-Own Large Language Model (BYOLLM) approach, allowing organisations to integrate their preferred digital assistants seamlessly into their workflows. This move addresses the complexities faced by large enterprises as they seek to adopt AI technologies. The Insight Center was unveiled at Unily’s annual EX event, Unite 24, where the company also introduced the Unily Go mobile app, designed to enhance communication and engagement for frontline…