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Saturday Essay: Ensuring Business Growth Through 2021
Sean Nutley, Managing Director at the private investment company, Lumina Prime 8 discusses how to ensure business growth through 2021 It’s no surprise that this essay is going to begin by referencing the unprecedented times in which businesses have had to survive since March 2020. It has truly been a remarkably…
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Google
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Amazon
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Johnson & Johnson
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Opinion
Budget: Is Now The Right Time To Pay For The Pandemic?
Julius Baer Leeds Office
Charles Hague Executive Director, Yorkshire Office, at Julius Baer International, shares his insights on what clients are asking him ahead of the budget. What will the Chancellor target first? This is a tricky one – does he start with individuals or businesses? Corporation tax might be an obvious first step with…
5:03 AM 27th February 2021
Market Analysis: Aston Martin Lagonda & IAG
Harry Barnick, Senior Analyst at Third Bridge comments on Aston Martin Lagonda's results: "The FY20 results today showed a -42% decline in wholesales and -32% in retails for Aston Martin, a reflection of the action the company has taken to reduce dealer stock. Increasing the number of SUV sales is mission…
5:01 AM 27th February 2021
Premier Cleaning Contractors Appoints McMann Who Can As Business Grows
Hospitality industry cleaning specialist, Premier Cleaning, has announced the appointment of Brett McMann as commercial director. Brett McMann is a respected figure in the industry, having worked within the security services sector for over two decades and joins Premier Cleaning at a crucial time for the night-time and leisure economy. Premier Cleaning…
10:29 PM 26th February 2021
Prescription For Growth At Merseyside Medical Group
A Merseyside medical group is expanding its offering and improving services for patients after purchasing the premises at its Southport surgery, with support from Lloyds Bank. TCG Medical provides care for more than 75,000 patients across 11 GP practices in areas including Liverpool, Southport and the Wirral. The group received a seven-figure…
5:58 PM 26th February 2021
Severfield Acquires Steel Fabricator DAM In £12m Deal
Severfield, the Thirsk-based listed structural steel group has signed an agreement to acquire DAM Structures Limited, a steel fabrication company for a net initial consideration of £12m. As part of the deal, a further maximum deferred consideration of £7m is payable in 2022, together with a performance-based contingent consideration of up…
1:48 PM 26th February 2021
BCC Responds To BEIS Committee Report, ‘The Impact Of Coronavirus On Businesses And Workers’
Commenting on the BEIS Select Committee report, ‘The impact of Coronavirus on businesses and workers: Interim pre-Budget report’, BCC Director-General Adam Marshall said: “As Chambers of Commerce have said repeatedly over the past twelve months, business communities cannot be turned on and off like light switches, nor expected to withstand stop-start…
5:00 AM 26th February 2021
Supporting Your Employees Mental Health WFH
The lockdown has forced millions of people to quickly adapt to a new way of living and working in 2020, and while we adjusted quickly, it took its toll on our mental health. Over a quarter of UK tech professionals (26 percent) reported experiencing higher levels of stress during lockdown…
5:00 AM 26th February 2021
R3 Responds To Amended Draft Legislation Around The Scrutiny Of Pre-pack Administrations
Colin Haig, President of insolvency and restructuring trade body and Head of Restructuring at Azets, responds to the publication of amended draft legislation around the scrutiny of pre-pack administrations: The legislation is the next stage in the Government’s efforts to improve stakeholder confidence in connected party pre-pack administrations, and follows its…
8:02 PM 25th February 2021
Pendleside Hospice Receives Boost From Local Business
Hospice Staff
Blackburn-based insurance broking firm JM Glendinning North West has become a patron of Pendleside Hospice, contributing much-needed funds which will go towards elements of the day to day running of the Hospice. JM Glendinning has made a donation of £1000 which will go towards the provision of care for people in…
7:51 PM 25th February 2021
Self-employed Individuals In The UK Believe IR35 Changes Should Be Delayed
The majority of the UK’s self-employed workforce is unprepared for the upcoming changes to off-payroll working rules - commonly known as IR35 - which come into law in April this year, according to new research from EY TaxChat. The research, based on a poll of over 500 self-employed workers, found…
7:48 PM 25th February 2021
Econ Pioneers New Motorway Gritter Safety Feature
Hi-Vis! An Econ employee cleans the gritter’s rear visibility pane
A manufacturer of winter maintenance vehicles has successfully trialled a new safety feature for gritting at high speed. Following the road test by Econ Engineering – where a gritter with a prototype rear visibility panel was driven at speeds of 56mph – field trials are currently underway. The panel has been designed…
7:43 PM 25th February 2021
Don’t Ignore Compliance When Selling Food From Home, Warns Bureau Veritas
A sharp rise in home food selling during the COVID-19 pandemic could be posing a threat to health and safety according to Bureau Veritas, experts in food safety compliance. The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has already highlighted the “concerning” rise in people selling food largely through social media but…
7:26 PM 25th February 2021
Double appointment boosts Ward Hadaway’s growing Built Environment Team in Manchester
