Manufacturing boost: Turntide Technologies has won a £17m matched grant to scale up axial flux motor production, aiming to automate key processes and speed volume manufacture. Local planning & jobs: Wallingford’s 900 Cafe owners have submitted plans to convert a fire-damaged listed building into six offices, citing demand for small and medium workspace. Town-centre pressure: Swindon’s Reform UK is pushing to formally include parking survey responses in a review of Commercial Road changes, after complaints about visibility and access for larger vehicles. Business investment in property: Federated Hermes has secured consent to refurbish a 60,268 sq ft warehouse in Poole into modern office space, with new tenants also signing at Fareham Reach. Community-facing growth: Manchester’s Northern Quarter is set to launch a BID in January 2027, backed by a levy, to tackle cleanliness and safety concerns while adding £4m investment. SME recognition: Bombay Bar and Grill has been shortlisted across multiple categories in Scotland’s Spice Awards. Rural economy & skills: A Highland MP is seeking a meeting with Scotland’s Secretary after a report warns remote areas are heading towards “unviability,” highlighting higher costs and stretched services. AI adoption caution: A viral claim argues small businesses are repeating an old productivity mistake by rolling out AI without changing how work is actually done. Health & travel support: West Berkshire is offering free bus travel for children aged 5-15 during August, aiming to keep family trips affordable and support local attractions.