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Manchester and Bristol lead the way in high-growth business success outside London, Barclays Eagle Labs tech report shows

Manchester and Bristol are home to the greatest numbers of high-growth businesses in England outside London, new Barclays research has shown. Barclays Eagle Labs’ Tech in the UK 2024 aims to analyse where high-growth businesses in the UK outside London are based, using Gross Value Added (GVA) figures that measure the economic contribution of businesses to their regions. The study shows that local areas with 100+ high-growth companies boast an ave...

in Tech 2025-12-24 18:16:33

BioGrad Education becomes first North West firm to win backing from £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund for growing SMEs

A biotech education firm that aims to create a new generation of scientists has become the first North West company to win investment from a £660m fund for Northern business. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) was launched by the British Business Bank in March with the aim of countering the “computer says no” attitude of traditional lenders. Now laboratory education provider BioGrad Education has secured a six-figure investment ...

in Tech 2025-12-21 05:34:30

Researchers at Swansea University in major semiconductor breakthrough

Swansea University have made a significant breakthrough in semiconductor research by establishing the first four inch thin film gallium oxide capability in the UK. This is a type of next generation semiconductor material that can more efficiently support the high voltages, power densities, and frequencies required for applications in electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, and 5G communications. The breakdown, has come via its Centre for Int...

in Tech 2025-12-28 22:12:57

Welsh tech venture gets regulatory approval for in space advanced manufacturing satellite

Cardiff-based venture Space Forge has secured regulatory approval to launch its pioneering satellite manufacturing next-generation super materials and advanced semiconductors in space. The start-up has secured the first UK licence for in-space advanced manufacturing (ISAM) from the Civil Aviation Authority with its ForgeStar-1 satellite set to launch later this year. This follows the ill-fated launch of the ForgeStar-0 on the aborted Virgin Orbit...

in Tech 2025-11-30 20:42:35

Fintel grows revenue and earnings on the back of acquisitions

Tech provider to the financial services industry Fintel says it has made a positive start to the year following a rise in revenues and earnings on the back of an acquisition spree. The Huddersfield-based plc, which owns a number of brands including defaqto and simplybiz, saw statutory revenue climb 20.6% to £78.3m in 2024, while adjusted operating profits in the same year reached £18.7m, up from £16.9m. Meanwhile core revenue figures - which excl...

in Tech 2025-12-31 03:01:48

TSG acquires Computer Geeks to expand South West presence

Tyneside IT firm Technology Services Group (TSG) has acquired Bristol-based Computer Geeks in its second deal of the last six months. The Gateshead-based Microsoft Partner, which provides computing and AI services, said the move boosts its managed services platform, cyber security offer, and will boost its presence further in the South West. Computer Geeks' staff will now join the TSG team. The business was set up in 2008 and is said to be a well...

in Tech 2025-12-30 01:58:51

Fintech firms lead UK tech hiring boom as AI and London dominate

A recent report reveals that the fintech sector is leading in hiring activity among UK startups and scale-ups. The study found that 21 per cent of all UK companies recruiting for tech roles are fintech firms. These companies have added 2,127 new employees to their organisations within the last twelve months, outpacing other sectors in workforce expansion and reinforcing the industry's role as a key driver of tech growth in the UK, as reported by ...

in Tech 2025-12-07 13:22:12

Quickline’s Project Gigabit rolls out to additional 6,000 homes and businesses

Rural broadband provider Quickline is to take its full fibre broadband to thousands more hard-to-reach homes and companies on the back of multimillion-pound funding. The Willerby-based infrastructure specialist is extending its Project Gigabit rollout, resulting in connection for 6,000 additional businesses and homes across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The expansion is backed by an additional £11m in public funding, which it said ensures Governmen...

in Tech 2025-12-12 05:14:46

UK tech sector falls out of top 10 as emerging superpowers take the lead

The UK has fallen behind in the global tech race, now ranking 13th for tech competitiveness and trailing countries such as Ireland, Singapore and Australia. A new global index has revealed that not a single G7 nation – which includes the UK as one of the world's most industrialised nations – is in the top 10, signalling a concerning trend for Western economies traditionally viewed as leaders in technology. The Global STEM competitive index, produ...

