Category: 3. Business

While down from a multi-year high of 65% a year ago, it represents a healthy recovery from the 2025 midyear survey. Executives’ confidence in their own company performance remains strong, with 71% reporting optimism for 2026. 

Business leaders maintain a cautious global outlook, with most neutral or pessimistic (73%). Optimism for local economies has declined from 59% to 44% amid shifting policies and industry-specific challenges.

Midsize business owners continue to demonstrate resilience amid ongoing challenges and economic uncertainty. Roughly three-quarters (73%) expect to increase revenue in 2026, while 64% project higher profits. Nearly half (48%) still plan to expand their workforce, even as many incorporate AI into their operations. 

When a photon of light is scattered by a molecule, the energy of the photon generally remains the same. In a small number of cases, however, the energy of the photon can change. This process is called Raman scattering and was discovered in 1928 by the Indian physicist CV Raman, who went on to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics two years later for discovering it.

Raman scattering typically happens when the photon excites the molecule from its initial state into a state with a higher vibrational energy, which results in the photon having less energy (and hence a longer wavelength) than it had before. Less frequently, the scattered photon can have more energy (and hence a shorter wavelength) than it had initially. Every molecule has a unique set of energy states, so analyzing the Raman spectrum – that is, measuring the number of the scattered photons as a function of wavelength – can tell us quite a lot about the molecule itself. Moreover, since the energy levels of the molecule are influenced by other molecules in the vicinity, the Raman spectrum also contains information about the surrounding environment.

Historically, Raman spectroscopy has been a popular tool for studying molecules in chemistry, and also for studying lattice vibrations in solid materials in physics. Now, thanks to the fact that it is a non-contact and non-invasive technique, it is emerging as a potentially powerful technique in the life and biomedical sciences (Chandra et al., 2024; Hose et al., 2024). For cells and tissues, the Raman spectrum contains information about the different kinds of molecules they contain, including metabolites, sugars, RNA molecules, proteins and the extracellular matrix (Figure 1). This means that Raman spectroscopy can be used to detect various chemical components in cells, and to distinguish between cells growing in different physiological conditions (Devitt et al., 2018). Furthermore, modern technological advances make it possible to measure the Raman spectrum at multiple positions in a sample: this approach, which is called Raman mapping, provides information on the spatial distribution of different molecules within the sample (Butler et al., 2016).

In biological samples, the proteome – the set of all the proteins that can be expressed by a genome – accounts for about 50% of dry weight and is therefore a major contributor to the Raman spectrum (Bray, 2001; Neidhardt et al., 1990). It is known that cells adjust the relative abundances of the various proteins in their proteome to cope with different environments: in E. coli, for example, the fraction of ribosomal proteins increases when conditions enable fast growth (Erickson et al., 2017). Similar results have been seen with budding yeast (Metzl-Raz et al., 2017).

In 2016, Matthias Heinemann and co-workers used mass spectrometry to measure the abundance of more than 2300 proteins in E. coli under 22 different sets of growth conditions (Schmidt et al., 2016). Now, in eLife, Ken-ichiro Kamei, Yuichi Wakamoto and colleagues at the University of Tokyo and other institutions in Japan and the US report that Raman spectroscopy can also be used to infer proteome compositions (Kamei et al., 2025).

The researchers recorded Raman spectra for E. coli under 15 of the 22 growth conditions used by the Heinemann group, and conducted a detailed statistical analysis of the correlations between the proteome and their dataset of Raman spectra. Specifically, they employed a technique called linear discriminant analysis (LDA) which highlights the directions (in 15-dimensional space) that maximize the differences between the Raman data for the 15 sets of growth conditions. These directions are called the LDA axes. Interestingly, the first LDA axis is strongly correlated with growth rate, and the other LDA axes can distinguish between stationary phase and carbon-rich conditions which support rapid growth. These results suggest that Raman spectra are closely correlated with cellular physiology.

Strikingly, Kamei et al. show that it is possible to infer proteomic composition from Raman spectroscopic data. In particular, with the LDA analysis, they identify a group of proteins that participates in replication, transcription and translation. Moreover, the proteins in this group are regulated with fixed ratios under different physiological states. Kamei et al. also found that a similar group of proteins is conserved from bacteria and yeast to humans, indicating the importance of relative abundance in protein regulation.

It is remarkable that Raman spectra can, with the help of statistical inference, be used to predict cellular physiology and proteome composition. By making this possible, the work of Kamei et al. has opened up a promising direction for probing cellular regulation and dynamics.

An expert team has been appointed to deliver one of Plymouth’s most ambitious regeneration projects – a framework and masterplan which will be co-designed with local partners and communities to transform the city centre into a vibrant place to live, with thousands of new homes, green streets and lively public spaces.

Over the past few years, Plymouth has made huge strides in reshaping its city centre, with major public realm improvements, new cultural and commercial spaces, and investment in transport and infrastructure. Now, the focus shifts to what has been missing: city centre living. This masterplan, made possible thanks to a strategic partnership with Homes England, will set out how underused areas can be reimagined as sustainable, lively and diverse communities where people can live, work and enjoy everything the city has to offer. 

