Middlesbrough-based logistics provider AV Dawson Transport has completed a trial of a 42-tonne fully electric HGV, clocking over 1,800 miles in just 10 days. The pilot, delivered in partnership with fleet electrification specialist VEV, demonstrated a 2.3-tonne reduction in carbon emissions across 42 commercial journeys.

The initiative is part of AV Dawson’s wider strategy to decarbonise its haulage operations, which account for over 80% of the group’s direct emissions. With the potential to slash emissions by more than 90% through full electrification, the company is now evaluating long-term integration of alternative fuel vehicles into its fleet.

The trial also has significant implications for clients, such as British Steel, by helping them reduce Scope 3 emissions, indirect emissions from their supply chain. As industrial firms face increasing pressure to meet net-zero targets, logistics partners like AV Dawson play a growing role in enabling emissions reductions across complex value chains.

VEV provided the end-to-end infrastructure for the trial, including vehicle supply, charging solutions, and real-world performance data. The company, backed by a major global energy firm, is targeting the widespread electrification of commercial fleets through managed trials and consultancy services.

With HGVs representing a large share of transport emissions in the North East—around 40%, this pilot marks a step forward for sustainable freight in one of the UK’s most industrially intensive regions.

A research partnership between the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham has secured £1.8 million in funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to advance pharmaceutical manufacturing in the UK.

The project, known as R4PID (Reconfigurable, Robotic & Responsive Reactors for Processes through Intensified Development), will focus on developing smart manufacturing technologies that accelerate drug production, cut environmental impact, and lower operational costs. The initiative is designed to align with the UK’s net zero goals and the sector’s shift toward automation and digitalisation.

R4PID will integrate AI-controlled reactors, machine learning, and advanced process monitoring to create more responsive and efficient production systems. Industrial collaborators AstraZeneca and ChemAI co-developed the project, which aims to reduce waste and improve materials efficiency in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

This initiative is one of six EPSRC-backed projects that together received nearly £7.5 million in funding. Each project was developed in collaboration with industry and centres on sustainable, high-tech approaches to manufacturing, reinforcing the UK’s growing reputation in research-driven industrial innovation.

Corporation tax non-compliance has become the dominant factor in the UK’s growing tax gap, accounting for 40% of the £46.8 billion shortfall in 2023–24, according to new HMRC figures. The corporation tax gap rose to 15.8%, the highest level in over a decade.

Small businesses are now the biggest contributors to the overall tax gap by customer group, making up 60% of the shortfall, up from 48% five years ago. HMRC attributed the trend largely to rising non-compliance in this segment.

Despite a slight improvement in overall tax compliance, with 94.7% of tax liabilities collected, the data highlights an increasingly uneven picture. The combined shortfall in income tax, national insurance, capital gains tax, and VAT has continued to decline. In contrast, corporation tax compliance is slipping.

Personal taxpayers and high-net-worth individuals now represent just 10% of the tax gap. Still, HMRC warned of a growing risk of accidental non-compliance due to more people being drawn into the tax system through frozen thresholds and reduced allowances.

The release comes amid heightened scrutiny of HMRC’s operations, following public service complaints and a major phishing incident that resulted in £49 million being stolen through compromised tax accounts. The Treasury has pledged to recover £7.5 billion through stricter compliance measures.

Prior Power Solutions has launched a new operational base in Grimsby, strengthening its support for the UK’s offshore wind and marine industries. The move positions the company closer to key offshore wind projects such as Hornsea, Triton Knoll, and Dogger Bank, where demand for reliable Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) support remains high.

The Grimsby facility will focus on servicing, maintaining, and supplying parts for CTVs operating in the North Sea. This expansion builds on the company’s 45-year marine engineering track record and aims to minimise vessel downtime through faster turnaround and local expertise.

Grimsby’s established marine infrastructure, including its offshore wind training centre, vessel berthing facilities, and heavy-lifting capabilities, offers the logistical advantage needed for quick response times. The site also benefits from partnerships with local operators, including Bacon Engineering Group for custom fabrication and Grimsby Shipyard Services, which provides a 200-tonne boat hoist.

Now fully operational, the site marks Prior Power Solutions’ continued commitment to the offshore renewable sector. The firm remains an authorised dealer for major engine brands including Volvo Penta, Cummins, and Kohler, with servicing expertise extending to Scania and CAT engines.

SSP Group has signed a 14-year contract with Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) to expand and operate its food and beverage portfolio, aligning with the airport’s £100 million redevelopment of its main terminal.

The deal will see SSP manage a broad mix of casual dining, grab-and-go, and premium bar concepts across the airport’s significantly upgraded retail and hospitality spaces. With a three-storey terminal extension set for completion before peak summer travel, the airport will increase its retail and F&B footprint by 75%.

SSP’s expanded presence will include well-known brands such as Upper Crust and Starbucks, alongside the launch of Monty’s Diner—its American-style casual dining concept—at a second UK location. SSP will also introduce AMT Coffee to a UK airport for the first time, opening a premium Juniper Bar and its craft beer-led Tap & Brew concept.

A newly opened Burger King and Tap & Brew are already operational as part of the first phase of the redevelopment. The refreshed terminal will also feature improved security, seating, and retail options, with full renovations scheduled for completion by winter 2026.

The agreement reinforces SSP’s strategic positioning within UK travel hubs while supporting LBA’s long-term vision to enhance the passenger experience and increase commercial revenue streams.

Leeds Building Society has appointed independent agency Joint as its new lead creative partner across both consumer and business markets. The decision follows a competitive pitch process held in April, organised by Ingenuity+, and included a same-day workshop to assess each agency’s strategic thinking and collaborative style.

Joint takes over brand development, creative strategy, and campaign delivery, with a focus on expanding the “It’s better to belong” platform introduced by Brave Spark. The brief includes strengthening brand awareness, increasing market consideration, and supporting Leeds Building Society’s broader growth agenda.

With over £31 billion in assets and a million members, Leeds Building Society is the fifth-largest building society in the UK. The appointment signals its intent to sharpen its brand presence and unify messaging across all customer and stakeholder touchpoints.