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‘Seismic’ Tax Changes Set To Impact North West Family Businesses
Family-owned businesses in the North West face increased challenges in the coming months, as the clock ticks down to ‘seismic’ tax changes in April 2026. According to figures from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, more than three quarters of North West businesses (79%) say they will be impacted by changes to Business Relief for Inheritance Tax (IHT).
Image by FlyFin Inc from Pixabay
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Northern Talent Tracker: This Week's Key Appointments
Helen Kitchen
Deputy Business Editor
James Brown, CEO, Leeds Credit Union
Leeds Credit Union has announced the appointment of James Brown as its new Chief Executive Officer. Brown, who has more than two decades of experience across the financial services, fintech, and technology sectors, previously served on the credit union's board.
12:03 AM 12th September 2025
Bespak Assesses Biodiversity Footprint With Tunley
Bespak, a drug delivery systems manufacturer with sites in Holmes Chapel and King's Lynn, has published a new report detailing its supply chain's biodiversity footprint. The assessment was conducted in collaboration with Tunley Environmental, a sustainability consultancy based in Leeds.
12:00 AM 11th September 2025
JMG Group Completes Hat-Trick Of Broker Deals
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Leeds-based JMG Group has made a hat-trick of acquisitions as it continues its growth journey, adding three well-established independent insurance brokers to its expanding national group. The deals see Gainsborough’s Allsop Commercial Services, Sussex-based Highhouse Insurance Services and Insursec Risk Management in Essex all join the fast-growing group.
12:01 AM 12th September 2025
Engineering Training Provider Is Delivering At Scale From New Base
Celebrated apprentices from the 2025 cohort who have now entered industry
The largest cohort of apprentices to be welcomed to HETA’s new £5.5 million training centre has headed out to industry. First years have been completed by 82 budding electricians, engineers, process operators, fitters and welders, who now join their sponsor companies.
12:00 AM 11th September 2025
East Yorkshire Offsite Manufacturer Expands Successful Apprenticeship Programme
Offsite manufacturing specialist, Premier Modular has expanded its apprenticeship programme – now offering placements across all business divisions. Opening up apprenticeships in its commercial, planning and stores teams, Premier Modular is welcoming two quantity surveyors, a document controller and a business admin.
12:00 AM 11th September 2025
Business Support And Funding Specialist To Create Jobs Across The UK
UMi, a certified B Corp business support and funding provider, is set to buck industry trends by creating more than a dozen new roles as it expands throughout the UK. The move comes as the employee-owned company seeks to launch a series of new business support and advice services across the nation.
12:00 AM 11th September 2025
Businesses Value Hiring Ex-Offenders, Study Finds
A new study by IT asset disposal company DSA Connect reveals that businesses who hire ex-offenders highly value their work ethic and commitment. The research, which surveyed over 1,100 businesses, found that nearly two-thirds (65%) of employers rate ex-offenders they have hired as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ employees.
12:05 AM 10th September 2025
FMB Urges Builders To Reach Out On World Suicide Prevention Day
With the construction sector still the most affected by suicides, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is taking this World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) to urge builders to reach out for help if they are struggling.
12:02 AM 10th September 2025
New Defence Strategy Hailed As Vision For Growth
Image by PIRO from Pixabay
The UK government has launched its new Defence Industrial Strategy, a plan designed to revitalise the country's defence sector and bolster its role as a driver of economic growth. The strategy is the final piece of the government's broader Industrial Strategy, which aims to focus on key sectors where the UK can compete globally.
12:00 AM 10th September 2025
RICS Launches Global Standard On Responsible Use Of AI In Surveying
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published the first global professional standard for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in surveying practice - a decisive move to guide the profession through the rapid evolution of AI technologies.
12:00 AM 10th September 2025
Why Business Leaders Don't Need To Reset To Boost Performance
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Workplace expert shares his five top tips on how you can become more efficient at work.
6:05 AM 9th September 2025
AI Job Growth Surges In Leeds As City Outpaces London.
Photo credit: Christopher Chambers/Shutterstock.
Leeds has emerged as one of the UK’s strongest centres for artificial intelligence growth, with local AI firms expanding their workforce by 22 per cent per year, on average. The figure outpaces London’s 7.2 per cent increase and the national average of 4.8 per cent, according to new data from Leeds-based analytics company, The Data City.
