Latest news with #BFS
Herald Sun
15-07-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Brazilian Critical Minerals takes key Ema REE step with BFS lead appointed
Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. Special Report : Brazilian Critical Minerals has selected newly formed Altris Engineering as lead engineer for the Ema project bankable feasibility study, which is anticipated to take about six to nine months to complete. BCM appoints Altris Engineering as lead engineer for Ema BFS Altris will deliver the process plant and non-process infrastructure components The BFS will take 6-9 months to complete The Altris team – formerly of Primero Group - comprises highly qualified study and project managers, engineers and designers across key disciplines such as process, mechanical, piping, civil/structural and instrumentation. Brazilian Critical Minerals (ASX:BCM) is confident that the lead consultant appointment, alongside ANSTO and WSP, brings together a highly experienced group of specialists ready to advance the Ema project in Brazil through detailed feasibility studies ahead of project financing discussions. Altris will deliver the process plant and non-process infrastructure components of the BFS as well as coordinate the overall compilation and delivery of the final DFS report. The bankable study doesn't usually differ in project parameters from the DFS and both include a stack of detail on what terms financiers should provide to make the project sing. Altris has delivered multiple scoping, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and has led EPC and EPCM project execution for battery and critical minerals projects across multiple global jurisdictions. With strong experience in project delivery, it is recognised for producing fit-for-purpose designs that minimise capital expenditure while maintaining high standards of operability and safety. ANSTO has globally recognised expertise in the processing of critical and strategic metals including rare earths and was instrumental in the delivery of the metallurgical assessment during the Ema scoping study phase. WSP brings in-house expertise in the design, implementation and optimisation of in-situ recovery (ISR) mining projects across a range of commodities and global jurisdictions. Building momentum BCM managing director Andrew Reid said the company was extremely pleased to be partnering with Altris as its lead engineer. 'The Ema Project is the only rare earths in-situ recovery (ISR) development of its kind in the Western world, with a capital cost of just US$55 million – positioning it as potentially the lowest-cost, near-term source of rare earth feedstock under current market conditions,' he said. 'We look forward to building on the momentum of the past 12 months and continuing to add value through practical, fit-for-purpose engineering that is grounded in sound commercial logic.' What else is happening? BCM has multiple activities planned on the ground over the course of the next few months including geotechnical investigations, Lidar survey capture for accurate field designs, infrastructure powerline study design and road access assessment of upgrades to improve wet season access. This article was developed in collaboration with Brazilian Critical Minerals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions. Originally published as Brazilian Critical Minerals takes key Ema REE step with BFS lead appointed
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
44-Year-old arrested in Benoni for armed robbery at Brakpan salon
44-Year-old arrested in Benoni for armed robbery at Brakpan salon Just before 14:00 on July 10, members of the Benoni Flying Squad (BFS), while on patrol, provided backup to a security company that had identified a white Nissan Micra in O'Reilly Merry Street. The vehicle was wanted in connection with an armed robbery case reported in Brakpan. According to BFS media liaison officer, Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, the vehicle was intercepted at a shopping centre on the corner of Benoni Road and O'Reilly Merry Street. A 44-year-old suspect was arrested and detained at Brakpan SAPS after investigations revealed he was allegedly involved in an armed robbery at a salon in Voortrekker Road, Brakpan, earlier this month. ALSO CHECK: Survivor speaks out after brutal attack near N17 ALSO CHECK: Love in print: Heartfelt newspaper proposal surprises partner At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK SMEs face challenges from US tariffs and trade volatility: BFS study
UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are grappling with challenges due to the evolving global trading environment, driven by US tariff policies, according to a new report by Bibby Financial Services (BFS). The 'Trading Places Report' highlights that over half (55%) of surveyed UK SMEs view tariffs as a major economic challenge, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, nearly half (47%) of SMEs expect tariff uncertainty to reduce their overseas trading volumes by the end of this year. The figure rises to 51% for businesses that rely on the US as their primary export market. The financial impact of the new tariff regime is substantial, with average costs estimated at nearly £17,000 ($23,217) per business. BFS said this financial strain adds to existing challenges faced by UK SMEs, including elevated interest rates and persistent inflation. The Confederation of British Industry notes that these factors contribute to a bleak outlook for UK private sector businesses, the weakest since 2022. Bibby Financial Services global CEO Jonathan Andrew said: 'Our data clearly shows uncertainty regarding tariffs is having a direct impact on the plans of small and medium-sized businesses across the UK. However, while some importers and exporters are seeing profit margins eroded amid currency volatility, others are using the situation as an opportunity to review supply chains and customer networks.' Although a recent trade deal between the UK and the US offers some hope, it may be insufficient for some SMEs. One-fifth or 20% of SMEs are