The UK government has announced a £470 million funding package to support the chemicals and ceramics sectors, with £350 million allocated to the Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund and £120 million for ceramics manufacturing. The chemicals fund will support strategically important producers supplying critical inputs to food, energy, water and healthcare sectors. It aims to strengthen supply chains, maintain competitiveness and support skilled jobs whilst reducing regulatory costs for businesses. The ceramics package will back capital investment in energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects, providing operational support for firms managing increased costs. The sector produces materials vital for housebuilding, smartphones, advanced manufacturing, defence and technology applications. The government confirmed the package will not increase medium-term borrowing, with all costings subject to standard Office for Budget Responsibility certification.

A local Dumfries and Galloway builder is on the path to net zero after accessing funding and advice from Business Gateway on how it could reduce its carbon

Ten Nigerian startups have each received $56,000 under the TECA Heat Action Wave programme, which addresses extreme heat impacts on agriculture, health and infrastructure. The initiative is backed by BFA Global, FSD Africa, ClimateWorks Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The ventures, operating across Lagos, Kaduna and Edo states, tackle heat-related challenges including crop stress, livestock losses, food spoilage and health risks for outdoor workers. Six of the ten startups have female co-founders. Alongside funding, participants receive venture-building support covering product development, user testing, business model refinement and investor readiness training. The programme runs through 2026, concluding with demo days and investor engagements. Top performers will receive additional support to scale their solutions across vulnerable communities.