in Tech 2025-12-27 21:54:08

Alacrity Foundation spinout tech firm Lumin Solutions in equity fundraise boost

A Newport tech start-up that has developed a case management system for use by child social care providers has been boosted with a six figures equity investment. The pre-seed round for Lumin Solutions, which successfully spun out of the Alacrity Foundation entrepreneurship programme, was led by SFC Capital, the Development Bank of Wales and a syndicate of business angels. The company is run by directors Piers Oliphant, 25, Ben Miller, 24, and Ben...

in Tech 2025-12-05 18:58:27

Software entrepreneur Sir Peter Rigby backs new enterprise centre at the University of Liverpool

A software tycoon has backed the University of Liverpool as it launches a Centre for Enterprise that aims to encourage more young people to start their own businesses. Sir Peter Rigby founded Specialist Computer Centres, now SCC, in 1975 with a £2,000 loan. Today that business is Europe’s largest independent IT service provider. The Rigby Group also includes Regional & City Airports (RCA) – which owns the airports in Bournemouth, Coventry, Ex...

in Tech 2025-12-20 06:13:58

'Milestone' performance for Bristol tech company despite market challenges

Bristol-headquartered education technology business Tribal says it is set for "sustained growth" in 2025 despite market challenges. The AIM-listed software company saw group revenue rise 6% to £90m for the year ending December 31, 2024, while adjusted EBITDA - a measure of performance - increased by 17.8% to £16.7m. Statutory Profit before tax for the year decreased to £5.9m from £6.4m constant currency in 2023 as higher EBITDA performance was of...

in Tech 2025-12-25 01:37:52

Microsoft slashes 200 jobs in the UK as sales near £10bn in 2024

Microsoft has trimmed its UK workforce by over 200 positions despite a turnover leap to nearly £10bn, recent disclosures have unveiled. The American tech behemoth saw its employee numbers dwindle from 5,540 to 5,337 in the year ending 30 June, 2024, according to the latest filings at Companies House, as reported by City AM. This headcount reduction follows a period of growth where Microsoft's staff numbers rose from 4,955 in the preceding year. F...

in Tech 2025-12-17 13:43:05

Comment: West Midlands business can lead the charge in AI adoption

When it comes to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the Government has made its stance clear: the UK could and should be a leader and its AI Opportunities Action Plan introduced at the beginning of the year will provide a route to realise this. The plan recognises the transformative potential of AI in modernising public services by using technology to streamline processes. As the public sector begins to make these changes, private ente...

in Tech 2025-12-26 06:32:03

Revolut hit with £3m fine by Bank of Lithuania for anti-money laundering control failures

Revolut, the UK fintech firm, has been hit with a €3.5m (£3m) fine by the Bank of Lithuania due to deficiencies in its anti-money laundering controls. The neobank was criticised for "violations and shortcomings in the monitoring of business relationships and [transactions]" by the Lithuanian bank, as reported by City AM. The regulator pointed out that these failings had led to the bank not always correctly identifying suspicious financial operati...

in Tech 2025-12-16 04:05:40

Newcastle biotech pioneer Nanovery seals £1.1m funding boost

A Newcastle biotech business has secured a milestone £1.1m funding boost to ramp up its pioneering work. Nanovery has been developing nanorobots to help detect deadly diseases like cancer sooner since its launch in 2018, when co-founders Dr Jurek Kozyra and Roma Galloway wanted to launch a more efficient diagnostics solution for serious diseases, to bring more regular testing to clinicians and patients. The firm’s platform of analytical tools are...

in Tech 2025-12-23 20:05:13

Nvidia loses $273bn in market value as Trump tariffs bite

Nvidia's shares took a significant hit on Thursday, with an almost eight per cent drop wiping $273bn off its market value. This was triggered by the introduction of steep new tariffs and concerns over potential new export restrictions unsettling the markets, as reported by City AM. The leading chip manufacturer saw its stock close down 7.8 per cent following US President Donald Trump's announcement of comprehensive import duties. Since peaking in...

