Connectus Business Solutions has launched a new series of free workshops aimed at helping SMEs in the north of England and the Midlands become more AI-ready. The “Evolve AI” initiative, developed in partnership with Doncaster-based Automated Analytics, is designed to provide business owners and decision-makers with practical, actionable insights into AI adoption.

The workshops will focus on demystifying AI technologies and providing tangible steps for integrating AI into businesses. Key concerns, including cost, skills shortages, job displacement, and regulatory uncertainty, will also be addressed throughout the series.

The sessions, running in the second half of 2025, will take place at various locations across the region, starting with an event at Castle Park, Doncaster, on 18th September. Each workshop will be followed by support materials to assist participants in continuing their AI journey.

AI adoption is gaining momentum in the UK, with a projected £78 billion boost to the SME economy over the next decade. However, many SMEs still lack the confidence, expertise, or resources to effectively implement AI. Connectus aims to bridge these gaps by offering a hands-on learning environment where leaders can explore AI’s business value, including automation of routine processes and smarter decision-making.

With its focus on business value and real-world case studies, the workshops will help SMEs identify the most cost-effective ways to adopt AI without major disruptions.

Lincolnshire County Council has secured a significant partnership with technology consultancy Version 1, aimed at reshaping its IT landscape. The six-year contract, valued at £193 million with the option for two additional years, focuses on delivering a range of critical IT services designed to streamline operations and support future growth.

Under this collaboration, Version 1 will assist the council in managing and maintaining key IT functions, from device lifecycle management and user support to Microsoft 365 administration. The scope also includes cloud optimisation, cybersecurity, and the management of business applications, whether hosted on-site or via Software-as-a-Service solutions.

A major focus of the contract is developing an adaptable IT infrastructure that will evolve with changing technological, legislative, and budgetary demands. The goal is to ensure that the council’s IT systems remain secure, relevant, and responsive to new challenges and opportunities as they arise. This partnership will also allow for the continuous evolution of services to meet best practices and anticipate future business needs.

Croda International, the Goole-based chemicals company, has posted a 7% rise in sales for the first half of 2025, reaching £855.8 million. Pre-tax profits also saw an increase, up 8.4% to £138 million, driven by strategic cost-saving measures.

The company saw broad-based growth across its three business divisions. Consumer Care sales were up 7%, with significant growth in fragrances and flavours (17%) and home care (7%), while beauty care and beauty actives saw more modest increases. Life Sciences reported a 9% rise in sales, supported by strong demand in the crop and pharma sectors, with crop sales rising by 12% and pharma sales up 5%. Industrial Specialities grew by 4%, reflecting steady demand across various regions.

Despite a positive performance, Croda noted that second-quarter sales were slightly lower compared to the first quarter of the year, reflecting ongoing market uncertainty amid a volatile political and economic environment.

For the full year, Croda anticipates adjusted pre-tax profits in the range of £265 million to £295 million. As part of its long-term strategy, the company aims to achieve £100 million in annual cost savings by the end of 2027, with £60 million of savings already identified.

Croda’s CEO emphasised the company’s focus on simplifying operations and enhancing margins, positioning it for continued growth in a challenging business landscape.

Palletforce has strengthened its network by adding York Warehousing & Distribution (YWD) Transport to handle the YO postcodes in north-east Yorkshire. The new addition will cover a wide area, including Malton, Pickering, and Scarborough, bringing over 30 years of market experience to ensure a high-quality service.

YWD’s transport operation, launched five years ago by Joe Wilkinson and Matt Potts, has grown steadily despite industry challenges. Their expertise in haulage and distribution makes them well-positioned to handle the demands of the region. The move into Palletforce’s network is aimed at further expanding their capabilities and driving sustainable growth.

YWD’s extensive warehousing infrastructure, consisting of four storage sites, handles goods for a variety of well-known high-street and consumer brands. By joining Palletforce, YWD Transport aims to leverage its local knowledge while offering the operational support and resources of a larger network.

The partnership highlights Palletforce’s ongoing strategy to enhance its coverage by integrating experienced local players, ensuring operational stability and superior service standards across its network.

EarthScale, a new initiative designed to help climate tech startups scale up, is now accepting applications for its first cohort. This three-year programme is backed by a £5 million grant from the Research England Development Fund and led by Imperial College London, in collaboration with five other UK universities: Nottingham, Cranfield, Derby, Exeter, and Leeds.

The aim of EarthScale is to bridge the gap between the prototype phase and market-ready deployment for climate tech ventures, addressing the challenges startups face in scaling innovative technologies. The programme offers participants access to specialised research, manufacturing facilities, and a network of experts across various technical fields.

The support provided will also include business development assistance, talent acquisition, and help navigating the complexities of regulations and policies. Startups that are selected will have the opportunity to enhance their operations and bring their climate solutions closer to commercialisation.

Applications are open until 7 September 2025, with the programme set to start on 1 October.

West Yorkshire’s bus services are set for a major transformation, with franchising expected to roll out across various regions starting in 2027. The move, supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), will allow for greater control over routes, schedules, and service delivery.

The region will be divided into nine zones, each undergoing a series of franchising rounds. The first to see franchised services will be the Heavy Woolen area, Kirklees, and West Leeds/Ilkley. Following that, Five Towns, Leeds, and Wakefield will be franchised, with Bradford, Calderdale, and Keighley scheduled for the final round.

A key part of this shift involves negotiations to secure depots across the region. As depots are vital for service delivery, the Authority aims to acquire strategically located facilities to ensure competition, especially for larger contracts. If these negotiations fail, compulsory purchase orders could be used to acquire the depots.

The goal of the franchising programme is to enhance service reliability, address route cancellations, and improve the passenger experience, particularly for communities with previously unreliable or under-served bus networks.