Led by WSP, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, the multidisciplinary team will work closely with communities to co-design a framework for up to 10,000 new homes, alongside green streets, cultural spaces and modern infrastructure that supports walking, cycling and public transport. It’s about more than buildings – it’s about creating a city centre that works for everyone, blending homes with shops, leisure and community spaces to bring new life and energy to Plymouth. Homes England’s involvement is critical to delivering this vision. Their expertise and investment will help accelerate regeneration, ensuring Plymouth becomes a national exemplar for sustainable city living. 

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is a game-changing moment for Plymouth. Over the past few years, we’ve delivered major improvements to our city centre – from the transformation of Armada Way, Old Town Street/New George Street, our improvement works to Royal Parade and the recently announced project to reimagine the Civic Centre.   

“But what’s been missing is housing. This masterplan will unlock that potential, creating thousands of new homes alongside green spaces and vibrant streets that people can enjoy.  

“What excites me most is that this isn’t just about drawing up plans behind closed doors. Our residents will be at the heart of shaping this vision, with lots of opportunities to get involved and tell us what matters to them. Together, we can create a city centre that is truly for everyone – a place to live, work and thrive.” 

Led by WSP’s chief economist and Director, Professor Jim Coleman, the team will ensure Plymouth’s bold plans are both ambitious and achievable – finding innovative ways to fund new homes despite tough market conditions. Adding design flair are nationally acclaimed architects Glenn Howells and Alex Ely. Howells, renowned for shaping Birmingham’s city centre and its “Our Future City” framework, brings expertise in large-scale regeneration. Alex Ely, founder of Stirling Prize-winning Mae Architects, has delivered major residential masterplans, including Enfield’s Meridian Water. They’ll collaborate with local talent too; Plymouth’s LHC Design, Truro’s Lavigne Lonsdale, Devon-based Gillespie Yunnie Architects,  Makower Architects, and DNCO. 

The WSP-led team was chosen for its proven track record in delivering complex regeneration projects and its ability to bring together a truly multidisciplinary team. Their experts in placemaking, architecture, transport, infrastructure, and property advice will work alongside branding and engagement specialists to ensure the vision is compelling, inclusive, and rooted in Plymouth’s identity. Highly regarded local practices will also play a key role, ensuring the proposals reflect the character and aspirations of the city. 

The work will unfold in three phases: first, building a clear picture of Plymouth today and shaping an early vision; then refining options for the City Living Development Framework and City Centre Masterplan; and finally producing detailed reports, 3D models, and sustainability appraisals to guide delivery on the ground. This isn’t just about plans on paper – it’s about creating a strong case for investment and positioning Plymouth as a national leader in sustainable urban living. 

Crucially, the community will be at the heart of this process. Residents, businesses, and local groups will have multiple opportunities to get involved through surveys, pop-up events, and co-design workshops. An interactive online platform, “Plymouth Listens”, will make it easy for people to explore ideas and share feedback. Every stage will include clear updates showing how public input is shaping the plans. 

Jim Coleman, Director at WSP, added: “This is the ultimate opportunity to help Plymouth shape an urban vision that has been talked about for decades. Our priority is working hand in hand with the Council, local organisations and the community to ensure the masterplan reflects Plymouth’s unique character while creating sustainable, vibrant and inclusive spaces for future generations. We know how much people value their city centre, so listening and engaging throughout this process will be central to what we do.” 

Joe Wharton, Assistant Director, Regional at Homes England, said: “As the government’s housing and regeneration Agency, we want to support public sector partners to achieve their regional housing ambitions. Our strategic partnership with Plymouth City Council will help turn ambition into reality, bringing thousands of quality homes to the heart of the city alongside the green spaces and infrastructure that communities need to thrive. 

“We look forward to working with the council, WSP and local partners to deliver homes that people across Plymouth can be proud of.” 

To find out more about the City Centre Living project: www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymouth-city-living-framework 

About WSP 

WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. With over 10,000 experts in the UK and Ireland and 75,000 globally, known as Visioneers, we pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects in the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, resources and industrial sectors. WSP is publicly listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:WSP). 

• Nexans achieves a world-record installation depth of 2,150 meters on the Tyrrhenian Link Project in Italy, set in December 2025.
• Completion of the second pull-in operation on January 1, 2026 marks the completion of high-voltage subsea cable installation.
• Achievement highlights Nexans’ leading-edge subsea engineering, manufacturing and installation capabilities.

Nexans has successfully completed the high-voltage subsea cable installation on the Tyrrhenian Link project in Italy, confirming a world-record installation depth of 2,150 meters for a 500 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable.

The world record was achieved during offshore installation campaign in December 2025, as part of Nexans’ works for Terna, the Italian Transmission System Operator. The Tyrrhenian Link is a strategic 500 kV HVDC interconnection designed to strengthen Italy’s national transmission grid.

The offshore execution milestone was finalized with the successful completion of the second pull-in operation on January 1, 2026, establishing the physical connection between the cable landing points in Terra Mala (Sardinia) and Fiumetorto (Sicily). This operation marks the completion of all high-voltage subsea cable laying activities on the project.

The western section of the Tyrrhenian Link, which falls within Nexans’ scope of work, comprises approximately 480 km of deep-water subsea cable, installed over two offshore campaigns of around 200 km and 280 km respectively. The Tyrrhenian Link as a whole consists of two 500 kV HVDC subsea connections, each approximately 970 km in length, with a total transmission capacity of 1,000 MW.