in Tech 2025-12-20 12:53:37

Healthtech firm SiSU Health aims for European and Manchester growth with £1.25m investment from Praetura Ventures

A healthcare firm that aims to help reduce inequalities by helping people detect and treat health conditions early has won a £1.25m investment to grow across the UK and Europe. SiSU Health has secured the support from Praetura Ventures to grow its team and expand the reach of its digital health services. The company, led by CEO Samantha Fay, has its operations and logistics business in Manchester. It also plans to use the funding to grow its pres...

in Tech 2025-12-17 09:45:19

Bristol cyber security company Immersive appoints new CEO

Bristol cyber security firm Immersive has appointed a new chief executive. Mark Schmitz will take the helm of the organisation while founder James Hadley will remain on the board as chief innovation officer. Mr Hadley, an ex-GCHQ trainer, will focus on driving "strategic vision and innovation" in partnership with Mr Schmitz, the company said. Mr Schmitz, who joins the business on Monday (March 17), has more than 25 years' experience in the enterp...

in Tech 2025-12-02 12:28:49

Newcastle body clock tech innovator Circadacare secures £500k investment

A healthtech business that uses knowledge of people's natural body clock and neuroscience has landed £500,000 of investment. Circadacare, which moved into The Catalyst building at Newcastle Helix last year, has secured further backing from Northstar Ventures via £250,000 from the North East Innovation Fund, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund. There was also investment from new and existing angels, as well as a grant from...

in Tech 2025-11-30 18:57:45

£5.75m investment for healthcare firm Functional Gut Group as it plans nationwide expansion

A healthcare firm that helps patients with digestive health issues including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has secured a £5.75m investment. Private equity firm Foresight Group is backing Functional Gut Group (FGG), which provides diagnostic testing services to patients suffering with pervasive conditions. FGG was founded in 2014 by gastrointestinal clinical scientist Dr Anthony Hobson. It now operates three permanent clinics in Manchester, Cambr...

in Tech 2025-12-25 12:49:27

Northumberland expansion for successful university spin-out Microbritt

A successful Newcastle University tech spin out is expanding into a new base in Northumberland on the back of a £400,000 investment. Microbritt, which was spun out of the university in 2021, has developed a precision service which micro-manufactures products from brittle materials such as glass, silicon, polymers and ceramics. The company has developed a patented process for the production of high value prototypes and complex products which are c...

in Tech 2025-12-20 18:17:35

Tech infrastructure company Softcat beats analyst expectations as profit jumps

UK tech infrastructure company Softcat surpassed analyst predictions last year, with profit growth soaring into double digits over the final six months of the year. The firm's gross profit rose by 12.1 per cent to £220.2m, exceeding analyst forecasts of £218.3m, as revealed in its half-year report, as reported by City AM. Operating profit also saw an increase of 10.4 per cent to £73.7m, surpassing analyst expectations of £72.3m. Management had be...

in Tech 2025-12-01 01:14:33

Leeds cloud services firm virtualDCS acquired by private equity player MonacoSol

Cloud computing firm virtualDCS has been acquired by private equity firm MonacoSol, ushering in a new senior management team. The Leeds-based provider of cloud infrastructure and back-up systems will now by led by CEO Alex Wilmot, who succeeds founder Richard May, who has become product development director. Mr Wilmot has previously held senior leadership roles at Ingram Micro, Redcentric and Daisy. Dan Nichols, a co-founder of virtualDCS, has al...

in Tech 2025-12-23 11:28:20

Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla stocks soar as Trump halts new tariffs, offering respite to tech giants

The so-called 'magnificent seven' tech stocks, including Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft, added more than $1.8tr in market value on Wednesday after an unexpected pause in new tariffs by Donald Trump, providing a rare moment of relief amidst an escalating trade war that had unsettled big tech. Shares of these tech giants surged between eight and 19 per cent – with Nvidia alone gaining over $440bn in value, as reported by City AM. This rally pr...

