Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
BRITISH INDUSTRIALIST Lord Swraj Paul-owned Caparo group company has won a global award for innovation.
The Bull Moose Tube Company (BMT), a Caparo Bull Moose subsidiary, has won the Fastmarkets Global Awards for steel excellence, one of the most recognizable awards, in the best innovation – product category on July 23.
The company emerged winners from among 71 finalists across the world for its Hydrologic Sprinkler Pipe. The company's advanced metallurgy has imparted a stainless steel alloy layer onto the interior and exterior diameters of a low carbon steel core creating an ultra-smooth surface that reduces resistance and pressure loss of water carried by the pipe.
The product development was centered on a new spatially optimised diffusion alloy that is permanently bonded to the steel’s surface. It will help customers in reduction in material, labor and associated hardware costs as it provides high stainless-steel pipe performance in a more economical, easier-to-handle form, a company statement said.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognised for our innovation in Hydrologic Sprinkler Pipe," said Thomas A Modrowski, president & ceo.
"The team’s dedication to excellence and innovation earned this honor for our Company and demonstrates that success happens in an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration among employees and with business partners and customers."
Mark Abernathy, manager field application engineer for BMT and project lead, said: “This achievement acknowledges BMT’s commitment and capability to continuously improve product performance and be a leader in responding to industry needs.”
Based in Chesterfield, Missouri, BMT operates from seven plants – six in the US and one in Canada. It offers one of the largest ranges of welded steel tubing in North America.
Owned by the Lord Paul family, Caparo was founded in 1968. It operates internationally from over forty sites, serving customers globally, primarily from operations based in the UK, North America, India, and the Middle East.
Euro Garages, Red Contract Solutions, and CSG FM amongst worst offenders
New Fair Work Agency to launch April 2026 with enhanced enforcement powers
National Living Wage increased to £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over
Wage violations enforced
The government has named and shamed nearly 500 employers across the UK for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage, forcing them to repay £6 million to 42,000 workers and imposing fines totalling £10.2 million in what officials described as the biggest enforcement action in a generation.
The enforcement action, announced on Friday, sees employers hit with fines totalling £10.2 million for short-changing their staff. The list includes well-known high street brands alongside smaller businesses across various sectors, from petrol stations to nurseries.
Euro Garages Limited topped the list, failing to pay £824,383 to 3,317 workers, while Red Contract Solutions underpaid 11,631 workers by more than £650,000. Other prominent names include Mitchells & Butlers, Cineworld Cinemas, and William Hill. Business Secretary Peter Kyle noted "Every worker deserves a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, and this government will not tolerate rogue employers who short-change their staff." He added that the Plan to Make Work Pay ensures a level playing field where all businesses pay what they owe.
Workers' rights boost
The crackdown comes as the Government introduces what it calls the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation. From April 2026, a new Fair Work Agency will be established with enhanced powers to tackle employers underpaying workers and failing to pay holiday and sick pay. Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden pointed that, "This government is taking direct action to ensure workers get every penny they've earned, and to put an end to bad businesses undercutting good ones."
Workers who suspect they're being underpaid can check their pay at gov.uk/checkyourpay or contact HMRC's pay and work rights helpline. The naming rounds are designed to deter future violations whilst protecting legitimate businesses from unfair competition. National Living Wage rates increased to £12.21 per hour in April 2025 for workers aged 21 and over.
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