A new specialist finance platform aimed squarely at the UK’s construction and manufacturing sectors has launched in a bid to ease one of the most persistent headaches facing small business owners: getting the bank to say yes.

SME Funded, founded by construction mergers and acquisitions specialist Bradley Lay, has positioned itself as the country’s first genuine one-stop shop for funding in these two capital-hungry industries. The platform combines access to more than 130 lenders with its own deployable capital, promising faster decisions and more flexible terms than the traditional high street route.

The timing is pointed. British SMEs have spent the past two years navigating tighter lending criteria, lengthening approval times and a noticeable retreat from small business banking by the major clearers. The Federation of Small Businesses has repeatedly warned that funding bottlenecks are throttling growth at precisely the moment the country needs it most, while construction insolvencies remain stubbornly high and manufacturers wrestle with input cost volatility.

Lay, who knows the construction sector intimately after helping scale a business from £12 million to more than £150 million in revenue before exiting in 2022, is blunt about the problem he is trying to solve.

“SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy, yet when it comes to finance, they’re often underserved,” he said. “Traditional lenders are slow, restrictive and risk averse. When businesses are growing, they hold them back, and when they’re under pressure, they step away. We built SME Funded to change that. This is about giving business owners real access to capital, quickly, intelligently and without unnecessary barriers.”

The product range is deliberately broad: business loans, asset and equipment finance, bridging and property finance, motor finance and software finance, each structured around the individual borrower rather than slotted into a generic template. The pitch is that working capital, growth funding and trading lifelines should look different for a Midlands precision engineer than they do for a London-based subcontractor, and the platform is built around that distinction.

What separates SME Funded from the broker pack, the company argues, is service. Rather than acting as a matchmaker and walking away, the team takes what it calls a “white-glove” approach, structuring deals, positioning the borrower’s story to lenders and managing the process end to end. A three-step application aims to get business owners from enquiry to funds in days rather than weeks.

The team has already worked with more than 600 UK business owners, an experience base that informs both the platform’s design and its sector focus. A spokesperson for the firm said: “Too many strong businesses are held back by slow processes, rigid criteria and a lack of understanding from traditional lenders. Our role goes beyond simply finding a lender. We structure funding properly, tell the right story and manage the entire process, so our clients can focus on running and growing their business.”

Lay’s pedigree adds weight to the proposition. As co-founder of Peak Capital Group and founder of TrueNorth Capital Group, he has led strategic acquisitions across the UK and European construction markets and has advised more than 100 SME owners on growth, financial strategy and exit planning. Having sat on both sides of the deal table, he understands what lenders actually want to see and where SMEs typically fall short in presenting it.

With the economic outlook still uncertain and high street appetite for SME lending showing few signs of recovery, SME Funded is betting that a sector-specialist, capital-backed platform can carve out meaningful share. If the company delivers on its promise of speed, certainty and proper deal structuring, it may have identified one of the more compelling gaps in Britain’s small business finance market.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

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LAKE CARGELLIGO, Australia — Police have discovered a body believed to be that of Julian Ingram, the 37-year-old man wanted for the alleged triple murder of his pregnant former partner, her new boyfriend and her aunt in this central-west New South Wales town in January.

The grim discovery, made Monday beside an abandoned ute about 50 kilometres northwest of Lake Cargelligo, ends a sprawling four-month manhunt that gripped the region and drew national attention. Formal identification and a cause of death are pending, but police sources told the ABC the remains are those of Ingram.

Ingram had been the subject of one of the largest searches in recent NSW history after the Jan. 22 shootings that killed Sophie Quinn, 25 and seven months pregnant, her friend John Harris, 32, and Quinn’s aunt Nerida Quinn, 50. A 19-year-old man, Kaleb Macqueen, was seriously injured but survived.

