Industry news

Industry news Waterstones owner considers £2bn bid for The Very Group US-based investment firm Elliott Advisors, which owns Waterstones, is reportedly eyeing a £2 billion takeover of multi-brand online retailer The Very Group. Currently owned by private equity firm The Carlyle Group, The Very Group has also gained interest from Chinese e-commerce newcomer JD.com. Carlyle only acquired The Very Group from the Barclay family in 2025.... Retail Gazette · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Used vehicles and parts reveal the complex routes of global reuse Used vehicles and parts reveal a complex global reuse economy where end-of-life does not always mean end of use. As cars and components move across markets, they may become repairable assets, donor parts, recyclable materials or regulatory risks. For recyclers, accurate classification, traceability and responsible parts recovery are becoming essential. Auto Recycling World · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Circularity gap exposes bio-material policy failure Report says existing policy frameworks for bio-based materials are ‘out of step’ with circular economy principles, suggesting new agenda LONDON […] Ecotextile News · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Emerging economies face $3.8bn EV charging infrastructure opportunity, report finds A new report by C40 Cities and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has identified a US$3.8 billion investment opportunity in public electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the emerging economies of Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and India by 2035.The study, produced in collaboration with The Climate Pledge through the Laneshift Programme and Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Strawson and GIC mark 20 years of partnership working VERTICAL form fill and seal packaging machinery manufacturer GIC and fresh produce supplier Strawson are celebrating 20 years of working together. The Strawson business has grown out of a family farm, which is still active today, growing potatoes, carrots, parsnips and arable crops across more than 16,000 acres in Suffolk, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. […] Packaging Scotland · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Wren Kitchens Invests £35M in Fleet Expansion Wren, the UK’s number one kitchen and bedroom retailer, announced a £35 million investment in expanding its delivery fleet to meet surging customer demand while marking the latest milestone in its programme of initiatives to achieve Net Zero by 2030. The new £35M fleet expansion will significantly increase Wren’s last-mile delivery capacity across the UK, enabling the company to fulfil growing … MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Be a Bok Hub 2026 - Coca-Cola Coca-Cola Great Britain media center · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Exide Technologies retains EcoVadis Gold rating, demonstrating sustainability commitment Battery technology firm Exide Technologies has been awarded the EcoVadis Gold rating for 2026. The company retained its ranking for its strong sustainability performance, which places it among the top 5 per cent of firms assessed by the agency. Exide said the award reflects ongoing progress across all evaluated sustainability areas. Since 2025, Exide has improved its overall score, while mainta… Tyrepress · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news In pictures: the circus artists rewriting the rules of ageing ‘There’s something radical about seeing people reclaim play later in life,’ say those behind an over-50s circus Positive News · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news EDP completes 800MWh Arizona battery project with SRP EDP Renewables North America (EDP) and Arizona utility Salt River Project (SRP) have completed a 200MW/800MWh battery energy storage system in Coolidge, Arizona, marking the largest battery project in the EDP Group’s global portfolio.The four-hour-duration Flatland Energy Storage facility, located in Pinal County, is designed to provide electricity during periods of peak demand and has… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Wise alumni raise £1.5m for tax assessment platform Record OS, a self-assessment and making tax digital platform founded by former employees of Wise, has raised $2m (£1.49m) in pre-seed funding. Founders Dhruv Chadha and José Luis De La Peña met as early employees of the remittance giant. They founded Record OS as a tool to manage self-assessment of taxes and has made the […] UKTN (UK Tech News) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Gap hits cotton and polyester sustainability goals US retailer claims it has met key environmental targets on cotton, recycled polyester and worker development across its global supply […] Ecotextile News · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news A solar-powered rubbish-eating boat? The vessel chomping plastic waste out of the sea Guided by floating barriers, the Interceptor has already stopped more than 143,000lbs of rubbish from entering the Pacific from one LA river On an overcast June morning, I step from the rubber-sided Zodiac boat on to a floating barge at the mouth of Ballona Creek, where it meets Santa Monica Bay on the west side of Los Angeles. The first thing I notice? Salty air is the only smell, despite six … The Guardian — Environment · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news The