(Alliance News) - The UK government has announced multimillion-pound funding packages for chemicals and ceramics firms which it said will support thousands of jobs. Read More
(Alliance News) - Rachel Reeves has announced a temporary cut in the rate of VAT on attractions such as theme parks, zoos and museums from 20% to 5% over the summer holidays. Read More
(Alliance News) - UK Communities Secretary Steve Reed said the profits of firms exploiting high demand for vulnerable children's accommodation will be capped and powers handed to communities in a bid to restore public trust. Read More
(Alliance News) - Henry Boot PLC on Thursday said it continues to forecast full-year profit in line with expectations, despite signs of lower confidence and cost inflation driven by geopolitical headwinds. Read More
(Alliance News) - Young & Co's Brewery PLC on Thursday reported stronger annual earnings and said it has made a strong start to the new year. Read More
Associated British Foods PLC - London-based food, ingredients and retail group - UK Competition & Markets Authority publishes an interim report on its probe into the planned acquisition of bread maker Hovis Group Ltd, through subsidiary ABF Grain Products Ltd. AB Foods announced the proposed merger in August, after a strategic review of its Allied Bakeries business. The CMA's inquiry group provisionally concludes that the merger may not be expected to result in a substantial limiting of competition in Northern Ireland for suppliers of bread and certain other bakery products. Read More
(Alliance News) - Stock prices in Europe were lower on Thursday afternoon, as eyes remain on US-Iran talks and after survey data revealed the conflict has hit the eurozone and UK economies. Read More
Zinc Media Group PLC - London-based television and audio production company - Says it has been commissioned to produce "a major television series" in the Middle East, in a deal worth USD6 million. The firm expects the commission to be recognised fully in 2026, with international distribution rights generating additional revenue over the longer term. Zinc Media says that the series is one of the longest-running entertainment formats in the Arab world, and is now entering its 18th season. "The show follows inventors and entrepreneurs as they develop ideas with the potential to change lives and impact the world, combining innovation, entrepreneurship and competition," Zinc Media says. Read More
(Alliance News) - BP PLC on Wednesday said it has signed three production sharing contracts in Indonesia, increasing its participation in oil and gas blocks in the country to 11. Read More
Shuka Minerals PLC - Africa-focused mine operator and developer - Says its first drill hole at the Kabwe zinc mine in Zambia notes "high grade" results. First drill hole exceeds pre-drill expectations and second drill hole now underway, it says. The initial diamond drill hole was planned at 65 degrees at a bearing of 130 degrees and was planned to intersect the ore body below the current workings at a depth of about 220 metres to 230 metres. "With this planning and the skill of the Ox Drilling operators, we hit the target spot on and the results are well beyond our expectations," Shuka Chief Executive Officer Richard Lloyd says. Ox Drilling Ltd is the drilling contractor. Read More
(Alliance News) - Great Portland Estates PLC on Thursday reported higher earnings and said it is confident of "substantial" income and value growth over the medium term. Read More
(Alliance News) - Nationwide Building Society will overtake Lloyds Banking Group PLC to have the biggest branch network in the UK next month, as its chief executive officer said the "tide is turning" with in-person banking regaining popularity. Read More
Rentokil Initial PLC - Crawley, England-based pest control services company - Appoints Rafael 'Rafa' Carrasco as chief executive officer, North America, with effect from August 3. Carrasco was most recently president at WM Healthcare Solutions and WM's senior vice president of strategy. Rentokil says he has "a distinguished track record of leadership in large-scale, route-based service industries." Highlights that at WM, previously known as Waste Management Inc, Carrasco "oversaw multi-site operations with 200+ branches and over 10,000 corporate and field-based employees across the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland and Western Europe." Adds: "He is highly experienced at executing a recurring revenue model, serving commercial and residential customers." Rentokil's current North America CEO Alain Moffroid will stay at the "NA leadship group" to support the team, and "will support the company through the end of 2027." Read More
(Alliance News) - Coastal Africa Group Ltd on Thursday announced its plans to start trading on London's AIM market. Read More
(Alliance News) - Hill & Smith PLC on Thursday said trading in the four months to April has been positive and slightly ahead of expectations, reflecting continuing robust demand for infrastructure solutions in the US. Read More