reducing their US customer base while nearly six in ten (59%) are switching to making foreign exchange payments in Euros and sterling to mitigate dollar volatility. Tariff uncertainty and trading volatility are prompting SMEs to reconsider their international market priorities. Many are exploring onshoring, nearshoring, or 'friendshoring,' focusing on countries with political and economic alliances or Free Trade Agreements. Nearly two-thirds (64%) plan to seek new trading partnerships in the next 12 months, an increase of more than ten percentage points from 2024. Additionally, 36% of SMEs are expanding partnerships to mitigate risks from trade policy changes, tariffs, or geopolitical situations. UK businesses are also evaluating which of the world's two largest economies, the US or China, will dominate in the future. China is emerging as a top target for exports, with interest nearly doubling from 7% to 13% over the past year. However, SMEs acknowledge the challenges of forging new relationships. More than half (56%) believe Brexit has reduced their global competitiveness, with over three in five (66%) indicating they would vote to remain in the EU if given another chance, a 13-percentage point increase in Remainers since last year. Andrew said: 'The global trading map is being redrawn, and SMEs across the country are contemplating how they can protect margins and remain competitive amid a constantly moving trading environment. 'More than ever, it's vital SMEs can get ahead of the curve, assessing how tariff agreements could impact their operations, as well as taking a proactive role in managing currency risk. It is these businesses and those who use the current uncertainty as an opportunity to seek new trading partnerships that will be well placed for growth in 2025 and beyond.' "UK SMEs face challenges from US tariffs and trade volatility: BFS study" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leasing lays the foundation as UK construction sector feels the strain
The UK construction sector is facing a perfect financial storm. In March 2025, more construction firms collapsed than in any other month since July last year. A total of 377 construction businesses became insolvent, according to the Insolvency Service, up from 368 in February. The vast majority were specialist subcontractors, including 87 electrical and plumbing firms and 71 building completion and finishing contractors. These figures come against a broader trend of financial stress across the UK economy. Overall, there were 2,238 company insolvencies in England and Wales in May 2025, up 8% from April and 15% from the same month a year ago. The construction sector was the worst affected, accounting for 17% of all insolvencies over the past 12 months. While the sector remains vital to economic growth and housing targets, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly unable to weather the squeeze. Data from Bibby Financial Services' (BFS) Q1 SME Confidence Tracker paints a stark picture: 72% of construction SMEs cite rising material costs as a major drag on profitability. At the same time, nearly a third (29%) say they don't have sufficient cashflow to operate effectively, much higher than in other sectors such as transport (6%) or wholesale (12%). BFS Construction Finance Report (Under Embargo)Download The result? Mounting bad debt and tightening margins, pushing more SMEs toward insolvency. Despite the sector's growing pain, many small firms remain optimistic. According to BFS, 67% of construction SMEs expect sales to rise in the coming year, up from 57% a year ago. But this optimism is tempered by doubt: 60% of firms believe that the Government's Industrial Strategy, anchored by £100 billion in capital commitments and a pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2030, will disproportionately benefit large main contractors. The concern is that while large firms may have the resources and leverage to bid on and manage major infrastructure and housing projects, smaller subcontractors and regional builders are being left on the sidelines. And without targeted support, the risk is that the Industrial Strategy could deepen the divide between large and small players, rather than level the playing field. Contractual complexity is a persistent barrier for smaller construction firms. BFS's research found that nearly half (48%) of SMEs find contracts difficult to understand, rising to 56% among the smallest firms (1–9 employees). Even more worryingly, 58% of the smallest firms feel they must accept terms as-is, for fear of losing business altogether. These firms often operate at the end of the payment chain, leaving them vulnerable to delayed payments, unfavourable terms, and bad debt, all of which exacerbate existing cashflow issues. Limited bargaining power and a lack of legal or administrative support to challenge complex contracts only deepen the financial risk. As costs and risks rise, construction SMEs are finding it increasingly difficult to secure external finance. BFS reports that 51% of firms say access to finance has worsened over the past six months, more than in any other sector. The most common reasons for seeking finance include investment in growth (39%) and covering day-to-day operations (32%), but for many, traditional routes to funding are drying up. This leaves a crucial gap, one that asset finance and leasing may be increasingly well placed to fill. Despite broader financial pressures, equipment and plant finance—a key construction indicator—shows resilience, according to figures from the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA). While plant and machinery finance fell 5% year-on-year in April 2025, it rose by 1% over the past three months, and remained up 1% over the full 12 months. These figures suggest that the April dip may reflect a seasonal slowdown or temporary pause, rather than a long-term contraction. For construction firms facing restricted access to traditional lending, leasing and asset finance offer a vital alternative, enabling investment in essential equipment without overstretching limited cash reserves. Asset