Navy Contracting Push: Vermont APEX Accelerator is hosting “Navy Week: Doing Business with the Navy and Marine Corps” on Aug. 26 in Burlington, with guidance on OSBP procurement, Mentor-Protégé, and SBIR/STTR resources. Local Business & Permits: General Santos (GenSan) launched “Operation Pickleball Hunt” to inspect pickleball courts and ensure operators have proper business permits. UK Planning Clash: Swindon’s Vygon is seeking feedback on demolishing the Pierre Simonet building at V Park to build 300 homes and a new HQ, drawing opposition over its “iconic” industrial design. Company Growth Moves: Swindon electrical compliance firm TECC relocated to its biggest site on Cheney Manor Industrial Estate as it marks 20 years. Expansion Deal: Jollibee’s Tim Ho Wan will buy out WDI’s 30% stake in its North America master franchise JV for about $5.05m, aiming for 20 US stores by 2028. Energy Investment: Equinor agreed to pay $940m for a majority stake in Pennsylvania’s Lackawanna gas-fired power plant, betting on rising electricity demand from data centers. Trade & Geopolitics: Trump warned countries doing business with Iran of “economic warfare,” following UAE moves to suspend trade and financial ties with Tehran. AI for SMEs: A Scotland survey of 500 firms found many report higher productivity and profits after adopting AI.