Latest news with #Northampton-based
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Pub chain Young's sees profits rise by 25 per cent to over £70million
Young's boasts more than 800 hotel rooms as well as 277 pubs and bars CHEERS Pub chain Young's sees profits rise by 25 per cent to over £70million Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PUB and hotel chain Young's is booming because Brits still want traditional boozers, its boss has told The Sun. Simon Dodds trumpeted a 25 per cent profit rise to £71.4million in the last 12 months for the near-200-year-old business. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Young's has seen profits rise to £71.4million in the last 12 months (pictured CEO Simon Dodds) Credit: Times Media Ltd The chief executive said: 'We have unique pubs which are the heart of the community and all our food is fresh and seasonal.' Founded in 1831, Young's boasts more than 800 hotel rooms as well as 277 pubs and bars. Mr Dodds said sticking to traditional ways of serving customers is helping the group to be a rare British hospitality success. He added: 'We're good at running pubs and good at running bedrooms.' Not that the business is living in the past. He went on: 'Our heritage is important but we're not standing still, we invest a lot in our pubs and invest a lot in our people.' He pointed to 80 per cent of its general managers having worked their way up within the firm. It also splashed out £41million in the year to March to keep pubs looking good. Revenue rose 24.9 per cent, from £388.8million to £485.8million. That was helped by an extra 50 pubs and more than 200 hotel rooms from the City Pub Group, which Young's bought for £162million in November 2023. Pint prices on the rise and Maccies axes beloved item Its dividend was also up 6 per cent, with the year's total 23.06p. The boss said: 'Everything within our control is going to plan.' IT'S DOC SMARTIN' PROFITS at British footwear and clothing firm Dr Martens fell to £8.8million in the year to the end of March. It continues the Northampton-based brand's woes since its stock market listing in 2021. 4 Profits at Dr Martens fell to £8.8million in the year to the end of March Credit: PA 4 The business blamed 'a challenging market' Credit: PA Profits dropped around 90 per cent from £93million in 2024, after sales fell 10 per cent in the year. The business blamed 'a challenging market' and warned unfavourable foreign exchange rates would hit sales and profits in the current financial year. It said hard-up Brits are looking for bargains, but it will not discount stock. IT'S A WISE MOVE FINTECH firm Wise is the latest business to ditch the London Stock Market and switch to New York. The £12billion money transfer firm said the move would 'bring substantial strategic and capital market benefits'. It follows a growing number of businesses choosing to list in the US. Paddy Power owner Flutter, mining group BHP, building materials group CRH and construction rental firm Ashtead have all made the change in recent years. Wise's share price climbed 6 per cent on the news. CHECKS IN POST... WATCHDOGS have launched a global crackdown on posts by illegal financial influencers. The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has joined regulators in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Italy and the UAE to tackle rogue promotions. Some social media personalities claim to have lavish lifestyles in videos to flog products or services illegally. Meanwhile, the Treasury Committee wants social media giant Meta to explain why it took up to six weeks to respond to FCA requests to take down dodgy posts. GROUND DOWN FOR WIZZ AIR BUDGET airline Wizz Air said having a fifth of its planes grounded over the last year has hit its profits. It was forced to mothball an average of 44 planes – almost a fifth of its entire fleet — over the year because of issues with the engines, which were made by Pratt & Whitney. 4 Jozsef Varadi, CEO of Wizz Air, who has seen profits fall to £141million Credit: Reuters The US aircraft-maker was forced to pay compensation last year over the grounding of Airbus A320neo planes. Profits for the year at Wizz Air fell two-thirds from £368.7million to £141million. But despite the 'significant challenges' it faced, the Hungarian airline said it was flying more passengers than ever. It carried a record 63.4million during the year, which helped revenues for the group edge up 3.8 per cent. The airline, led by chief exec József Váradi, did not provide a forecast for the year ahead owing to 'uncertainties'. That hit its share price, which dived more than a quarter yesterday. JOBS in construction have been cut at the fastest rate since 2020, but experts say 'the worst may have passed'. The S&P Global construction purchasing managers' index showed activity slowed in May for the fifth consecutive month. NEW CAR SALES UP THE new car market returned to growth last month as registrations increased by 1.6 per cent, figures show. There were some 150,070 new listings — up from 147,678 the year before — and marks the best May performance the market has seen since 2021. Registrations of pure battery- electric new cars rose by a quarter to take a market share of 21.8 per cent. It is partly down to manufacturers offering discounts to boost sales. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Winvic Construction to start work on new employment park in Northamptonshire