in Tech 2025-12-12 01:29:45

Contractor appointed at £300m energy storage site

A Manchester green energy plant has taken a key step forward with the appointment of a key contractor who will start work later this year. Spencer Group has secured a £23m contract to design the site layout and deliver the enabling works and civils at Highview Power’s liquid air energy storage site at Trafford Energy Park in Carrington. The £300m project, billed as the first of its kind in the UK, will store surplus energy from wind and solar sou...

in Tech 2025-12-12 22:54:29

New rules on social media content come into force on Monday

Technology firms must tackle illegal content on their platforms under new rules, but there are concerns that the changes are too weak. From Monday, Ofcom will start enforcing the Online Safety Act’s illegal content codes, requiring social media companies to find and remove content such as child sexual abuse material. The Government says it represents a “major step forward”, but critics say the media regulator’s approach is “timid” because it fail...

in Tech 2025-12-02 06:03:12

North cybersecurity specialist Communicate snaps up Blaze Networks

A North IT consultancy has snapped up a Cheshire business in an undisclosed deal to boost its suite of services. Communicate, which provides cybersecurity and IT network solutions, has acquired Blaze Networks, a security-focused managed service provider with expertise in advanced networking solutions. The deal marks the fifth acquisition for Communicate, which has its network operations centre in Wynyard, Teesside, and its 24/7 security operation...

in Tech 2025-12-11 09:51:53

Cardiff digital agency Spindogs delivering new GP surgery solution in England

Cardiff-based digital agency Spindogs has secured a six-figure contract for NHS England to develop a new website solution for surgeries. The two-year project, the first of its kind in the UK, is part of a wider strategy to reduce the number of incoming patient calls and on-site drop-ins being experienced at doctors’ surgeries, encouraging members of the public to instead use online booking systems as a first port of call. More than 60 GP practice...

in Tech 2025-12-30 19:20:54

UK government explores tech tax changes to avert US tariffs, Reeves confirms

The UK government is assessing possible modifications to its digital services tax (DST) in an effort to prevent additional tariffs from the US, as disclosed by Rachel Reeves. Since being introduced in 2020, the DST, which levies global tech giants such as Meta, Google, and Amazon, has generated approximately £800m annually, as reported by City AM. However, with President Donald Trump expected to declare new tariffs on the 2nd April, the UK is sai...

in Tech 2025-12-12 13:23:02

Filtronic expands work with Elon Musk's SpaceX a year on from landmark agreement

Tech manufacturer Filtronic has boosted its multimillion-dollar work with US rocket company SpaceX amid what it says is an exciting time for the business. The County Durham based maker of radio frequency communications equipment, which also has operations in Leeds and Cambridge, says its partnership with Elon Musk's high profile business has been expanded to allow for more orders and deeper collaboration between the two companies. Under the new a...

in Tech 2025-12-29 19:54:55

ASA clears Three over 'misleading' iPhone 16 Pro ads after Vodafone complaint

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled in favour of Three UK, dismissing Vodafone's claim that the mobile operator's advertisements for its iPhone 16 Pro deal were misleading. Vodafone had contended that the telecom competitor's assertion of providing 'The UK's best value unlimited iPhone deal' could potentially mislead customers into believing it was based on more than just cost, including aspects such as network coverage, trade-in ...

in Tech 2025-12-21 07:37:20

Losses narrow at tech firm Cirata in move from 'rescue to recovery'

Revenues have risen and losses have narrowed at Yorkshire tech firm Cirata following a transformational year which saw it move “from rescue to recovery”, its CEO has declared. Stephen Kelly, who was brought in to rescue the Sheffield business in 202,3 said the jouney with Cirata has “often been gruelling, with many unplanned and negative surprises” and has “not been for the faint hearted”, but he said that the 2024 financial year finally saw the ...

in Tech 2025-12-28 05:53:23

Opencast misses £3.4m revenues following closure of partner start-up Swarm Energy

