The Fablink Group, based in the UK, is a manufacturer of metal pressings, operator cab assemblies, fuel and hydraulic tanks, and vehicle assemblies. It operates across six sites in Wolverhampton, Evenwood, Luton, Durham, Brixworth, and Northampton. The company, with revenues of £110m, serves as a Tier 1 supplier to the automotive, transport, and off-highway sectors, including major global OEMs.

In a related development, EV Technology Group has announced the acquisition of Fablink Group Holdings in a deal valued at £38.8m. The transaction includes an initial cash payment of £29.5m for 76% of Fablink, with the deal expected to be completed later this year. Following the acquisition, Fablink’s CEO, Richard Westley, will transition to EV Technology as Chief Operating Officer.

The acquisition strengthens EV Technology’s access to Fablink’s in-house manufacturing expertise, especially in response to the growing demand for electric vehicle assembly through Streamline Automotive, a division launched by Fablink.

The post Fablink Group Acquired by Wharfside Industrials, Securing 500 Jobs appeared first on Midlands Business News.

Tennant, who has over two decades of experience in the financial services and legal sectors, has held senior positions at companies such as Simply Conveyancing Group and My Home Move (now Simplify). His expertise in driving growth through innovation, digital transformation, and technology strategy will play a pivotal role in Flint Bishop’s future projects.

In his new position, Tennant will oversee the development and implementation of the firm’s technology strategy, ensuring the successful delivery of transformational initiatives across the business. His focus will include advancements in data and technology, including AI, to improve internal processes and client services.

Flint Bishop’s chief executive, Qamer Ghafoor, praised Tennant’s appointment, stating: “Paul’s vast experience in managing large-scale IT projects and driving innovation makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team. In a rapidly changing legal environment, firms must prioritise efficiency and innovation, and I am confident Paul’s expertise will help us strengthen our market position.”

Tennant’s arrival is expected to bolster Flint Bishop’s efforts in adopting client-focused, innovative solutions that will keep the firm at the forefront of the legal industry.

The post Flint Bishop Welcomes New Chief Commercial Officer to Drive Innovation appeared first on Midlands Business News.

Located at 12 Calthorpe Road, the office complex, previously used by HSBC, will see one unit transformed into a 266-bedroom student facility, with the other unit proposed for 145 additional bedrooms, currently under planning review.

Construction on the first phase has begun, with completion expected by September 2026, allowing students to move in for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The funding arrangement was led by Paragon Bank’s Senior Relationship Director Simon Dekker and Portfolio Manager Izzy Sargeant. Since the launch of Paragon Development Finance’s PBSA initiative, the bank has lent £216 million across various UK cities, funding 3,362 rooms in total.

Mercia Real Estate’s CEO, Samuel Clark, expressed enthusiasm for launching their student brand in Edgbaston and working with Paragon on the project. Simon Dekker added that the demand for high-quality student accommodation is growing, and Paragon is pleased to support the project’s development.

The post £32.5m Funding Secured for Mercia Real Estate’s Student Accommodation Project in Edgbaston appeared first on Midlands Business News.

The post MK TEST appeared first on Midlands Business News.

Expansion Driven by Increased Demand

The company, which employs 37 people, is set to add 150sqm of space to its current facility. The need for this expansion stems from a recent increase in business activity and storage requirements, driven by the acquisition of major contracts. Although an extension plan was approved in 2021, it was not constructed. However, the company’s current growth has made the expansion essential.

Council Approval and Development Plans

On 21 August, Coventry council granted approval for the expansion, which will include a two-storey steel-clad storage building adjacent to the main production area and a modest first-floor office extension at Falkland Close. This development is crucial for accommodating the company’s growing operations.

Job Creation and Future Prospects

In addition to expanding its physical space, Lifeline Fire and Safety Systems plans to create three new jobs as part of this project. The company’s continued success and growth in the competitive motorsport and defence industries highlight its commitment to innovation and quality in fire safety solutions.

This expansion marks a significant step forward for Lifeline Fire and Safety Systems, enabling the company to meet the rising demand for its products and continue its trajectory of growth in the years to come.

The post Lifeline Fire and Safety Systems Expands Coventry Headquarters Following Major Contract Wins appeared first on Midlands Business News.

Strategic Expansion and Leadership Development

Turner Accountants, founded in 1996 by managing director Mike Turner, brings extensive experience to this new venture. Mike Turner expressed the necessity of the merger for business growth and the ability to better serve their clients. “We looked for some time to find a perfect partner to support us and one with which we share mutual values, and we believe we have found that in Streets,” Turner said. The merger has also provided an opportunity to promote key team members—Henry Abell, Lynda Rainford, and Catherine Clifton—to directors.

Enhanced Services and Client Benefits

With the formation of Streets Turner Chartered Accountants, clients of the newly merged firm can expect greater continuity of service and access to a broader range of services. The combined firm will offer specialist corporate and private client tax planning, banking and finance, international advice, personal financial planning, and even a virtual finance office. Despite the expansion, the firm remains committed to maintaining personal relationships with its clients.

Streets’ National Growth Strategy

Paul Tutin, managing partner at Streets, highlighted that this merger aligns with the firm’s strategy to become a truly UK-wide practice. The merger of Turner Accountants in Preston provides Streets with an essential presence in Lancashire, furthering their geographical coverage. Tutin also noted that several more mergers and acquisitions are in the pipeline, positioning Streets to achieve their target revenue of £40 million by the end of the year.

Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Consolidation

As the accountancy profession experiences significant consolidation, Streets’ approach focuses on building on the success of merging firms. Their strategy is particularly appealing to those looking for exit routes, facing increased competition, or needing to broaden their service offerings. With more mergers expected in the near future, Streets Turner Chartered Accountants is set to strengthen its position in the UK market.

The post Streets Chartered Accountants and Turner Accountants Merge to Form Streets Turner Chartered Accountants appeared first on Midlands Business News.

Joint administrators Craig Povey and Gareth Prince from Begbies Traynor were appointed on July 16 but were unable to secure a sale of the business despite receiving interest from several parties. As a result, all 31 employees have been made redundant.

Although the business has ceased trading, the sale of its remaining assets was completed on July 30 to Ultimate Precision, a company unconnected to Coventry Engineering. Mr. Povey from Begbies Traynor’s Birmingham office explained that the company had been facing financial difficulties and, despite negotiations, a sale could not be finalized before entering administration.

Coventry Engineering Group’s closure is a significant loss for the local community, marking the end of a company that had been a key player in the precision tooling sector.

4o

The post Coventry Engineering Group Shuts Down, 31 Jobs Lost Amid Financial Struggles appeared first on Midlands Business News.

Dating back to 1834, the Black Horse is one of the oldest establishments in the area, and the oldest on Delph Road. As part of the renovation, the bar has been moved back to its original position, and the interior has been fully revamped. Additionally, the outdoor area now features a refurbished sheltered space, a newly improved children’s play area, and a fully equipped commercial kitchen, replacing the old kitchen and external bar area.

Lee Davies hopes to attract customers with affordable prices, offering all beers on tap for under £3.95, alongside reasonably priced food prepared by chef Nathan Wheatley. The pub also caters to non-drinkers with options like mocktails, coffee, hot chocolate, and bar snacks.

In keeping with its family-friendly focus, the Black Horse will host regular events, including quiz nights on Mondays and live music on Saturdays. Future refurbishment plans include upgrading the pub garden and front areas, along with the installation of ramps to improve accessibility for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

The Black Horse is part of the famous “Delph Run,” which includes other well-known local pubs like The Tenth Lock, The Bell, The Vine Inn, Corn Exchange, and the Brickmakers Arms.

The post Historic Family-Run Pub Reopens After First Phase of Renovation appeared first on Midlands Business News.

Spanning 800 square feet, the store will feature over 900 products across make-up, skincare, and hair care. Customers can look forward to exclusive collaborations with popular K-beauty brands like Torriden, NEEDLY, Heveblue, and Beplain. Additionally, the store will introduce UK customers to make-up lines such as BBIA, Milk Touch, and AOU for the first time.

Leslie Tang, CEO of PURESEOUL, highlighted the significance of this new opening, stating, “Birmingham is our second biggest market in the UK, despite not having a physical presence up to now, so opening a store in a leading location has long been a strategic goal. We knew we needed a high-profile, impressive space for our regional debut, and we have that and more in Bullring & Grand Central. This is a major milestone for PURESEOUL, and we are eager to open our doors, giving our Korean beauty lovers across the Midlands a permanent space to shop their favourite K-beauty products.”

The opening of PURESEOUL is part of a broader strategy by Bullring & Grand Central to enhance its retail offerings with regional-first brands. Toby Tait, director of asset management at Hammerson, commented, “We are continuing to broaden the use and purpose of Bullring & Grand Central, and the introduction of PURESEOUL demonstrates how we are engaging our customers through regional-first brands. We’re going into autumn and winter with strong momentum and an exciting pipeline of high-profile new openings including Sephora, Zara, and the first Blank Street Coffee in the Midlands.”

The addition of PURESEOUL follows other recent high-profile openings at Bullring & Grand Central, including Sephora, which is set to open its sixth UK store in November, and a newly upsized Zara. Other new arrivals this year include TOCA Social, Swatch, Clarks, and Cinnabon.

The post PURESEOUL to Open First K Beauty Midlands Store at Bullring & Grand Central appeared first on Midlands Business News.

Belgrade Plaza, managed by Clearbell Capital LLP through its Clearbell Property Partners II LP fund, spans 129,500 sq ft and features residential apartments, a 120-bed hotel, multiple restaurant units, retail space, and a gym. Current tenants include Premier Inn, Pizza Express, Café Rouge, and JD Gyms.

Toby Saul, associate director at Clearbell Capital, expressed enthusiasm for the new addition, stating that Wing Kingz will further enrich the dining options at Belgrade Plaza, enhancing the experience for visitors and solidifying the plaza’s status as a premier destination.

Josh Sandher, director at Wing Kingz, shared excitement about joining the Belgrade Plaza community, highlighting the chain’s diverse and flavorful menu, which he believes will appeal to Coventry’s residents and visitors alike.

Clearbell Capital was advised by Richard Jones from Avison Young, while Wing Kingz was represented by Rupert Long of BKL Property.

The post Wing Kingz Secures New Lease at Coventry’s Belgrade Plaza appeared first on Midlands Business News.