The day that shattered a small town

On that summer afternoon, police say Ingram opened fire in a suspected domestic violence-related rampage. He allegedly shot Quinn and Harris as they sat in a car, then drove to Nerida Quinn’s nearby home and killed her before wounding Macqueen. Ingram fled the scene in a stolen Lachlan Shire Council ute, sparking an immediate and intense pursuit.

Despite extensive ground and air searches covering more than 60,000 acres, multiple reported sightings and a $250,000 reward, Ingram had evaded capture for 109 days. Police had publicly stated they believed he was receiving assistance from someone in the community while surviving in the arid outback.

Discovery brings mixed emotions

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland, Western Region Commander, was scheduled to address the media Monday afternoon. Families of the victims have been notified. Community members expressed a complex mix of relief that the manhunt is over and sorrow for all those affected by the violence.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains names of Indigenous people who have died, used with permission from their families. Ingram and some of the victims were known in local Indigenous communities.

Ingram’s background and prior history

Court documents later revealed Ingram had a history of domestic violence. A decade earlier, he allegedly threatened a former partner with a gun and made violent statements about her new partner. He had faced bail decisions in the months leading up to the January shootings, raising questions about the handling of his prior matters.

The former council gardener was last seen driving away from Lake Cargelligo shortly after the shootings. His phones and bank accounts remained untouched, adding to the mystery of how he survived for months in harsh terrain.

Impact on victims’ families

The Quinn and Harris families have endured months of painful waiting while grieving. Sophie Quinn’s unborn child also died in the shooting. Relatives described the victims as beloved community members whose loss left deep scars in the tight-knit town of about 1,500 people.

Support services have been offered to affected families and the broader Lake Cargelligo community as news of the body’s discovery spreads. Counselling and victim support remain available through NSW police and local organizations.

The long manhunt

Police conducted one of the most extensive operations in regional NSW history. Strike Force Janko involved hundreds of officers, drones, helicopters and tracking dogs. Numerous reported sightings kept hope alive that Ingram was still alive and could face justice, but many also feared he may have perished in the outback.

The $250,000 reward offered in March generated new tips but no breakthrough until Monday’s discovery. Police had repeatedly appealed for community help, stressing that anyone harbouring Ingram could face serious charges.

Broader questions raised

The case has prompted renewed discussion about domestic violence responses, bail laws and support for regional communities facing violence. Advocacy groups have called for stronger protections for victims and better coordination between agencies handling high-risk offenders.

Small towns like Lake Cargelligo often struggle with visibility and resources when tragedy strikes. The prolonged manhunt placed additional strain on local residents, many of whom knew both the victims and the accused.

What comes next

Forensic examinations, including autopsy and formal identification, will confirm the body’s identity and determine cause of death. Police have not yet commented on whether foul play or self-inflicted injuries are suspected.

The discovery effectively closes the active manhunt phase, but the investigation into the January shootings continues. Coronial inquiries and any related proceedings will provide further answers for the victims’ families.

As Lake Cargelligo processes this latest development, the focus returns to healing and supporting those left behind. The discovery of Ingram’s body brings an end to one chapter of a painful saga while leaving many questions about the events of January 22 still unanswered.

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama’s availability for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals remains uncertain Monday as the NBA reviews his flagrant-2 ejection from Game 4, leaving the San Antonio Spurs bracing for the possibility of facing the Minnesota Timberwolves without their franchise cornerstone on Tuesday night.

The 22-year-old superstar was tossed with 8:39 left in the second quarter of Sunday’s 114-109 loss in Minneapolis after swinging his right elbow into the jaw and neck area of Timberwolves forward Naz Reid while battling for a rebound. Officials upgraded the foul to a flagrant-2 for excessive and unnecessary contact above the shoulders, resulting in an automatic ejection — the first of Wembanyama’s NBA career.

With the series now tied 2-2 and Game 5 shifting back to the Frost Bank Center, the league’s decision on supplemental discipline could dramatically alter the matchup. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson expressed strong confidence that Wembanyama will be available, calling any further punishment “ridiculous” and emphasizing zero intent on the play.

