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Boost In Small Business Hiring Offset By Slow Sales Growth
UK small business hiring continued to show signs of recovery in the face of a challenging macroeconomic environment, with employment rising 1.4% year-on-year (y/y) in the first quarter of the year (January-March 2024).
Alex von Schirmeister,
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Universities And Businesses Alike Welcome New Inquiry Into International Student Enrolment
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
The Education Select Committee has today launched a new inquiry into international student tuition fees. This will be welcomed by universities and businesses alike, who both reap benefits from the inclusion of international students. We warmly welcome the announcement of a new inquiry to assess the changing landscape of international student enrolment in UK universities.
2:46 PM 26th April 2024
Not Kidding About! St Helen’s Farm Announces ‘Goodness Grants’ CSR Initiative For Local Causes
Angus and Kathleen Wielkopolski
St Helen’s Farm pledging total of £10,000 for good causes, with individual grants of up to £5,000 Grants are available nation-wide
5:52 AM 26th April 2024
‘Emotional’ London Marathon For Armstrong Watson Colleagues Humbled By Event’s Supporters
The 2024 London Marathon was a rollercoaster of emotions for three Armstrong Watson colleagues who took part. Lauren Graham, Barry Fitzsimmons and Alex Rose, were among 50,000 runners to take part in the famous 26.2 mile race around the capital and they were all blown away by the experience.
4:30 PM 25th April 2024
Retail Sales Fall Sharply In April
Image by THAM YUAN YUAN from Pixabay
Retail sales fell sharply in the year to April, according to the latest monthly CBI Distributive Trades Survey. This follows no change in sales over March. While the earlier timing of Easter this year likely played a role in April’s decline, the fall in retail sales was nonetheless greater than expected. Sales are expected to continue falling next month, but at a slower pace.
11:20 AM 25th April 2024
Manufacturing Sentiment Improves In April – CBI Industrial Trends Survey
Sentiment within the manufacturing sector improved in April and output expectations were the strongest for six months, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey. Output volumes were broadly stable in the three months to April, following strong declines in output over the first quarter of 2024.
8:00 AM 25th April 2024
Opinion
Hands Across The Pennines
At a recent dinner in Manchester for technology leaders, one thing came through loud and clear - every business is facing similar challenges, and collaboration is the best way to address them. It’s time for Yorkshire and Lancashire, particularly Leeds and Manchester, to work together. The 40-odd miles that separate the two cities is similar to the 36 miles from the East to West of London.
1:01 AM 25th April 2024
Significant Repurposing Of Office Space Seen Across The UK, Although Office Tenant Demand Is Rising In The Capital
Gap emerging between rising office demand in London and a subdued picture for rest of the country 89% of respondents cite seeing repurposing of office space for other uses
1:00 AM 25th April 2024
Education Secretary Hears ‘Skills A Business Priority'
Improving skills and tackling labour shortages were the key topics discussed by Chamber Chief Executives, at a meeting this morning, with Education Secretary Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP. Chambers of Commerce are leading the development of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) across much of England. The Government designated Chambers to lead 32 out of the 38 LSIPs.
1:00 AM 25th April 2024
'Outdated Business Mileage’ Rate Causing Painful Shortfall For Employees And Volunteers Say Expend
Some expense management apps provide mileage tracking features. (Photo credit: SmartMock Ups / Expend.)
Expend, the expense management fintech, is calling for an end to the ‘outdated business mileage’ rate which causes a painful financial shortfall for employees and volunteers. When businesses ask their employees to use their private car for a business trip, for example a training course, or travelling between sites, they repay their staff at the rate of 45p per mile.
1:00 AM 24th April 2024
Deloitte Announces Jo Ahmed As New Practice Senior Partner For The North West
Jo Ahmed
Deloitte has appointed Jo Ahmed as Practice Senior Partner for the North West, heading up a combined team of over 1,350 people working with private, public sector and international clients at a time of significant opportunity for the region. As the new Practice Senior Partner, Jo will oversee the firm’s continued growth across the North West.
3:11 PM 23rd April 2024
Gilbanks Teams Up With Gary Neville’s Relentless Developments
(L-R) Louise Kilbride from Relentless, Alex Duckett and Gary Neville.
Gary Neville’s Relentless Developments has signed a deal with premium serviced office provider, Gilbanks, for c.34,000 sq ft of office space at No.1 St Michael’s in Manchester. The Leeds-based flexible office space provider will occupy 1.5 floors at the £400m development. The announcement follows an extensive search and selection process for a serviced office partner at the new development.
