Latest news with #Coaker
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
RAF fighter jets to patrol Polish airspace on Nato's eastern flank
RAF fighter jets will patrol Polish airspace on Nato's eastern flank, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said. The department said British-built Typhoon jets had arrived in eastern Poland on Tuesday from RAF Lossiemouth to take part in a ' Nato enhanced air policing mission'. The MoD said six UK Typhoon fighter jets from II (AC) Squadron would be deployed alongside Swedish Airforce Gripen fighter jets. It added that defence minister Lord Coaker met with Polish defence minister Wladyslaw Marcin Kosiniak-Kamysz and Swedish defence minister Pal Jonson on Tuesday to 'outline the UK's commitment to European security and to mark the start of the operation'. Lord Coaker said: 'The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to Nato. With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, it is vital that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies. 'This latest air policing mission in Poland displays the UK's ability to operate effectively with Nato's newest member in Sweden and deter our common adversaries across the alliance's airspace, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad.' The deployment is the first time that Swedish fighter jets will take part in air policing on the territory of another Nato ally since Stockholm joined the alliance in 2024. In April 2024, six Typhoon fighter jets with more than 200 personnel were stationed in Romania to defend Nato's eastern border. This was followed in August 2024 with the deployment of four F-35B jets to Iceland, defending Nato airspace in the north. RAF Typhoons and Voyagers also conduct Nato air policing in the UK through the Quick Reaction Alert Force, based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth and Brize Norton.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Darlington trophy and rosette business set to grow after six-figure investment
A Darlington-based trophy and rosette manufacturer is set to expand after receiving a six-figure investment. Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies, established in 1901, secured the substantial funding from NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). This investment, secured by business advisors and accountants Armstrong Watson, will be used to support the growth of the business after the takeover by the new owner and managing director, Neil Coaker. An Echo Memories article (Image: Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies) It will help the company with its rebranding and marketing efforts, as well as plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities, including improvements at its premises and the creation of new jobs. The business has been manufacturing trophies and rosettes since 1977 and expanded into commercial printing. It acquired Alden Arts, a specialist range of canine jewellery and giftware, in 1999. In 2024, the business was acquired by Mr Coaker after the previous owners, David and Bridget Emerson, retired. Mr Coaker said: "We're focused on investing in growth and taking the business to the next level. "It's very much business as usual for all our staff and customers but we're seeking to enhance the service and products we currently provide. "This includes an updated website and new branding provided by local business Maitland Web Designers. "I'm working with Martin Arkle, our general manager, who brings considerable experience having worked for Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies since 1981 when he joined the business aged 16. "Martin has been pivotal during the takeover of Prudhoe Rosettes and Trophies, and his unwavering support for the growth of the business both past and present can be seen in the early shoots of growth in a small space of time since the takeover." General manager Martin Arkle said: "I am delighted to be working with Neil. "Exciting times lie ahead with much-needed and overdue improvements to the premises, along with new branding and signage. "We have recently acquired new updated machinery which will enable us to offer more in-house services including laser engraved signs, crystal, and giftware. "Also personalised books, diaries, invitations etc in gold leaf print. "Our new e-commerce website is also now live. "I am confident all of this will help take our expansion plans to the next level, made possible by growth fund investment supplied by FW Capital." The funding was made possible through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), which covers the entire North of England and provides loans ranging from £25,000 to £2 million, as well as equity investment up to £5 million to support small and medium-sized businesses. David Wilson, corporate finance partner at Armstrong Watson, said: "We were delighted to introduce Neil to the business back in 2024 and to see the business grow and achieve what it has done in such a short space of time. "The acquisition has proved a massive success which has been clearly demonstrated by the increase in sales and overall growth of the business. Read more: Steph McGovern opens £12m technical training centre hailing it a 'game-changer' Increase in insolvencies highlights financial struggles facing firms and consumers New development in Newton Aycliffe to create more than 1,000 jobs "The NPIF - FW Capital investment which was then made after the acquisition has been crucial. "We look forward to following Prudhoe Rosettes progress over the coming months and years." The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II aims to increase the availability of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in the North, providing funds to companies that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance. FW Capital will provide debt finance options ranging from £100,000 to £2 million to businesses based in the North West of England, with some flexibility to lend across the North.
Zawya
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Strengthening Security Cooperation: United Kingdom (UK) Defence Minister visits Nigeria
The UK Defence Minister for the House of Lords, Lord Vernon Coaker, visited Abuja and Maiduguri this week to meet top defence and security leaders, reaffirm the UK's commitment to our Security and Defence Partnership and discuss issues of mutual concern in the region. The UK and Nigeria share a strong defence relationship, underpinned by over three decades of collaboration between our armed forces. Through our partnership we continue to enhance security, counter violent extremism and promote regional stability. In Abuja, the Minister met the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, the National Security Adviser and the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These meetings underscored Nigeria and ECOWAS' continued leadership in promoting regional security and the UK's continued commitment to supporting Nigeria's priority security objectives. Lord Coaker also travelled to Maiduguri, Borno State, a primary focus of Nigeria's fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The Minister visited a Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration camp (DDR) to understand the challenges of reconciliation and reintegration, and UK-led counter-improvised explosive device (C-ED) training, funded by the UK Integrated Security Fund. This initiative is designed, at Nigeria's request, to enhance capacity and improve response capabilities to address security threats and instability. Meeting with Nigerian military personnel who have benefitted from UK training programmes, the Minister gained firsthand insight into the impact of UK-Nigeria security cooperation. Lord Vernon Coaker reaffirmed commitment to the UK-Nigeria defence relationship: "This visit reflects the UK's steadfast commitment to working with Nigeria to tackle shared security challenges. Witnessing the results of our training programmes and engaging directly with those on the frontlines reaffirms the importance of our partnership in building a safer and more stable region." The Minister's visit highlights the continued strength and importance of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) ahead of our third SDP dialogue in 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