Winvic Construction, a multidisciplinary contractor, has been selected by IM Properties, a property development and investment company, to begin work on a major new employment park, Towcester Park, located in Northamptonshire, UK. The development is anticipated to provide 1,500 jobs when fully occupied, alongside skills and training opportunities for local residents, supported by a dedicated community fund of £100,000 ($135,260). Northampton-based Winvic engages in the design and construction of both private- and public sector projects. Winvic managing director of Industrial, Distribution & Logistics Danny Nelson said: 'We're proud to continue our longstanding partnership with IM Properties and work together to deliver the first stages of this high-quality employment space with industry-leading sustainability credentials.' Towcester Park will offer a mix of sustainable employment spaces designed to achieve energy performance certificate A and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method Excellent ratings. The park will span 1.1 million square feet and include 15 acres of green space, amenity land, and enhanced landscaping. IM Properties is also introducing its 'Kick Start' scheme to assist businesses in scaling up, with plans for units ranging from 13,500ft² to 22,000ft². To cater to larger operators or businesses looking to relocate to the region, Towcester Park will offer warehouse space of up to 470,000ft². These buildings are set to include features such as roof terraces, contemporary reception areas, and modern working environments. Additionally, the park will be equipped with electric vehicle charging facilities and aims to achieve 'Net Zero Ready' status, aligning with the transition to net-zero operations for occupiers. IM Properties development director Richard Sykes said: 'Winvic is a trusted and valued member of our supply chain who understands our ambitions to deliver legacy projects and work in partnership with the community. They have successfully delivered several of our previous schemes and will work closely with our team to help shape the first stages of this strategically important development. "Working closely with local educational institutions and training providers, IMP aims to introduce apprenticeship schemes, vocational training programmes and career pathways within the logistics and industrial sectors.' Last month, Winvic Construction also announced its plans to develop a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Coventry, UK, for its client Gilltown, further expanding its portfolio of construction projects. "Winvic Construction to start work on new employment park in Northamptonshire" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, 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
BBC News
06-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Northampton online retailer wins King's Award for enterprise
An online business that began with only £10 has been recognised with a King's Award for enterprise in international trade. Sol Retail, based in Northampton, was founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Barry and Katy Tong, and started by selling ornaments and DVDs on eBay. It is now ranked among the top 100 sellers on Amazon UK and the EU. The King's Awards for Enterprise celebrate outstanding achievements by UK Tong, CEO of Sol Retail, said: "This award is a landmark, not just for Sol Retail, but for the vision and perseverance that's brought us here. When we started the business in a flat with £10... we never imagined we'd be where we are today." The business started when Mr Tong had to clear his grandmother's bungalow after she had passed partner, now wife, Katy, suggested putting them items on eBay and the business there the company began selling more products online in the UK, and the overseas, with Mr Tong leaving his job in 2013 to work on the business full Sol Retail supports health, beauty and wellness brands sell and market products online, as well as retailing its own items and now has sales of nearly £20m per sells products via Amazon across the world, as well as in Walmart in the US and other retailers in the UK including it works with include Ted Baker, Yardley and King of its commercial growth, Sol Retail donates to charities including Northampton-based Lewis Foundation, which provides gift packs to adult cancer patients in hospitals across Northamptonshire and the includes giving over £500,000 in unwanted stock to the Lewis Foundation to sell in its Tong added: "The King's Award for Enterprise recognises the passion, grit and innovative thinking that our team bring to the table every single day, and it marks just the beginning of our journey to £50 million and beyond."Two other Northamptonshire firms also received the Kings Award: Enovation Consulting Ltd, a management agency in Silverstone, and Ziggurat XYZ Ltd, a talent and creative agency in Northampton. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I woke in hospital in Qatar with a drip in my arm after nearly dying on a flight… I feared the worst, says Frank Bruno
FRANK Bruno has told how he thought he was dying after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flight — admitting: 'I feared the worst.' The British boxing legend, 63, recalled feeling feverish before blacking out. 4 4 He woke in hospital in Qatar with a drip in his arm and worried PA Paul Hunter at his bedside. Unknown to Frank, he had been taken off the plane in a wheelchair after it landed, stretchered to a medical centre and then rushed off by an emergency ambulance. Talking for the first time about his mid-air health drama, the former world heavyweight champion said: 'I did fear the worst because I have never been like that in my life. 