New documents show more than £3.4m in lost revenue for Newcastle tech firm Opencast following the closure of a promising energy management start-up. Swarm Energy's six employees were made redundant in December last year, and the company closed down in January, having only launched in 2023. Its mission had been to develop a system which changed the way people buy, generate and use energy in their homes, with initial customers based in the North Ea...

in Tech 2025-12-11 23:39:59

Aelius Biotech scientists raise £750,000 to expand overseas presence

A Newcastle biotech company is set to expand its overseas presence after raising a further £750,000. Aelius Biotech’s laboratory gut model is used to trial new drugs and foodstuffs without the need for animal testing, with its model showing how substances will be digested by the body, helping its customers to de-risk product development and improve formulations. Now the firm has raised the six-figure sum from the North East Venture Fund, supporte...

in Tech 2025-12-03 18:59:55

Google axes jobs as it looks to save money across Android, Pixel and Chrome teams

Google has confirmed the dismissal of staff from within its platforms and devices division, responsible for products like Android, Pixel hardware, and the Chrome browser – signalling a continuous drive to streamline the business and cut costs. The cuts were first made public last Friday by The Information, following a January move by the company that provided employees with an option for voluntary departure, as reported by City AM. In a statement...

in Tech 2025-12-22 03:21:33

Tech investor backs Bristol AI transparency startup

A Bristol tech business that aims to make artificial intelligence (AI) systems more transparent has been backed by tech investor Symvan Capital. Tikos, based at the University of West England’s Future Space in Stoke Gifford, specialises in compliance and trust solutions for AI. London-based Symvan says its investment, whose value has not been disclosed, comes at a "particularly strategic time” as the UK government is preparing to introduce new re...

in Tech 2025-12-12 11:00:47

British fintech unicorn OakNorth snaps up US community bank in overseas push

OakNorth, the UK-based digital banking unicorn, has announced its acquisition of a US community bank as part of its international expansion strategy. The company confirmed on Monday that it had agreed to a stock-for-stock transaction with Michigan's Community Unity Bank (CUB), subject to regulatory approval, as reported by City AM. This follows the Federal Reserve and New York State Department of Financial Services granting OakNorth authorisation...

in Tech 2025-12-08 22:54:40

US firm Vishay Intertechnology confirms £250m investment at UK's biggest semiconductor facility

US tech company Vishay Intertechnology has revealed a £250m investment at its Newport foundry in South Wales making semiconductors that will transform the powering of electric vehicles. It is the latest stage of longer-term plans to inject £1bn and create hundreds of new high-skilled jobs. The funding, subject to due diligence and meeting staged milestones on research and development and capital expenditure, will see the UK Government contributin...

in Tech 2025-12-20 22:20:42

UK fintech firms hit by surge in fraud volumes, survey finds

New research indicates that seven in ten UK fintech companies have experienced a surge in fraud over the past year. Alloy's State of UK Fraud Report has revealed alarming figures, with 79% of fintechs in the UK reporting losses of at least £500,000 due to fraudulent activities in the 12 months leading to October 2024, as reported by City AM. In a staggering revelation, two in five fintech businesses logged financial impacts between £1m and £5m, w...

in Tech 2025-12-28 04:47:14

The Welsh fintech revolutionising how we pay online boosted with £5m fund raise

A Cardiff fintech start-up has raised £5m to support global expansion plans. It comes after Burbank earlier this month successfully demonstrated the world’s first certified online card-present transaction. Known as card-present over internet (CPoI) its tech platform redefines two-factor authentication so allowing shoppers online to simply tap their card to their mobile device and securely enter their PIN to complete a transaction, just like they ...

in Tech 2025-12-06 05:17:49

Raspberry Pi's profits halved in 2024 as stock price tumbles

Raspberry Pi's pre-tax profit plummeted by 57 per cent over 2024 to a mere $16.3m (£12.6m), as the company grappled with inventory correction issues. The FTSE 250 tech firm disclosed in its annual results that its adjusted operating profit had slipped by 15 per cent to $37.2m (£28.8m), as reported by City AM. Analysts had anticipated this downturn in the company's profit, predicting that the adjusted operating profit would fall within the range o...