1:00 AM 23rd April 2024
Wuva Set To Revolutionise Sustainable Consumption With British Business Bank Start Up Loan
Altrincham-based Wuva, a pioneering platform committed to sustainable subscription services, has secured £50,000 of finance from the British Business Bank through Virgin Startup. The investment catapults Wuva into a new phase of expansion, poised to reshape the landscape of conscious consumerism.
1:00 AM 23rd April 2024
Flexible Staffing: An Effective Business Tactic For An Unstable Economy
Coople has put together a guide for businesses, laying out the current economic landscape and describing how tactics such as flexible staffing might be able to help lessen the strain. The UK economy right now Inflation is still above the 2% target and has been since May 2021.
12:59 AM 23rd April 2024
Synthotech Unlocks Growth With A Merger
Advanced engineering company Synthotech has completed a merger with HMG Water Solutions in a move that will support its growth plans in the utility sector. Synthotech provides advanced engineering services and in-pipe robotics to utility companies worldwide.
1:31 PM 22nd April 2024
Keepmoat Becomes UK's Only Non-Plc Housebuilder To Have Emission Reduction Targets Verified
Yorkshire-based top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, has become the only non-PLC housebuilder in the country to have its plans to halve emissions by 2032 (from 2022) officially verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
1:00 AM 22nd April 2024
Half Of Cumbria’s Businesses Say Increased Costs Are The Biggest Challenge Impacting Their Growth
Increased costs impacting business viability was cited by Cumbrian business owners as the main challenge impacting their growth over the next three years. This was one of the key findings in the latest Family, Privately Owned and Owner-managed Business Survey by Armstrong Watson, which received responses from 172 Cumbrian businesses.
1:00 AM 22nd April 2024
“Slam The Door On Construction Waste This Earth Day,” Upcycling Champion Says
Joseph Holman
Doors and windows are needlessly being dumped into landfill but could easily be reused, the boss of an upcycling company has said Green Doors CEO Joseph Holman founded his company with a set of French doors he found in a skip back in 2014.
1:00 AM 22nd April 2024
Opinion
What Might Hold Up UK Rate Cuts This Summer?
Photo by Carlos Muza on Unsplash
Alan Kinnaird, Business Development Manager at Walker Crips Investment Management comments that the G7 economies will likely follow suit in Switzerland’s rate cut decision if inflation doesn’t spike off the back of oil price increases. Plus, two investment picks worth watching.
1:02 AM 20th April 2024
Rocky Road For Snack Manufacturers On VAT Treatment
Image by Dan-Wolfgang Wirdefalk from Pixabay
Yet another decision has emerged from the tax tribunals on the VAT treatment of sweet snacks, this time finding that giant marshmallows for roasting over a barbecue or campfire are VAT-free writes Sarah Halsted Associate Director at audit, tax and consulting firm RSM The mallow-drama of what represents ‘confectionary’ for VAT purposes continues to make life difficult for retailers and manufacturers.
1:00 AM 20th April 2024
Part 2: Eco-Revolution Optima's Journey To CIRCAL 75R Sustainability
This second article delves into Optima's groundbreaking transition to CIRCAL 75R, a revolutionary aluminium with a mere 1.9 kg CO2e footprint, significantly lower than the traditional 7-15 kg CO2e prevalent in the EU market. Leveraging expert analysis, Optima conducted a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of their products' embodied carbon.
12:59 AM 20th April 2024
Statutory Due Diligence Confirmed To Tackle Non-Compliance In Umbrella Companies Market
The government has announced more detail on plans to tackle non-compliance in the umbrella companies market in its Tax Administration Day summary. Today’s announcement marks a significant step for the umbrella and agency sector, as well as for organisations who use them, as the government has confirmed it will legislate statutory due diligence.
1:00 AM 19th April 2024
Cumbrian Business Network Appoints A New Chair And Directors To Drive Growth And Innovation
Professionals from across the energy sector gathered in Cumbria as Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) announced its new chair, and two new directors, at their Annual General Meeting today.
1:00 AM 19th April 2024
Slater Heelis Expands Presence To York And Five Other UK Cities
Law firm, Slater Heelis, has announced a new, physical presence in six key UK cities. In addition to its Manchester headquarters, Slater Heelis now has a presence in York, Preston, Central London, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield.