'If Paul hadn't been there, I don't think I would have been sitting here doing this interview with you.' Frank and Paul were on a Qatar Airways flight from Heathrow to Doha on March 3. As they prepared for take-off, Paul took a snap of Frank, which the star then shared online. They were due to take a connecting flight from Doha to Thailand, where four meet-and-greet speaking events had been lined up. But Frank became feverish and disorientated 2½ hours after take-off. Worried Paul, 59, alerted crew who found the now-delirious dad of four's temperature was rising and his oxygen levels dropping. They alerted medics at Hamad International Airport. Frank Bruno in mid-air emergency after falling 'seriously ill' on flight prompting docs to take drastic action Soon after being taken off the plane, Frank was heading to Al-Wakra Hospital, ten miles away — with Paul fearing it was 'touch and go'. Frank was treated there for two weeks for a mystery virus. He was allowed to return home only after a doctor jetted out from London, passed him fit to fly and accompanied him back. Frank told The Sun: 'I was excited to be going to Thailand. 'I felt really good. 'But on the plane, I was just agitated and couldn't chill out. 'I got up to go to the toilet and all of a sudden I forgot what was happening to me. 'I just blacked out' 'I had a fever but don't really remember what happened at all. 'It was crazy. 'I've never had a problem on a flight in my life. 'I just blacked out because next thing I knew, I woke up and I was in bed in hospital with a drip in my arm. 'Paul was by my side and I just didn't know what was going on. 'I was wondering, 'What the hell am I doing here? I'm supposed to be in Thailand', you know what I mean? 'I was surrounded by nurses and couldn't understand a word of what they were saying.' 4 Frank was speaking at the Frank Bruno Foundation — his Northampton-based charity that offers those suffering mental health problems an eight-week programme including exercise to boost their well-being. He has made full recovery since his ordeal and looked in great shape due to his improved exercise regime at his home gym and a nearby fitness centre where he has a new personal trainer. During the chat, the much-loved fighter, known for his booming laugh, cracked jokes and did impressions. But he confessed he had struggled with having to stay in a hospital bed for two weeks. 'My life was on the line' He had scans on his body and brain, and a lumbar puncture procedure which ruled out meningitis. He said: 'I had a lot of energy and I was getting out and walking around. 'I just wanted to move, and the doctors were b*****king me for getting out of bed.' As he had not cleared passport control, Frank had no belongings and could not discharge himself to leave the country. He said: 'I realised I had to stay there for my health — because my life was on the line. 'As for (contacting) family and friends, Paul was doing all the work, you know what I mean? I wasn't allowed a phone. 'And I felt bad because there's a lot of British people in Thailand who had bought tickets and a lot of people involved who were disappointed. 'I've been to Thailand before and I have a laugh over there. I feel very good about the tour. I am going to look after myself, I promise you that — and keep ducking and diving. Frank Bruno 'I bought a load of suits last time I was over there so I was planning to buy some more — some brightly coloured suits, but it never happened. 'Hopefully I will get over there to see my fans soon.' PA Paul spoke to their insurers Zurich, which arranged for the UK-based doctor to fly out and return with them in business class. Frank was given VIP treatment to whisk him through airport controls. He said: 'I was OK but just felt a little bit weak.' He spent another two weeks in a private hospital in London. Frank went on: 'I was at least able to eat, go to the gym, watch TV and go for walks around Hyde Park. 'I came out feeling very strong again.' He was buoyed by the public support after we revealed the drama on March 21. He said: 'It was very nice to get cards, calls and messages.' He is now set for some of the British dates that had to be rescheduled. And he reassured fans: 'I feel good, very, very good — I was up at 5.30 this morning training.' Frank added: 'I feel very good about the tour. 'I am going to look after myself, I promise you that — and keep ducking and diving.'
BBC News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
YouTube jazz pianist, 84, plays in Northampton market stall
An 84-year-old jazz pianist who made a name for himself on YouTube during the coronavirus lockdown has taken up residency at a tiny arts centre, based at a market stall, in order to meet other Kemp started an online channel to help with his mental health during the Covid-19 about his new audience online, he said: "If lockdown hadn't occurred, my career would have come to an end because of my health."Mr Kemp's stint at the centre, alongside Northampton-based artist Musetta Seagrove, continues until the end of Saturday. The Creative Place (TCP) arts centre, run by Northampton Film Festival, opened six months ago in Northampton's refurbished Market lockdown, Mr Kemp said he collaborated online with other musicians said he wanted to do the residency to meet other YouTubers, musicians and filmmakers, to learn how to improve the technicality and reach of his "intricacy" of constructing videos and experimenting with different editing software like GarageBand provided a distraction and "comfort" to him during that time, he added."People always ask me, 'Have you been playing all your life?' And I say, 'Not yet'," he said. Mr Kemp, originally from Coventry, worked in electronics before playing piano with a jazz said he enjoyed his job in electronics but it "felt like [I] was wearing somebody else's shoes".Mr Kemp said it felt like he had not worked "a day in his life" since 1960 when he began his music career. Becky Carrier, who runs the arts centre, said it promoted "connection, inspiration and creativity"."Everybody has a story to tell and everybody has a unique voice," she said."It is for people that have a creative bone in their body, but also for people that just want to try something new."It is really nice for people to use their ears and their eyes to experience quite different things." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