in Tech 2025-12-11 14:47:12

US buyout deal for Clarity Software

A Solihull software firm has been bought out by a US outfit. Clarity Software has been acquired by Austin-based Inktavo in an undisclosed deal. Clarity Software sells management information systems, specialising in job pricing, inventory and production management for the signs and graphics industry. Inktavo is a provider of integrated software services for branded merchandise businesses. It said the acquisition of Clarity Software would further e...

in Tech 2025-12-25 14:46:25

SkinBioTherapeutics on firmer footing after acquisitions boost revenues

Skin health innovator SkinBioTherapeutics is focussing on the launch of a new product in partnership with chemicals firm Croda as it reports a jump in revenue. The Newcastle-based life sciences firm says it has grown revenues to £1.58m and narrowed losses by 25% to £1.04m in the six months to the end of September, as it made a number of mergers and acquisitions to drive growth. The 10-year-old firm is poised to launch its SkinBiotix lysate produc...

in Tech 2025-12-26 10:06:03

Data specialist founded ‘over pizza and beers’ wins investment from DSW Ventures

An AI- powered software firm founded “over pizza and beers” has won an investment from the venture capital arm of professional services group Dow Schofield Watts. DSW Ventures is making a pre-seed investment of £415,000 into Manchester-based Fireflai, which aims to help its clients to analyse and understand “fragmented and inconsistent product data”. Fireflai was founded by Tom Gardner and Craig Sumner and works with manufacturers, distributors a...

in Tech 2025-12-11 07:07:14

UK's ultrafast broadband expansion set to reach 96% of homes by 2027, Ofcom reports

The UK's ultrafast broadband roll-out is entering its "final phase" and could reach nearly all homes by 2027, according to Ofcom. The industry regulator revealed that data from telecoms firms suggests 96 per cent of homes and businesses would have access to full-fibre by 2027 with the right investment and regulation, as reported by City AM. The UK has experienced one of Europe's fastest roll-outs due to billion-pound investments and regulatory ch...

in Tech 2025-12-14 19:19:35

Hull tech firm launches wearable band to help hospitality workers manage tips

Fintech start-up thankyü has launched a wearable tipping service that it says will help hospitality and service workers, musicians and gig workers to earn more tips and get paid faster. The concept involves a wristband - called a TipTap - worn by the server and an app installed on customers' phones. Customers then tap to tip and the money goes to the server's personal wallet. Hull-based thankyü has developed the idea using payments tech providers...

in Tech 2025-12-30 12:04:35

Apple's UK privacy battle: Human rights groups slam government's demand to weaken security

Two UK human rights groups, Liberty and Privacy International, have launched a legal challenge against the government's attempt to force tech giant Apple to compromise its security systems, citing a lack of transparency in the process. The government had sought to compel Apple to create a "back door" in its security systems, which the company has resisted, as reported by City AM. The groups have filed a complaint with the Investigatory Powers Tri...

in Tech 2025-12-16 04:52:35

Sheffield sensor start up Phlux Technology seals £9m investment deal

Yorkshire connectivity specialist Phlux Technology is poised to create jobs and boost production capacity after sealing a £9m fundraise. The infrared sensor startup, founded in 2020 as a spin-out from the University of Sheffield, has secured the significant sum in a Series A funding round led by BGF, and existing investors Octopus Ventures, Northern Gritstone and Foresight. Phlux Technology’s work is focused on the next generation of fibre broadb...

in Tech 2025-12-27 19:19:48

UK technology secretary asks AI ChatGPT about businesses and podcasts

Peter Kyle, the UK's technology secretary, has been utilising ChatGPT, an OpenAI chatbot tool, to ask questions about UK businesses, artificial intelligence (AI), and even podcast recommendations, according to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request submitted by New Scientist magazine. The magazine revealed that Kyle, who heads the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has regularly used the chatbot in his professional capacity,...

in Tech 2025-12-18 22:43:18
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