12:05 AM 9th September 2025
Engineering Firm Spencer Group Launches Apprentice Buddy Scheme
Hull-based engineering firm Spencer Group is expanding its commitment to developing young talent by introducing a new "buddy scheme" for its latest intake of apprentices. This year's cohort of 13 young people is the company's second-largest to date, bringing its total number of apprentices to more than 65 in seven years.
12:02 AM 9th September 2025
Property & construction
Silverstone Wins Nationwide Contract Surveying Student Accommodation
A private student accommodation provider has appointed Silverstone Building Consultancy to carry out pre-acquisition building surveys on an extensive portfolio of student properties located across the UK. The portfolio includes a mix of purpose-built and converted student blocks, as well as HMO’s, in the heavily student populated cities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Liverpool, Manchester and York.
12:00 AM 9th September 2025
The Cumberland Expands Business Offering To Support Regional Economy
The Cumberland Building Society has launched a new range of business savings products, expanding its support for companies in its core operating areas of Cumbria, Lancashire, and Southwest Scotland. The move comes as the Carlisle-based institution celebrates its 175th anniversary this year.
12:00 AM 9th September 2025
Partnership Delivers Award For Carrs Pasties
A strategic partnership between Bolton's Carrs Pasties and Yorkshire-based people consultancy Howarths has been recognised with a prestigious industry award. The collaboration helped Carrs Pasties secure the "Best Culture Change" accolade for large businesses at the recent Good Employment Charter Awards.
12:00 AM 9th September 2025
Oltco Blackpool Helps Drive National Milestone In Plastic Recycling Innovation
Jon and the board
Blackpool-based franchise Oltco is playing a key role in a nationwide sustainability achievement, as the company celebrates recycling the equivalent of one billion plastic straws through its pioneering Recycle Bound technology.
12:00 AM 9th September 2025
Tech Deals Surge In The Recruitment Sector In First Half Of 2025 – BDO Finds
James Fieldhouse, M&A partner at BDO LLP
Tech-related deals surge in first half of the year, as recruitment companies revolutionise how they operate. One in five deals involved venture capital investors. Wider pool of international acquirers invest in UK recruitment sector in H1.
12:01 AM 8th September 2025
Schneider Electric Opens £42m Smart Factory In North Yorkshire
Scarborough Business Park. Photo: Caddick
Production starts at Schneider Electric’s state-of-the-art manufacturing site in North Yorkshire to turbocharge UK energy transition. New 16,500 sq m smart plant delivers electrical equipment critical in the move to cleaner energy, following £42 million investment.
12:00 AM 8th September 2025
Lancashire Kitchen, Bedroom And Bathroom Manufacturer Acquired
Private equity firm 4D Capital Partners LLP has acquired JJO PLC, a prominent UK-based manufacturer of kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom furniture, located in Bacup, East Lancashire. Established in 1868, JJO has grown to become one of the UK’s largest specialist furniture manufacturers and operates from a modern 1.2m sq ft production facility, employing around 300 staff locally.
12:00 AM 8th September 2025
Opinion
Market Analysis: American Eagle Outfitters, Klarna & Gemini
American Eagle Outfitters: Limited ability to pass on tariff costs tohighly price-conscious customers; facing strong competition from fast-fashion brands. Klarna: BNPL has become a commodity, and the company is moving towardbecoming a digital bank.
12:00 AM 6th September 2025
Where Law Meets Care: Leading With Both Hats On
When solicitor Alex Morris stepped in to help run his family’s care home during the pandemic, he didn’t expect to stay.
12:00 AM 6th September 2025
Education Secretary Backs Skills Investment On Visit To Wakefield Manufacturer
Bridget Phillipson, the Secretary of State for Education, visited Wakefield-based engineering firm Group Rhodes this week to discuss the critical role of apprenticeships in addressing the UK manufacturing sector’s skills shortage.
12:00 AM 6th September 2025
Property & construction
Giant Bug Hotel Installed At Leeds Housing Development
An enormous bug hotel has been installed at a Leeds housing development helping to provide new homes for both wildlife and people. Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey Yorkshire commissioned Wildlife and Birdcare Nature recovery project (CIC) to provide the giant 2m by 4m bug hotel for their development at Morwick Springs, in Leeds Road.
12:00 AM 6th September 2025
Northern Talent Tracker: This Week's Key Appointments
Helen Kitchen
Deputy Business Editor
L-R: Claire Glaister and Hollie Burnett, Lake Legal
Leeds family law firm Lake Legal has promoted Hollie Burnett to partner following a year of significant growth. Burnett, who joined the firm in 2017, has expertise in complex financial settlements, cohabitation disputes, and child-related matters.