Wine Wally: Co-op is taking away scariness around wine aisle Convenience retailer Co-op has appointed Liam D’Arcy as its first ever official Wine Ambassador, in a move that the influencer describes as “bringing new voices into the conversation”. D’Arcy is a popular online content creator known as the The Wine Wally. He has over 100,000 followers on Instagram and over 30,000 on TikTok. Retail Gazette... Retail Gazette · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Closing the Gap: Why the Catalyst Market Can’t Afford Old Pricing Models Dafydd Dylan of F.J. Church argues that the catalyst market can no longer rely on old pricing models built around opaque margins and deferred settlements. For ATFs and suppliers, the future lies in transparent, data-led pricing that delivers certainty at the point of sale. ATF Professional · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Monteith Appoints Scott McLaws as Director Monteith has appointed Scott McLaws as Director as the specialist insurance advisory firm continues to grow its support for UK vehicle dismantlers. His role strengthens Monteith’s senior-led approach, including tailored cover, enhanced road risk protection and access to an exclusive QBE motor trade facility. ATF Professional · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Leisureways and Butlers Automotive staff recognised in Thirty Under 30 Awards Two members of staff at Leisureways and Butlers Automotive have been selected for the Thirty Under 30 Awards at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 2026. The annual awards recognise younger professionals in the automotive aftermarket and wider trade who are making an impact in their roles. Tyrepress · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Morrisons gives away free coffee to football fans Morrisons is offering customers who wear their nation’s football shirt a free beverage, with no minimum purchase required to celebrate the tournament season. Running from 11 to 28 June, the… Grocery Gazette · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news On the right path – Hankook presents concepts at TTC 2026 During The Tire Cologne 2026, Hankook Tire & Technology presented a 3D-printed non-pneumatic concept tyre it developed as part of work on future mobility applications, sustainable materials and alternative tyre structures. Sung Hee Youn, Team Manager of the company’s Design Innovation Studio, shared details of the concept, emphasising its role in demonstrating how material innovation and struct… Tyrepress · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news TTC 2026: ZC Rubber demonstrates new Westlake, Goodride European PCR tyre products ZC Rubber used its presence at The Tire Cologne 2026 (9–11 June) to underline its ongoing focus on the European market, with particular emphasis on a series of passenger car and light truck (PCR) tyres due to be introduced in the second half of the year. The company presented an expanded PCR portfolio under its Westlake and Goodride brands, targeting key growth segments such as ultra-high perfo… Tyrepress · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Manufacturer FlamePro Wins Place on Major Framework Manufacturer FlamePro has been awarded a place on the UK’s biggest framework to supply life-saving kit to fire services. FlamePro has been named on the National Firefighter PPE Framework, overseen by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). It’s a powerful recognition for FlamePro as a UK leader in the manufacture and supply of clothing that keeps firefighters safe as they respond to critical i… MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Tenders and contract wins round-up 12th June 2026 MRW Tenders and contract wins round-up 12th June 2026 Latest highlights includes councils undertaking collaborative procurement for skip hire and associated waste services, and award of NHS contract for sharps collections Tenders and contract wins round-up 12th June 2026 Joswin Corda MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news WEBINAR | AI: From Cost Reduction to Intelligent Operations in Paper & Packaging Packaging News is hosting an AI-focussed webinar in partnership with Hitachi Digital Services on 30 June. Packaging News (UK) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Douglas McMaster founder of the world’s first zero waste restaurant, Silo Following time spent in the world’s top kitchens such as St. JOHN, The Fat Duck and Noma,at the age of 21 Douglas entered and won a BBC competition, becoming the country’s ‘best young chef.’ Footprint Media (foodservice sustainability) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news WEBINAR | ‘Before vs. After AI: What Actually Changes in Your Plant’ Packaging News is hosting an AI-focussed webinar in partnership with Advantive on 25 June. Packaging News (UK) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news A VC’s guide to picking winners UKTN is filled with success stories of how entrepreneurs have turned great ideas into great businesses. Almost without exception, everyone who has made the journey from drawing board to boardroom will have required outside investment to realise their dreams. But what is it that professional investors want to see when they’re trying to pick winners? I […] UKTN (UK Tech News) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Forgotten pollutants drive 15% of global warming A new paper has shown that approximately 15% of current global warming (about 0.3°C) from human emissions