The Prime Minister is set to pitch the government as a partner for growth to top chiefs on Monday

Andy Burnham will call for a “culture shift” in how Britain does business as he meets senior executives from the likes of Aviva, Rolls Royce and Revolut UK on Monday.

The Prime Minister is set to position the government as a partner for growth to business leaders at a reception at Downing Street today. Burnham is expected to tell his guests that the government’s devolution plans will enable infrastructure to be delivered more swiftly, draw in greater investment and generate more opportunities in communities throughout Britain.

Speaking ahead of the event, Burnham said: “If we’re going to unlock this country’s full potential, we need a culture shift in how Britain does business.

“That means putting government firmly on the side of the people who take risks, start companies, create jobs and bring new ideas to life. It means ensuring ambition is rewarded, making it easier to start and grow a business, and giving people the confidence that if they have a great idea, they’ll get all the support they need to bring it to life.”

The gathering will follow numerous industries urging the government to cut taxes and reduce the cost of doing business as Chancellor John Healey begins drafting the Autumn Budget, due to be delivered on October 28.

Some economists have predicted that the £22bn in fiscal headroom left by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her 2025 Budget could be reduced by as much as half following a spike in gilt yields during a recent bond sell-off,

reports City AM.

Analysts have cautioned that Healey has little scope for additional borrowing and will be compelled to raise taxes in order to remain within the fiscal rules, which stipulate that day-to-day expenditure must be matched by receipts by 2030.

The heads of Britain’s largest industry groups launched their campaigns ahead of the Budget last week with demands to cut costs and kickstart economic growth.

A number of revenue-generating measures have been rumoured to be under consideration by Healey, including levies on banks, an increase to capital gains tax and the introduction of a contentious exit tax.

Prior to the main reception, Burnham will also chair a roundtable with many of the nation’s leading entrepreneurs, including Octopus Energy, Oxford Quantum Circuits, and Oaknorth.

Founders have been amongst the most outspoken critics regarding a proposed exit levy, which would be imposed on business owners should they relocate abroad. Several executives previously told City AM that speculation alone was already prompting some founders to contemplate moving overseas.

The County Durham detection technology firm saw a fall in profitability but says it has ‘positive momentum’ for the year ahead

Detection technology company Kromek has hailed a year of “strong operational and commercial progress” despite seeing a fall in profitability.

The County Durham firm has released final results for the year to the end of April which show that its revenues rose slightly to £27.1m. But operating profits fell in the same period, going from £4.7m a year earlier to £2.9m.

2025 had been a breakthrough year for the NETPark company as it turned years of leading-edge science into profit for the first time. The company has maintained profitability and said it had seen particular growth in its advanced imaging and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear) detection divisions.

Around half the group’s revenues came in North America, but it saw growth in the UK, Europe and Asia.

CEO Dr Arnab Basu said: “FY 2026 was a year of strong operational and commercial progress for Kromek. We delivered increased revenue, with significant underlying growth in Advanced Imaging and further growth in CBRN Detection, reflecting increased delivery on long-term customer programmes, new order wins and the continued expansion of our international distributor network.

“We also made further progress with major OEMs in next-generation medical imaging, secured an initial order under the UK Government’s Radiological Nuclear Detection Framework, and continued to invest in manufacturing capability, automation and our intellectual property portfolio.

“We enter FY 2027 with positive momentum, supported by a healthy order book, an encouraging commercial pipeline and strong engagement with customers across both divisions.

“As demand develops for our Advanced Imaging technologies and government and security customers continue to invest in CBRN detection capabilities, we expect to deliver results in line with market expectations, including significant revenue growth in both divisions, while maintaining disciplined cost control and investment in key growth opportunities. Accordingly, the board continues to look forward to the year ahead with confidence.”

The company, which has manufacturing operations in the UK and the US after spinning out of research at Durham University, has been recognised for its commitment to innovation, and now holds more than 190 patents globally. As well as contracts with global Governments and defence organisations, it is working with Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle University and University College London on new technology to better detect breast cancer.

He will lead the operational delivery of the mining project near Pool

A mining company looking to restore production at an historic tin mine in Cornwall has appointed a new managing director. Juan Kemp will take the helm of Cornish Metals on Monday, September 14.

Mr Kemp will lead the project and operational delivery of South Crofty, near Pool. The mine was forced to close in 1998 after more than 400 years of continuous production due to lack of investment and falling metal prices. Cornish Metals acquired the site in 2016 and said earlier this year it could be producing by 2028.

Mr Kemp has 30 years’ experience in the mining sector. He began his career with AngloGold in 1994 before joining De Beers in 1998, where he was appointed plant manager in 2001.

He joined Petra Diamonds in 2005 and held a number of senior operational and executive positions, including general manager of Cullinan Diamond Mine from 2011, chief technical officer from 2019 and operations executive from 2024.

In February 2025, he was appointed joint chief executive of Petra Diamonds – a position he held until May this year when he stepped down.

Mr Kemp will be based at South Crofty and will report to Don Turvey, Cornish Metal’s chief executive.

“As South Crofty continues to advance towards production, strengthening our operational capability and building the right team to operate the mine safely and efficiently is an important part of our development,” said Mr Turvey.

“His appointment comes at an important stage for South Crofty as we progress the plant construction and mine development alongside preparations for future operations.

“Juan will play a key role in building our operational readiness, embedding strong safety and operating standards, and importantly developing a skilled workforce from the talent pool in Cornwall and beyond as we move towards production.”

