20 December 2022

Some of the leads included in the UK Activity Report in December 2022, highlighting business expansions, acquisitions, mergers, and job creation opportunities.

Opportunities

• James Fisher PLC disposes of three businesses.

  James Fisher, the Barrow-headquartered marine service provider, has announced the sale of three businesses.

• North West Foodbuy acquires Regency Purchasing Group.

  Compass Group UK & Ireland’s food procurement business, Foodbuy Europe Limited, has acquired Regency Purchasing Group.

• Glasgow welding and cutting specialist secures £5m Barclays backing for acquisition.

  A Glasgow-headquartered welding and cutting specialist has expanded its operations thanks to an investment.

• HSH acquires Associated Cold Stores & Transport for £16.5m.

  HSH Cold Stores has acquired food temperature-controlled storage and logistics expert Associated Cold Stores & Transport.

• London fintech Updraft raises £108 million to grow lending business.

  Lending firm Updraft completed a funding round to ramp up its expansion plans.

• Merger forms 54North Homes, a new 3,000-home housing association.

  54North Homes, a 3,000-home housing association, has been officially launched as a subsidiary.

• Eden Project North expected to get green light, creating 1,000 jobs.

  The new botanical gardens are predicted to create 1,000 jobs.

• West Midlands housing developer plans to double workforce in next 12 months.

  A housing developer with 50 years of trading history plans to expand its workforce.

• Somerset horse feed company sold out of administration, saving jobs.

  The business was rescued following financial difficulties due to rising raw material costs and supply shortages.

• Home Bargains looking to build site near Glasgow, creating 400 jobs.

  Home Bargains plans to develop a site in Castlecary, bringing jobs to the local community.

• BAE Systems to create 251 jobs in Portsmouth.

  Defence contractor BAE Systems is expanding its early-career programs, creating 251 jobs.