12:08 AM 5th September 2025
Nine In 10 UK Businesses Looking To AI To Solve Key Business Issues Amidst Economic And Energy Challenges
Image by John Conde from Pixabay
The Barclays Business Prosperity Index reveals that despite ongoing global economic challenges and rising energy costs, UK firms are accelerating AI adoption and upskilling their workforce to drive innovation and growth.
12:03 AM 5th September 2025
Backed By Members And Research England, NCUB Secures Four-Year Funding To Boost Collaboration
Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay
The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) today welcomes renewed four-year support from Research England. With this funding, NCUB will expand its work convening universities and businesses, providing evidence, insight and practical tools that help translate research, innovation and talent development into benefits for the economy and society.
12:01 AM 5th September 2025
Global Food And Drink Giants Head To Sheffield For AI Manufacturing Summit
Sheffield will take centre stage this month as the city welcomes senior leaders from some of the world’s largest food and drink brands for The Connected Performance Summit – Where AI Meets Motion. The invite-only event is co-hosted by Dinnington-based industrial AI specialist IntelliAM and SKF, the world’s largest bearing and lubrication systems manufacturer.
12:00 AM 5th September 2025
AI: What Boards Need To Know Now
Local boards need to get a grip on AI now, according to a corporate governance expert, because global rules are years away. The Corporate Governance Institute (CGI) says that while the United Nations' recent launch of global AI governance initiatives is a good start, businesses in our region and beyond cannot afford to wait.
12:00 AM 4th September 2025
Transatlantic Venture Helps Northern Agencies Win US Business
A Yorkshire-based transatlantic marketing firm has launched a new initiative to help UK digital and creative agencies win US contracts. Upshoring has been created by Leeds and Boston-based Great British Marketing (GBM) to connect UK agencies with US clients seeking cost-effective, high-quality digital and marketing services.
12:00 AM 4th September 2025
A Yorkshire Textile Firm Weaves A Global Legacy
A West Yorkshire-based company with a remarkable history, Replin by Hainsworth, is celebrating 80 years of manufacturing fabrics for the world’s most iconic airlines and railways. The milestone highlights how a niche, local business has grown into a global player, driven by heritage, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability.
12:00 AM 4th September 2025
BGF Completes Successful Exit From Investment In Green Tech Pioneer
BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor, has completed the successful exit of its investment in Monodraught, a British green tech business based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The business has been acquired by Yorkshire-based Genuit Group plc for a total consideration of £55.6m.
12:00 AM 4th September 2025
Marston’s And Tom Shepherd Serve Up The Best Ever Pub Pie
Marston’s and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the UK. Tom Shepherd’s Best Ever Pub Pie, inspired by his Great British Menu main course-winning dish, that he created in partnership with Marston’s is back on the menu, after selling out in just 6 weeks in April this year.
12:00 AM 4th September 2025
Yorkshire Workers Face Confidence Dip In Learning New Skills
Alex Long
Adults in Yorkshire and the Humber are facing a ‘confidence dip’ when it comes to professional development, with new research revealing that 41% feel they have lost faith in their ability to learn and acquire new skills. The study of 3,000 adults across England found that career confidence peaks at just 25 years old for those in Yorkshire and the Humber.
2:27 PM 3rd September 2025
Policy Reform Can Herald A New Chapter For Offshore Energy Industry
Image by Thomas from Pixabay
Offshore Energies UK’s 2025 Economic Report shows that key policy reform can herald a new chapter for the UK’s North Sea energy industry which has powered the home nations for more than half a century. The report sets out a pathway to secure thousands of high-quality jobs, fire economic growth and achieve government Net Zero and Clean Power 2030 goals.
12:00 AM 3rd September 2025
Meet The North West's Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs
Small businesses from across the North West feature in Small Business Saturday’s SmallBiz100 as it kicks off 2025 campaign
12:00 AM 3rd September 2025
Yorkshire Veterinary Group Hits 100 Employees In Four Years
Harrogate-based Harrison Family Vets, an independent veterinary group, has recruited its 100th team member just four years after its launch. The company has expanded rapidly, opening nine practices across England, from Reading in the south to Middlesbrough in the north. The 100th employee, Siân Burwood, joins the group as a veterinary surgeon at its Kingswinford practice, near Dudley.