Mr Kemp said Cornish Metals had “an exciting opportunity” to develop a “modern, safe and responsible” mining operation in Cornwall.

“My focus will be on our people and disciplined delivery – progressing the project safely, building operational readiness and developing a high-performing local team,” he said.

“I look forward to working with Don, the Cornish Metals team and the people of Cornwall to make South Crofty a successful and sustainable operation.”

Yes. Corporate subscriptions are available for teams and organisations, with discounted rates as user numbers increase. Pricing starts from $1,625 + GST per user.
Get in touch
to discuss the right option for your organisation.

Business News subscriptions are used by executives, investors, consultants and professionals who need to stay informed and make better decisions about the WA market. When you subscribe you’ll get

• Unlimited access to WA’s most trusted business journalism
• Data & Insights — detailed profiles of WA companies, people, projects and deals
• MyBN — a personalised feed based on the companies, people and sectors you follow
• Special publications and industry reports
• Daily and weekly email newsletters

Data & Insights is a research tool built specifically for the WA market. It draws on more than 30 years of Business News reporting, updated regularly to reflect what’s happening now. Use it to:

• Look up detailed profiles of WA companies, including financials, directors and ownership
• Find decision-makers and track their career movements
• Research live and completed projects across WA industries
• Monitor deals, appointments and market activity
• Access industry rankings and league tables

Data & Insights is updated daily by our dedicated research team, which uses the latest announcements, ASX filings and editorial coverage to keep our person, company, list and project records up to date.

Business News welcome all opportunities to make our dataset accurate, complete and current, so if you have an update request, please email the team at
general@businessnews.com.au, and we’d be happy to assist.

MyBN
is part of every subscription. It’s your personalised view of Business News. You can follow the companies, people, sectors and projects that matter to you, and get a news feed and alerts tailored to your interests. You can save articles to read later and retain only what you need.

Only subscribers have full access to all content on the Business News website.

If staying informed about the WA economy is part of your job, and/or you’re looking for networking opportunities in WA, Business News is built for you.

Business News subscribers are:

• Executives and directors tracking competitors, clients and market movements
• Investors and advisers researching companies, deals and industry trends
• Consultants and professionals staying across sectors relevant to their clients
• Business owners looking for leads, context and market intelligence

Most Business News publications cover national or global markets. Business News is focused entirely on Western Australia, which means the journalism, the data and the intelligence are all built around WA companies, people and projects — not adapted from a national feed. Data & Insights, included with every subscription, combines more than 30 years of WA-specific editorial research with live business data. There’s no comparable product for the WA market.

The Morning Digest Email provides a comprehensive wrap of the major headlines, relevant to WA business, and includes with a snapshot of the overnight news covering oil, gold and ASX-listed companies.

The Afternoon Wrap Email focuses on the news covered by our team of journalists during the course of the working day, including exclusive stories and analysis, all of which relates to WA business and the local economy.

The BN Weekender Email contains a wrap of the Business News from the week that was, highlighting the top stories in each area of WA business.
Sign up for free.

We’re happy to help.
Get in touch
and our team will come back to you.

Yes Friends was founded by Sam Mabley who wants to dispel the myth that sustainable clothing needs to come at a premium price

A Bristol ethical clothing brand that allows customers to tip garment workers has secured backing after appearing on Dragons’ Den.

Sam Mabley, founder of Yes Friends, received two offers after pitching on the hit television show. The entrepreneur, who set up his business in 2021, wants to dispel the myth that sustainable clothing is always expensive.

Using his experience running an eco boutique on Bristol’s harbourside, Mr Mabley set out to prove that it was possible to pay good wages, treat the planet well and run a successful business with affordable prices.

The company started with an ethically made t-shirt and sold 4,000 units in just one month. Yes Friends now has a collection of sustainable clothing – from jackets to underwear to dresses – and works directly with factories, taking small margins from each sale to keep prices low.

Mr Mabley says his brand is also the first in the UK to allow customers to directly tip the people who make their clothes. According to the entrepreneur, 100 per cent of tips go directly to garment workers, with more than £56,000 received by workers so far.

Mr Mabley appeared on the show on Thursday (September 10), looking for a £10,000 investment for two per cent of his ethical clothing business.

But after hearing his pitch, Deborah Meaden offered £20,000 in return for two per cent.

“I really want to be your investor, I’ve never sat here and been quite that open ever”, she said, admitting that it may have been “the worst negotiating stance a Dragon can possible take”.

After hearing about the brand’s approach to wages and production, she added: “I love absolutely everything that you do”.

Meaden, who has a portfolio of ethical investments, wasn’t the only Dragon considering investing in Yes Friends. A showdown took place between her and Touker Suleyman, with both claiming to be the ‘”perfect dragon”.

But Mr Mabley opted to go into business with Meaden whose offer doubled the value of his business to £1m.

“I was blown away by Deborah’s offer,” he said. “A Dragon doubling what I had asked for? It’s unheard of. It’s incredible to have Deborah as a partner, she genuinely shares my passion for an ethical and sustainable fashion industry, and has already bought so much knowledge and connections to Yes Friends. She’s such a great partner to have on board.”

Speaking after the show, Meaden added: “The fast fashion industry is a major contributor to overconsumption and poor working conditions. So when Sam walked into the Den to pitch Yes Friends, I was intrigued; is it really possible to make genuinely ethical clothing at an affordable price point?

“I was quickly impressed by both the high quality of the clothing and the impact that Yes Friends has already had, and knew this was a business I wanted to be a part of. I’m excited to see the brand continue to transform the fashion industry.”