2:47 PM 18th April 2024
Demand For Mental Health Support Surges By 67% - What Can Employers Do?
Mental health in the workplace is a major concern in 2024 with stress and burnout related terms trending since the start of the year. This week alone, there has been a 67% rise in searches around support for mental health at work!
1:00 AM 18th April 2024
Bank Of England Must ‘Do The Right Thing’ And Cut Rates In Summer
Image by Robert Owen-Wahl from Pixabay
The Bank of England must not be tempted to use a smaller-than-expected drop in inflation in March to delay interest rate cuts further, warns the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations. ​The warning from deVere Group’s Nigel Green comes as the UK’s annual inflation rate fell in March for a second consecutive month, dropping to 3.2%.
1:00 AM 18th April 2024
From staff turnover to data compliance: Navigating 4 key employer pain points
Image by fahribaabdullah14 from Pixabay
Businesses can overcome barriers to growth by developing a culture of empowerment, continuous learning and innovation, says UKG As organisations battle skills shortages, shifting employee preferences and constantly evolving regulations around safeguarding and wellbeing, providing staff with the platform to reach their full potential has never been more important for business leaders.
1:00 AM 18th April 2024
Sheffield Company Granted Strategic Nuclear Status
Sheffield Forgemasters - the UK’s only capability for crucial SMR reactor components secures nuclear accreditation
Sheffield Forgemasters has been awarded a crucial strategic qualification, positioning the company to support development and delivery of the next generation of civil nuclear power plants.
12:00 AM 18th April 2024
Start Up Loan Boost For Manchester-Based Ecological Consultancy
Planting up a new mitigation pond
Evelyn Ecology Ltd., a Manchester-based ecological consultancy, has secured a total of £12,000 through the Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance (GCBF) on behalf of the British Business Bank. The business is a perfect example of the type of sustainable businesses Start Up Loans and the British Business Bank are looking to support.
1:37 PM 17th April 2024
LNER Announced As Headline Sponsor For 2024 UK Corporate Games In Leeds
With 100 days to go until the UK Corporate Games starts in Leeds, and in celebration of the milestone, the 2024 Games had announced LNER as headline sponsor. The UK Corporate Games in Leeds, which takes place from Thursday 25th July, will feature over 20 sports, including Dragon Boat Racing, Netball, Tennis, Padel, Cycling, Karting and more.
11:00 AM 17th April 2024
Fulfilmentcrowd Makes Double Senior Hires As It Continues Sustained Growth
Chorley-headquartered fulfilmentcrowd, an international provider of fulfilment services and software technology, has strengthened its senior team with a duo of new appointments, following impressive growth in the first half of its 2024 financial year. Katie Shepherd joins the business as Head of Brand from growth design marketing company, Avidly, where she was the Strategic Solutions Manager.
9:53 AM 17th April 2024
Inflation Continues Its Downward Trend
Today’s data from the Office of National Statistics, showed the headline rate of CPI inflation fall from 3.4% in February 2024 to 3.2% in March 2024.
8:22 AM 17th April 2024
YouGov - Consumer Confidence Falls For The First Time In Seven Months
Consumer confidence broke a seven-month streak of increases in March 2024, according to the latest data from YouGov and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). The index declined from 107.7 to 107.0 (-0.7), thanks largely to decreases in household finance, business activity, and job security metrics.
1:00 AM 17th April 2024
Urgent New Cyber Warnings For Lancashire Businesses
DI Giannasi.
Half of all businesses have reported a cyber breach in the last 12 months, and of those 44% went on to experience cyber crime. The Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024 also found that there were an estimated 7.78 million business cyber crimes of all types over the past year.
1:00 AM 17th April 2024
Labour Market Continues To Slowly Loosen
Image by kalhh from Pixabay
This morning's UK labour market report reiterated the upward trend in unemployment, with joblessness rising to 4.2%, it's highest level since last summer,
7:53 AM 16th April 2024
The Search Is On To Find the North West's Most Exciting Tech Start-Up
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
KPMG has started the search for the most exciting technology start-ups in North West has begun, with the launch of the annual KPMG Tech Innovator in the UK competition.
1:00 AM 16th April 2024
John Hogg Technical Solutions Partners With Tunley Environmental On Net Zero Plans
John Hogg Technical Solutions, a pioneer in fuel marking technology and solvent dye manufacturing since its establishment in 1981, has announced its dedicated focus on sustainability through a 12-month support package with environmental consultancy Tunley Environmental.