12:00 AM 3rd September 2025
DJH Expands Into North West With Key Acquisition
Yorkshire's DJH, a top 30 UK accountancy firm, has acquired three offices from Haines Watts in Chester, Liverpool, and Wirral. The acquisition significantly expands DJH's presence in the North West, bringing its total turnover to £61.5 million and its North West revenue to over £24 million.
12:00 AM 3rd September 2025
North West Mid-Market Outperforms Expectations But Challenges Persist
Nearly three quarters of North West mid-sized businesses are already exceeding 2025 growth targets, fuelled by launching new products and services and an improving skills outlook. Three-fifths of regional businesses are maintaining investment, with more than a quarter increasing it, despite global and domestic headwinds. However, confidence in the UK as a home for long-term growth is falling; more than one in five are already shifting operations or investment overseas. Top business pressures continue to centre around skills shortages (51%) and supply chain disruption (34%), underlining structural challenges facing North West companies.
12:02 AM 2nd September 2025
UK Workers Admit To Faking Illness
68% of UK workers admit they’ve faked being ill to skip work. 1 in 5 women say they’ve pulled a “sickie” just to hit the shops. The cost of fake sick days could top £45,000 a year for small teams. Experts say the rise in “wellness sick days” reveals deeper workplace issues.
12:01 AM 2nd September 2025
IoD: 30% Of Firms That Export To The US Expect Impact From De Minimis Threshold Removal
Image by Alexa from Pixabay
Roughly 30% of IoD members that export to the US are expecting some impact from the US decision to remove the de minimis threshold, which came into effect last week. Previously, most exports under $800 entered the US duty-free under a simplified process.
12:00 AM 2nd September 2025
August Loses Its Holiday Crown
Image by Marijana from Pixabay
August once reigned supreme as Britain’s holiday month and a ‘dead month’ for workplace productivity – but new Employment Hero data shows it’s losing its crown. Workers are now spreading their time off more evenly across July, August and even September, reshaping the summer break and work dynamic.
12:00 AM 2nd September 2025
Smailes Goldie Urges Businesses To Review Payroll During National Payroll Week
Image by FlyFin Inc from Pixabay
Smailes Goldie is encouraging all UK businesses to use National Payroll Week as a chance to review and strengthen their payroll processes. National Payroll Week, held annually at the start of September, celebrates the vital role payroll plays in keeping the UK running.
12:00 AM 2nd September 2025
10 In 10: Callum Morrow
Callum Morrow, Operations Director at PBH Surveys, is the latest regional professional in the hot seat as the p.ublished group of newspapers gives him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions. What does a typical working day for you involve? As Operations Director at PBH Surveys, I am responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day operations…
12:17 AM 1st September 2025
Private Sector Signals Broad-Based Contraction Ahead
Firms across the private sector expect activity to fall modestly in the three months to November (weighted balance of -15%), extending a run of negative predictions that began in late 2024, according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator.
12:04 AM 1st September 2025
Northumbrian Water Recruits For Record Number Of Apprentices
Recruitment is now open for the second phase of Northumbrian Water’s apprenticeship-drive – making 2025 a record-breaking year for intake. The company, which successfully recruited 28 apprentices earlier this year, is now looking for a further 20 trainees across its water supply and networks teams, taking the total number of apprentices to 48 in 2025.
12:01 AM 1st September 2025
Blacks Guides SHS UK Deal For Landmark Liverpool Site
Leeds-based law firm, Blacks Solicitors, has advised SHS UK Investments Ltd on the £3.65 million acquisition of a historic building in the heart of Liverpool to support regeneration.
12:00 AM 1st September 2025
Boston Energy Recognised For Sustainability
Boston Energy has been awarded a Bronze Medal by EcoVadis, the international sustainability ratings platform, placing the company in the top 35% of organisations assessed worldwide. EcoVadis evaluates companies against 21 criteria across four categories: environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.
12:00 AM 1st September 2025
Akula Living Partners With Designer Kelly Hoppen CBE
BGF-backed commercial manufacturer of outdoor furniture Akula Living has announced a new design partnership with internationally acclaimed interior designer Kelly Hoppen CBE. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Akula’s growth strategy and reinforces its position as a trusted supplier to the world’s leading cruise lines, hotels, and luxury resorts.
12:00 AM 30th August 2025
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