What the league is considering

NBA officials are expected to deliver a ruling by Monday evening or early Tuesday. While flagrant-2 ejections do not carry automatic suspensions, the review focuses on the nature of the contact, Wembanyama’s history (clean until now), and the high-stakes playoff context. Precedent shows the league sometimes issues one-game suspensions for similar incidents involving contact to the head or neck.

Kendrick Perkins and other analysts suggested a suspension could shift momentum decisively toward Minnesota, especially after Anthony Edwards’ dominant 36-point performance in Game 4. However, Spurs insiders told reporters they do not anticipate missing their defensive anchor and MVP candidate.

Wembanyama himself appeared stunned by the ejection on the bench and later expressed regret for the play’s outcome while defending his physicality in a physical series. Reid downplayed the incident postgame, saying he was fine and that “basketball happens.”

Series context and Spurs’ challenge

San Antonio led the series 2-1 before Sunday’s loss. Wembanyama had been dominant through the first three games, averaging elite production and anchoring a defense that frustrated Minnesota’s attack. His absence in the second half of Game 4 allowed the Timberwolves to exploit mismatches and pull away late.

If Wembanyama sits, the Spurs will lean heavily on Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes and a thin frontcourt. Coach Johnson has emphasized depth and resilience all postseason, but losing the 7-foot-4 Defensive Player of the Year would represent a massive blow at home.

Game 5 carries enormous weight. A Spurs win would give them a 3-2 lead with a chance to close out the series in Minnesota. A loss would hand the Timberwolves the momentum heading back to Target Center for a potential elimination game.

Wembanyama’s growth and the physical toll

At just 22, Wembanyama has transformed the Spurs into contenders ahead of schedule. This postseason marks his deepest playoff run, and the physicality has tested his composure. Opponents have targeted him with hard fouls and physical play throughout the series, a reality for young big men in the playoffs.

Johnson defended his star’s reaction: “I’m glad he took matters into his own hands… at some level, you have to protect yourself.” The coach made clear he did not condone the elbow but understood the context of repeated physical battles.

Analysts note Wembanyama’s rapid maturation. His ability to dominate on both ends while navigating superstar attention has drawn comparisons to generational talents. A suspension, however brief, would test the team’s growth in his absence.

Timberwolves’ perspective

Minnesota enters Game 5 with renewed confidence after even the series. Edwards has thrived, and the supporting cast stepped up without Wembanyama on the floor. Coach Chris Finch praised his team’s composure after the physical play and believes they can capitalize if San Antonio is shorthanded.

The Wolves have shown resilience all season and view the series as winnable regardless of Wembanyama’s status. Their length, athleticism and defensive versatility could pose problems for a depleted Spurs frontcourt.

Fan and league-wide reaction

The ejection and its potential aftermath dominated basketball conversation Monday. Social media erupted with debates over intent, officiating consistency and playoff physicality. Many defended Wembanyama as a young star learning boundaries, while others called for accountability to protect players.

League officials face a delicate balance: maintaining player safety standards without overly punishing a franchise cornerstone in his first deep playoff run. The decision will be scrutinized by players, coaches and fans alike.

What to watch in Game 5

If Wembanyama plays, expect heightened physicality and emotional intensity at the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs will look to protect him better while leveraging his rim protection and scoring gravity. If he sits, San Antonio must find collective energy to match Minnesota’s momentum.

Tip-off is set for Tuesday night in San Antonio. Regardless of the final ruling, the series has delivered compelling basketball and now hinges on one young star’s availability and how both teams respond to adversity.

The Western Conference semifinals have already produced drama. Wembanyama’s potential absence would add another layer to a compelling narrative centered on one of the NBA’s brightest young talents.

LOS ANGELES — Antoine Fuqua’s “Michael,” the long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic starring the King of Pop’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, has officially surpassed “Bohemian Rhapsody” to become the highest-grossing music biopic of all time at the North American box office, crossing approximately $240 million domestically through its third weekend.