2:13 PM 15th April 2024
New Chapter For Failed Britishvolt Site In Northumberland
The joint LPA receivers of the property assets of BritishVolt Properties Ltd, Bob Maxwell and Julian Pitts of Begbies Traynor Group, are pleased to announce that they have entered into a contract for the sale of the site at Cambois, Blyth Northumberland, formerly known as Blyth Power Station, to a subsidiary of the US private equity firm Blackstone Group.
2:03 PM 15th April 2024
10 in 10: Cherelle Jones
Cherelle Jones, a Senior Account Manager at Partners, is the latest regional professional in the hot seat as the p.ublished group of newspapers gives her just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions.
1:10 AM 15th April 2024
Greggs’ Dedication To Do Good Continues As It Reports Progress On 2025 ESG Goals
Three-years into its five-year sustainability plan, Greggs outlines the progress made in 2023 and its key focus areas for year ahead in latest edition of The Greggs Pledge
1:00 AM 15th April 2024
Teesside University Serving A Pint Of Science In Darlington
Members of the public are to be given the opportunity to access cutting-edge insights into the world of bioscience and healthcare as a popular science festival comes to a North East town for the first time. Led by academics and partners from Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre, the popular Pint of Science festival will be taking place at The Forum in Darlington on 13 and 15 May.
1:00 AM 15th April 2024
Tips For Conducting Interviews In Your Workplace
Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay
Last Thursday's episode of The Apprentice saw the five candidates face the interviews stage, facing a tough panel of interviewers who picked apart their business plans.
1:00 AM 15th April 2024
Are You 'Working From Home' Or 'Living At Work'?”
Ian Garner
Business Writer
Image by Markus Winkler from Pixabay
Working from home has quickly become the new normal for many businesses. Employers have said they propose to continue allowing remote work or hybrid options well into the future. Other organisations are seeking to entice, encourage, persuade, or compel staff back into the office. People are more productive working from home than people would have expected.
1:00 AM 13th April 2024
Opinion
Bear Traps For Business Owners
Image by Markus Winkler from Pixabay
A recent case highlights how tax relief for losses on a failed business can sometimes be denied and taking the wrong step can trip up a business owner as Chris Etherington Private Client Partner in the Leeds office at audit, tax and consulting firm RSMUK
1:00 AM 13th April 2024
Opinion
Market Analysis: Supermarkets - Tesco
Tesco: Increase in consumer confidence; loyalty card usage is crucial to win market share; Convenience store format continues with strong growth In the UK supermarkets space, Orwa Mohamad, Analyst at Third Bridge remarks on Tesco informed by the insights from industry experts: “Tesco is maintaining the strong progress it had during Christmas into the first quarter.
1:00 AM 13th April 2024
Disappointing Economic Growth In February Suggests The Economy Is Still Fragile
The monthly GDP figures for February 2024, showed growth of 0.1%. Dr Roger Barker, Director of Policy at the Institute of Directors, said: “The economy barely grew in February, which suggests that the economy is still in a fragile state.
8:01 AM 12th April 2024
If The Flexible Working Act Is To Succeed, Businesses Must Be Adaptable And Open To Change
As new legislation comes into effect, managers should take steps to prepare themselves for the realities of a flexible workforce. On 6 April 2024, changes to employees’ rights to ask for flexible working came into force as the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 became law.
1:00 AM 12th April 2024
From Sonar To Signals: How Helen’s Career Changed Track
From tracking enemy submarines to tracking LNER trains, former Royal Navy Petty Officer Helen Firth is finding there are some surprising similarities between working on an anti-submarine frigate and working in the Rail Operations Centre in York.
3:54 PM 11th April 2024
“Mo Money, Mo Problems”: Large Businesses Floundering To Tackle Cyber Threats
Large businesses find it significantly more difficult to manage their cyber security than their smaller counterparts, new research from IDEE has revealed. The cyber security firm commissioned an independent survey of more than 500 IT and cyber security professionals within UK businesses.
8:00 AM 11th April 2024
Marching Ahead: Buyer Demand Puts Spring In The Step Of The Housing Market
Image by Jens Neumann from Pixabay
Survey results predicting further bounce in housing market in both the near and longer term New property listings increase for a fourth month with buyer demand also rising The battle between tenant demand and lack of available rental properties continues, with rental prices expected to rise in the coming months
1:05 AM 11th April 2024
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