finance new business fell by 7% in April 2025 The construction sector is far from short on potential. Confidence in future demand remains high, and Government infrastructure targets offer a substantial pipeline of opportunity. But without targeted action to improve access to finance, simplify contracts, and ensure SMEs benefit from public investment, the sector risks becoming increasingly dominated by a few large players—at the expense of thousands of smaller firms that make up its backbone. As BFS Group Managing Director Jonathan Andrew puts it: 'The Government's commitment to invest in the construction sector may well explain increasing optimism amongst business leaders, however it's critical that small firms are not left on the sidelines... Improving access to finance will be a critical lever to give SMEs the boost they need to invest, innovate and grow.' The future of UK construction depends not only on ambitious targets but on ensuring that the smallest firms can build, compete, and survive. While the UK construction sector faces rising insolvencies, bad debt, and a squeeze on working capital, equipment finance is proving to be a vital support system. Despite a short-term dip, recent FLA figures suggest continued resilience in plant and machinery finance—pointing to steady demand for flexible funding solutions. As traditional lending tightens, asset finance can help construction SMEs bridge funding gaps, manage risk, and seize growth opportunities aligned with the Government's infrastructure plans. For finance providers, the message is clear: supporting this sector isn't just about survival—it's about enabling recovery and long-term resilience. "Leasing lays the foundation as UK construction sector feels the strain" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. 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Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK construction SMEs struggle to access finance: BFS Report
Despite growing confidence in future sales, UK construction SMEs are facing significant financial headwinds, with access to external finance tightening just as cost pressures and bad debt levels rise, according to new research from Bibby Financial Services (BFS). The report, based on BFS's Q1 2025 SME Confidence Tracker, reveals a mixed picture for small and medium-sized firms in the construction sector. While 67% of construction SMEs expect sales to rise over the next 12 months — up from 57% a year ago — more than half (51%) say it has become harder to secure external finance, the highest proportion of any sector surveyed. This access-to-finance gap comes at a time when construction SMEs are dealing with persistently high costs for materials and labour, complex contract terms, and a growing burden of bad debt. BFS data shows these firms have written off an average of over £23,000 in the past year, and nearly one-third (29%) report insufficient cashflow to manage day-to-day operations. BFS Construction Finance ReportDownload The impact of elevated raw material prices, particularly timber and concrete, has been especially acute, with 72% of SMEs saying these pressures are directly eroding profitability. Small firms, often less able to hedge or absorb cost spikes, are also more exposed to supply chain disruption and inflation than their larger counterparts. Insolvency rates are rising as a result. Nearly one in five (18.1%) of all business insolvencies in England and Wales in March were from the construction sector, according to data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Despite the Government's Industrial Strategy pledging £100 billion in capital investment and a commitment to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, smaller construction firms are sceptical. Four in ten (40%) doubt the Government's ability to support them effectively, with many concerned that the lion's share of benefits will flow to large main contractors. The situation is compounded by increasingly difficult access to finance. While the Government has identified improving SME finance as a key policy goal, BFS's research suggests the reality on the ground is diverging. Only 32% of construction SMEs say they use finance for day-to-day operations, but for many, that finance is now harder to obtain. 'The Government's commitment to invest in the construction sector may explain rising optimism,' said Derek Ryan, UK Managing Director at BFS. 'However, inflation, rising costs and restricted access to finance are squeezing margins and exposing small firms to greater insolvency risk. To unlock the full potential of the construction pipeline, SMEs must be given equitable access to opportunities and funding.' BFS's report also points to contractual dynamics that disproportionately impact smaller firms. Nearly half (48%) of construction SMEs find contracts difficult to understand, a figure that climbs to 56% among micro-firms with fewer than 10 employees. These businesses are often locked into rigid payment terms and report limited ability to negotiate, only 26% say they can influence contract terms, compared to 58% of larger small firms (10–50 employees). The Federation of Master Builders echoed the call for stronger SME support, warning that unless access to finance, skills and planning is improved, the sector's smallest firms will continue to face a systemic disadvantage. 'Small builders are showing remarkable resilience and optimism, but they face mounting challenges,' said Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB. 'Access to finance is harder than ever, and planning policy too often favours large developers. If the Government wants to build more homes and boost local economies, it must ensure that SMEs aren't left behind.' As construction continues to be a cornerstone of the UK's economic recovery strategy, the message from industry and finance alike is clear: if SMEs are to help deliver the Government's growth agenda, greater financial accessibility and structural reforms must be prioritised. "UK construction SMEs struggle to access finance: BFS Report" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
