Woodsmith Mine, located in the North York Moors National Park, stands as one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Designed to operate almost entirely underground, the mine aims to reduce visual and environmental disruption in one of the UK’s most protected landscapes.

The mine will extract polyhalite, a naturally occurring fertiliser, from the largest and highest grade resource of its kind globally. With an estimated production capacity of 20 million tonnes per year, Woodsmith Mine is set to play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture.

Salko UK is integral to the development, providing Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) installation packages since 2020. With contracts valued over £17.8 million, Salko UK is helping to build the deepest mineshaft in Europe. The company’s work spans advanced ventilation and dewatering systems, designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational emissions.

Salko’s expertise is evident in their installation of large-bore steel ducting, glycol pipework, and energy-efficient cooling systems, all engineered to British Standard 1710. Over 80 professionals, including project managers, planners, and mechanical fitters, have contributed to the ongoing success of the project.

The mine’s design not only prioritises high performance but is also aligned with Anglo American’s FutureSmart Mining™ vision. By focusing on environmentally conscious infrastructure, the project seeks to minimise its impact on the surrounding landscape while providing a sustainable solution for global agricultural needs.

The Compleat Food Group has expanded its operations with the acquisition of Freshpak, a leading provider of egg products and chilled food-to-go snacks.

Freshpak, which employs around 500 people at its 430,000 sq ft production facility in Barnsley, reported £93 million in revenue for 2024.

Known for its private label products including deli fillers, poached eggs, and chilled snacks, Freshpak supplies major UK retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda, in addition to foodservice customers.

This acquisition enhances Compleat’s capabilities in egg processing, tapping into the increasing consumer demand for protein-rich and healthy food options. Freshpak’s product offerings complement Compleat’s existing deli and food-to-go categories, unlocking opportunities for growth and innovation.

Compleat’s latest acquisition adds to a series of strategic moves, following purchases of SK Foods, Zorba Foods, and Harvey & Brockless in 2024. With Freshpak on board, Compleat’s turnover surpasses £1.3 billion, and its workforce now exceeds 6,000 employees across 17 sites.

The University of Huddersfield is offering a final opportunity for business leaders to join its Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme. Due to upcoming changes in government funding, this will be the last intake for the course, which begins later this year.

The apprenticeship is aimed at current or aspiring senior leaders seeking to enhance their business strategy and management skills. The 19-month programme is designed to fit alongside work commitments, with participants attending Huddersfield Business School for two days each month over the first 13 months. The course offers three core modules: Operational Systems, Processes and Decision Making, Strategy and Innovation, and Responsible Leadership and People Engagement.

Participants are required to apply what they learn in real-world scenarios within their organisations, and the course culminates in a 10-week project based on a relevant organisational challenge. Upon completion, participants receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and gain Chartered Manager status through the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

For those wishing to pursue further study, there is an option to enrol in an additional top-up module, leading to a master’s qualification. This can be completed mostly online and takes around seven to eight months.

The apprenticeship provides a collaborative environment where employers are actively involved in the learner’s development. The final cohort starts on 4 November 2025, and those interested are encouraged to submit their expressions of interest before the deadline.

The TUC has launched a nationwide initiative to inspect workplaces and ensure that employers are taking appropriate steps to protect workers amid the ongoing heatwave. Over 1,000 union health and safety representatives are involved in the effort.

Working in extreme heat can cause dehydration, fatigue, muscle cramps, and even fainting or loss of consciousness in severe cases. Union reps will assess workplace temperatures and engage with employers to discuss safety measures such as maintaining cool indoor environments, providing shaded areas for outdoor workers, and offering flexible working hours.

This inspection underscores the importance of workplace safety during high temperatures and highlights the need for stronger legal safeguards. Employers are encouraged to implement basic precautions like flexible working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day and ensure indoor spaces remain comfortable.