The Lionsgate film, which opened to a record-shattering $97.2 million in its first weekend in late April, has demonstrated remarkable staying power despite mixed-to-negative critical reviews and pre-release controversy. With a current domestic total hovering near $240.4 million, it has eclipsed the $216.4–$216.7 million lifetime gross of the 2018 Queen biopic starring Rami Malek, a record that stood for nearly eight years.

Globally, “Michael” has already surpassed $570 million and is on track to become only the second music biopic ever to cross the half-billion-dollar mark worldwide, trailing only “Bohemian Rhapsody’s” eventual $910 million total.

Record-breaking debut and audience enthusiasm

“Michael” arrived in theaters on April 24, 2026, with the biggest opening weekend ever for a biographical film and the strongest debut for any music biopic, smashing previous benchmarks set by “Straight Outta Compton” ($60.2 million) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($51 million). The film benefited from strong IMAX and premium large-format screenings, which accounted for nearly 40% of its opening gross in some reports.

Audience reception has been far warmer than critic scores. Exit polling showed strong scores among younger viewers and Jackson fans, with many praising Jaafar Jackson’s transformative performance and the film’s recreation of iconic moments from the Jackson 5 era through the late 1980s. Word-of-mouth has fueled solid second and third weekends, with only a 44% drop in its sophomore frame.

Controversy meets commercial success

The film’s path to success was not without obstacles. Pre-release debates centered on the decision to largely avoid addressing the child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson. Co-produced by the Jackson estate, “Michael” focuses on the artist’s creative journey and personal ambition, drawing both praise for its musical sequences and criticism for what some called a sanitized portrait.

Despite the discourse, audiences turned out in force. The film has resonated particularly strongly with Black moviegoers and older demographics who grew up with Jackson’s music, turning theaters into impromptu sing-alongs during key performance scenes.

How it stacks up against other music biopics

“Michael” now sits comfortably atop the domestic music biopic rankings:

• “Michael” — ~$240 million and climbing
• “Bohemian Rhapsody” — $216.4 million
• “Straight Outta Compton” — $161.2 million
• “Elvis” — $151 million

Its global trajectory also positions it among the biggest biographical hits of the past decade. Lionsgate has described the performance as a validation of bold storytelling and a major win for the studio.

Production and cultural significance

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, “Michael” chronicles Jackson’s life from childhood prodigy through the “Thriller” era and up to the 1980s. Jaafar Jackson underwent extensive vocal and dance training to portray his uncle, with additional support from CGI and archival footage for later career moments. The film’s $155–200 million budget made it one of the most expensive biopics ever produced.

Its success highlights the enduring global appeal of Jackson’s catalog and the power of authorized estate-backed projects. Music supervisors incorporated dozens of Jackson hits, creating a near-jukebox experience that has driven repeat viewings.

Industry implications

“Michael’s” dominance reinforces the commercial strength of music-driven biopics even in an era dominated by franchises. It also provides a significant boost for Lionsgate and underscores the value of star power — in this case, the Jackson name and legacy — combined with premium theatrical presentation.

Theaters have reported strong concession sales and extended run potential, with some locations planning special sing-along screenings. International markets have been particularly enthusiastic, contributing over 58% of the total gross so far.

What’s next for the film

With strong legs and continued word-of-mouth, “Michael” is projected to push well past $300 million domestically and could approach or exceed $800 million worldwide by the end of its run. Awards season buzz remains modest due to critical reception, but the film’s cultural impact and box office dominance ensure it will be part of the 2026 conversation.

For fans of Jackson and the music biopic genre, “Michael” represents both a commercial triumph and a nostalgic celebration. By dethroning “Bohemian Rhapsody,” it has cemented its place in cinematic history — proving that the King of Pop’s influence remains as powerful on screen as it was on stage.

