CurveBlock, a Leeds-based proptech firm focused on carbon-zero housing, has secured $400,000 (approx. £298,000) in funding from blockchain network Kadena. The grant is part of Kadena’s $25 million programme supporting real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation on its infrastructure.

The funding will enable CurveBlock to scale its digital platform and introduce blockchain-based property investment opportunities to retail investors. Initially targeting institutional players under the oversight of the UK’s Digital Securities Sandbox, the company plans to expand access to fractionalised investments in energy-positive homes, residences that generate more energy than they consume.

Founded in 2018, CurveBlock aims to democratise real estate investment while addressing climate goals and housing inequality. Its model enables individuals to invest in green housing projects, with profits shared equally between the firm and investors. It also reinvests a portion of earnings into homelessness support in the communities where it operates.

The partnership with Kadena will enable CurveBlock to leverage the blockchain’s secure and scalable infrastructure to launch tokenised development shares, offering improved transparency and efficiency. The firm is the first tokenised real estate fund to be accepted into the UK’s Digital Securities Sandbox, a joint initiative by the Bank of England and FCA to test innovative financial models. CurveBlock is also preparing for a Series A funding round later this year.

Praetura Ventures and Par Equity, two leading investors in early-stage and scale-up businesses outside London, have agreed to merge, forming PXN Group, a new investment powerhouse with over £670 million in assets under management. The move, pending Financial Conduct Authority approval, brings together Manchester-based Praetura and Edinburgh-founded Par Equity, combining regional strengths across the North of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

PXN Group positions itself as the UK’s fastest-growing venture and investment firm outside the South East, aiming to address the country’s geographic funding gap. The group plans to offer equity investments from £200,000 to £8 million across multiple sectors and stages of growth. Their combined 115-company portfolio spans high-growth ventures and technology-driven businesses, including AccessPay, Modern Milkman, QikServe, and ICS Learn.

The firm will operate from existing locations in Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds, and London, while continuing to manage current funds and mandates. Both founding teams will remain in leadership, with Praetura’s Dave Foreman taking on the role of CEO and Par Equity’s Paul Munn appointed Executive Chair.

PXN Group will expand its offering to institutional and retail investors, financial advisers, and public sector partners. It also retains a focus on tax-efficient investment products, including EIS and inheritance tax planning services. Looking ahead, PXN plans to launch new initiatives aimed at scaling innovation in undercapitalised UK regions.

HSBC is considering a global policy that would require employees to work in the office at least three days per week, aligning with a broader industry trend of reducing remote work. While no final decision has been announced, the move would impact its 34,700 UK-based staff and comes as the bank prepares to downsize its office footprint during its transition from Canary Wharf to the City.

This potential change follows similar return-to-office policies introduced by UK peers Lloyds and Barclays, and reflects the stricter stance adopted by US banks such as JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs.

The discussion takes place amid sweeping restructuring efforts led by CEO Georges Elhedery. Aiming to cut costs by $3 billion, the bank has scaled back its investment banking operations, particularly across Europe. This has included a 10% staff reduction in France and the cancellation of its UK Corporate and Investor Conference.

As part of the overhaul, HSBC is reorganising into two regional divisions: one covering Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, and the other focused on the Americas and Europe. The restructuring underscores HSBC’s pivot toward Asia, which the bank sees as a core growth driver.

A growing number of businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber are planning job cuts in response to higher employer national insurance contributions introduced in April, according to a new survey of mid-to-large firms.

The report, conducted by accountancy and advisory firm S&W, found that 33% of the 500 UK business owners surveyed said they are preparing to reduce headcount, citing increased labour costs linked to the NIC hike. Around 20% have already taken this step.

The recent rise saw employer NICs increase from 13.8% to 15%, alongside a raised earnings threshold. The change coincided with higher national living wage requirements and reduced business rates relief for certain sectors, compounding the pressure on employers’ cost bases.

In response, 46% of respondents said they intend to increase prices, 35% plan to cut staff hours, and 29% expect to freeze pay. Many also pointed to broader challenges including elevated energy and commodity prices and ongoing economic volatility.

The findings reflect mounting concern among businesses with turnovers of £5 million and above, as they balance rising payroll liabilities with the need to maintain competitiveness.