A Derby-based seafood wholesaler has secured £200,000 in government-backed funding to modernise its operations using digital technology and artificial intelligence.

CyberASAP, a UK programme accelerating cyber security startups from universities, has secured £10 million in additional government funding over four years. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology commitment comes as the Innovate UK-delivered initiative approaches its 10th anniversary. The programme's alumni have raised £47.4 million in follow-on investment, creating 43 companies. At its Year 9 Demo Day in February, 14 finalists presented innovations addressing challenges from deepfake detection to quantum security. The cohort marked progress in diversity, with 43% of project teams led by women, compared to just 17% female representation in the UK cyber workforce. Year 9 projects included SynapTrack, an anti-money laundering framework for blockchain systems from the University of Birmingham. Six alumni recently showcased their innovations at RSA Conference in San Francisco.

Wienerberger UK & Ireland has secured government funding through the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund to convert its Denton brickworks to run on 100% green hydrogen, creating the world's first commercial-scale hydrogen-fired brick plant. The £6 million programme will retrofit two tunnel kilns, replacing 224 natural gas burners whilst maintaining existing kiln structures. Hydrogen will be supplied under a 15-year agreement with Trafford Green Hydrogen, developed by Carlton Power and Schroders Greencoat. One kiln is targeted for full operation by autumn 2027, with complete transition across the site commencing in autumn 2028. The conversion is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by over 11,600 tonnes annually, equivalent to 9% of Wienerberger Limited's Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Testing confirmed the switch will not affect brick quality or performance.