stems from pollutants that fall outside most existing climate policy frameworks. Most of these overlooked pollutants are called ‘indirect greenhouse gases’ and include carbon monoxide, non-methane volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and molecular hydrogen. The authors of the […] Environment Journal · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Taking food redistribution to the next level A plan to triple the level of surplus food going to those in need relies on the support of businesses, but those on the frontline stress it is not a silver bullet solution to food poverty Footprint Media (foodservice sustainability) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news A&M EDM Explores High-Growth Markets Through Regional Programme As manufacturing businesses across the West Midlands look to strengthen resilience and diversify into high-growth markets, the Supply Chain Transition Programme, delivered by the Supply Smarter Consortium for the West Midlands Investment Zone and the Mayor of the West Midlands’, is providing targeted support to help firms pivot into new supply chains and seize emerging opportunities. A&M EDM, a… MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Office signs 10-year lease at Derbion shopping centre Footwear specialist Office has signed a 10-year lease for a new store at Derbion shopping centre. Retail Gazette · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Diddly Squat Farm launches three year partnership with Blue Diamond Garden Centres Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm has unveiled an exclusive three-year partnership with Blue Diamond Garden Centres to develop and bring to market a collection of co-branded gardening products. The range will be available online and in-store at Blue Diamond’s garden centres and in Diddly Squat Farm shops. According to the brands, the collaboration combines Blue... Retail Gazette · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news MEMBER PRESS RELEASE – e-POWER Auction Delivers Strong Results for Biomethane Producers MEMBER PRESS RELEASE – e-POWER Auction Delivers Strong Results for Biomethane Producers e-POWER continues to deliver positive outcomes for biomethane producers participating in its Renewable Gas Guarantee of Origin (RGGO) auctions, with the latest auction demonstrating encouraging market strength and sustained buyer interest from across the sector. Recent auction activity saw non-accredited RGG… ADBA (Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Vast majority of IT leaders are being stung by unplanned AI costs The vast majority of UK IT leaders have been hit by unexpected and unplanned AI costs over the past year, according to new research from software group Asana. In a study of UK businesses, Asana found that 82% of IT decision-makers faced such costs in the past 12 months, pointing to a mismatch in cross-departmental […] UKTN (UK Tech News) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Paragon Provide £1.6 Million Funding for Aerospace Manufacturing Paragon Bank has provided £1.6 million of funding to Northern Ireland-based Datum Tool Design to support the purchase of a new 5-axis CNC machine, strengthening the company’s manufacturing capability for the aerospace sector. Founded in 1996 and based in Lisburn, Datum Tool Design is an aerospace tooling specialist that designs and manufactures high-precision tooling for major aircraft programm… MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news ‘Highly unusual’ break-in shuts Powys recycling centre A household recycling centre in Powys has been forced to remain closed following what council officials have described as a “highly unusual and serious” break-in. Powys County Council confirmed that the Household Recycling Centre at Lower Cwmtwrch will remain shut while police investigations and a major clean-up operation continue at the site. It is suspected … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Dynamic pricing isn’t the problem, says former Asda chief The backlash against FIFA’s dynamic pricing model for World Cup tickets has reignited concerns about retailers using technology to alter prices in real time. Yet Thomas Hill, former pricing director… Grocery Gazette · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news 7UP unveils summer promotion and marketing campaign 7UP has launched a major on-pack promotion, the latest installment in its ‘Refreshment That Hits Different’ marketing campaign. Running from June until September, the summer promotion includes a £5,000 cash… Grocery Gazette · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news ETI sets roadmap to 2030 Report outlines how ETI members can place responsible purchasing at the heart of their human rights due diligence programmes LONDON […] Ecotextile News · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Government promise 5,000 new walking, wheeling and cycling routes The government published the long-awaited third cycling and walking investment strategy yesterday (11th June), setting out a vision for making walking, wheeling and cycling a safe, easy and accessible option for everyone, backing the strategy with £4.5 billion of investment. Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said in the strategy’s foreword that the government […] Air Quality News · 12 Jun 2026 Industry news Lindt launches second chocolate shop in Manchester Lindt & Sprüngli has opened a new chocolate shop in Manchester’s Trafford Centre. Retail Gazette · 12 Jun 2026