As final domestic numbers roll in this week, “Michael” stands as a clear victor: a film that moonwalked past expectations and claimed the throne as Hollywood’s biggest music biopic ever in North America.

This article was written by

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KENNER, La. — More than 9,000 customers in Kenner lost power Sunday afternoon in one of the largest single-day outages to strike the Jefferson Parish suburb in recent years, leaving neighborhoods without electricity for several hours during warm spring weather.

Entergy Louisiana reported the outage began around midday, with the company’s outage map showing a peak of 9,293 customers without power concentrated in Kenner. Crews responded quickly, and by early evening the majority of customers had power restored, though several thousand remained affected into the night.

The utility said the cause was under investigation but indicated early assessments pointed to equipment issues at a local substation. No injuries or major property damage were immediately reported, but the outage disrupted daily life for thousands of residents in the New Orleans suburb just as evening approached.

Impact on residents and businesses

Many Kenner families found themselves without lights, air conditioning or refrigeration as temperatures hovered in the 80s. Residents turned to generators, battery-powered fans and neighbors with power for relief. Local businesses, including restaurants and grocery stores, faced challenges keeping operations running smoothly.

Traffic signals in some areas went dark, prompting police to direct traffic at key intersections and increasing the risk of accidents. Emergency services remained operational on backup power, and no widespread 911 disruptions were reported. Hospitals and critical facilities in the region maintained service without interruption.

For families with young children, elderly members or those relying on medical equipment, the outage created anxiety. Several residents used social media to share photos of darkened homes and ask for updates on restoration times. Entergy’s estimated restoration time initially listed 8 p.m., though some areas saw power return earlier.

Entergy’s response

Crews were on scene within hours, working to identify and repair the fault. Entergy encouraged customers to report outages through its app, website or by texting OUT to 36778. The company activated its storm center protocols even though no severe weather was involved, reflecting the scale of the disruption.

By 6:14 p.m., power had been restored to the majority of affected customers, with roughly 3,000 still without service as crews continued targeted repairs. Entergy apologized for the inconvenience and thanked customers for their patience.

Broader context in Jefferson Parish

Kenner, a city of about 66,000 residents located between New Orleans and Metairie, has experienced several notable outages in recent years, often linked to aging infrastructure, vehicle accidents or weather events. This latest incident comes amid ongoing discussions about grid reliability in the greater New Orleans area as the region faces increasing extreme weather risks.

Entergy serves more than 1.3 million customers across Louisiana. The utility has invested billions in grid modernization, but challenges persist with equipment failures and growing demand. Local leaders have called for continued upgrades to prevent similar large-scale disruptions.

Community reaction

Residents expressed frustration mixed with understanding on social media. Many praised Entergy’s relatively quick response compared to past outages, while others questioned why such a large area was affected by what appeared to be a localized issue. Some used the downtime for family time or neighborhood gatherings, turning an inconvenience into a momentary community bonding experience.

Local officials urged residents to stay safe, avoid downed lines and prepare for potential after-effects such as spoiled food. The American Red Cross and local organizations stood ready to assist vulnerable populations if the outage had extended overnight.

Safety reminders during outages

Entergy and emergency officials issued standard guidance: treat all downed lines as live, use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk, and throw out perishable food that has been above 40 degrees for more than two hours. Generators should be operated outdoors with proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

For those with medical needs, backup power plans and cooling centers were available if needed. Jefferson Parish emergency management monitored the situation closely.

Looking ahead

While power has been largely restored, Entergy will continue investigating the root cause to prevent recurrence. The incident highlights the importance of infrastructure resilience in a region prone to storms and heavy usage.

As Kenner returns to normal, residents and officials alike hope for smoother days ahead. The utility has promised to provide updates and work transparently with the community on any long-term improvements needed.

For the latest outage information, customers can check Entergy’s website, mobile app or call 800-9OUTAGE. Monday’s events serve as a reminder of how quickly modern life can be disrupted — and how communities pull together when the lights go out.