Law firm Ward Hadaway has strengthened its Built Environment Team in Manchester with the appointment of two solicitors. The firm has continued with its growth aspirations by appointing Emma Collins and Chris Devitt. Emma joins as an associate solicitor and will be responsible for advising and providing legal advice to both landlords…
11:13 AM 25th February 2021
Two North West Tech Scaleups Selected In Top 10 UK Rising Stars
Tech Nation​, the UK network for ambitious tech entrepreneurs, today announces the 10 early-stage scaleup winners of its nationwide competition, Rising Stars. These companies have been selected because they are at the forefront of UK technology, across a range of subsectors, providing solutions such as digitally connecting healthcare workers with…
9:30 AM 25th February 2021
Biffa Acquires Company Shop Group In £82.5m Deal
Biffa plc has announced a significant strategic step in its commitment to the circular economy with the acquisition of Company Shop Limited for an upfront enterprise value of £82.5m. CSG is the UK's largest redistributor of surplus food and household products. It prevents waste by identifying surplus produce and then…
9:01 AM 25th February 2021
Opinion
How Optimising Stockholding Could Be Key For Businesses In 2021
Paul McFadyen, Managing Director of metals4U discusses How optimising stockholding could be key for businesses in 2021 Businesses in a wide range of industries rely on stock procurement to thrive, and issues with supply lines will always have a hugely detrimental impact on profits. Ultimately, companies cannot consistently sell their…
5:02 AM 25th February 2021
Barnsley Company Secures National Funding To Tackle Spread Of COVID In Workspaces
Twin Dynamics co-founders Noukhez Ahmed (right) and Shrawasti Sahare outside DMC
A Barnsley business developing smart technology to help prevent coughs and sneezes spreading diseases in the workplace has gained a funding boost. Twin Dynamics, based at Barnsley’s Digital Media Centre, has received a £91,633 grant from Innovate UK to invest in an intelligent airflow analysis system which will predict how respiratory…
2:32 PM 24th February 2021
'Vessul’: A Unique Logistics Service To Help Keep The Lights Switched On And The World Moving
Jack Timblin CTO, Neil Ruth COO, Thomas Young CEO
Following £1.7m investment raised during the pandemic, innovative online business travel company TapTrip has launched a new product: “Vessul” – a specialist business travel service designed to support the flow of goods and people within the marine and energy industry. The Coronavirus pandemic has placed massive strain on several industries,…
2:21 PM 24th February 2021
New Guidance About Company AGMs And The Impact Of Covid-19 Issued For 2021
Photo by Col·legi de Farmacèutics de Barcelona on Unsplash
The Chartered Governance Institute has today published new guidance about company AGMs and the impact of Covid-19, which reflects the continuing impact of the coronavirus pandemic on companies’ ability to hold physical general meetings. Prepared in association with the City of London Law Society Company Law Committee and Martin Moore QC,…
2:18 PM 24th February 2021
BDO Calls For Targeted Tax Incentives To Boost North West Manufacturing
Photo by Clayton Cardinalli on Unsplash
Two thirds of manufacturers (65%) would commit to greater investment in the regions if incentives for capital expenditure were increased, a new survey from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has found. The poll of over 200 UK manufacturers also found an overwhelming majority (61%) who said that a simplification and…
5:00 AM 24th February 2021
Nearly A Quarter Of Exporters To The EU Considering Holding Back Activity In The EU
Results from the latest British Chambers of Commerce survey, in partnership with moneycorp, found that while 44% of UK exporters to the EU plan to grow their exports to the European Union, nearly a quarter (23%) are looking to either reduce their activity in the EU or have no activity…
5:00 AM 24th February 2021
Sheffield’s 3squared Brings Home Coveted Rail Business Award For Excellence
Digital solutions and software specialist for the rail industry, 3Squared has taken the top prize in the Supplier and Contractor Excellence category at this year’s Rail Business Awards (RBAs). The Sheffield company beat strong competition to be crowned the winner in a category that focused on successful collaboration and innovation…
5:17 PM 23rd February 2021
Now Is Not The Time To Turn Our Backs On Equality, Warns TUC
Responding to confirmation today by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) that the deadline for employers to report on their gender pay gap will be extended by six months to October, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: EHRC confirms the deadline for employers to report on their gender pay gap…
5:09 PM 23rd February 2021
TUC – Young Workers “Bearing Brunt” Of Jobs Crisis
Commenting on today’s labour market figures, which show that young people (16-24 year-olds) account for 6 in 10 (58%) of the payroll jobs lost over the last year, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Young workers are bearing the brunt of this jobs crisis. We cannot afford for another generation to…
11:02 AM 23rd February 2021
Leeds Cybersecurity Firm Launches Dark Web Monitoring Service
Cybersecurity consultancy, Pentest People, has announced a new Dark Web Monitoring Service to alert organisations to potential data breaches and enable rapid incident response. Organisations commission Pentest People’s cybersecurity experts to test their websites, applications and IT systems for any weaknesses that could allow cybercriminals to steal information, damage IT…
8:33 AM 23rd February 2021
Unemployment Ticks Up To 5.1%
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
The latest official labour market statistics, showing the unemployment rate rose to 5.1% in the three months to December. Tej Parikh, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: "As the pandemic lingers, jobs losses have continued to tick upward. "Tight restrictions over the winter months will have eaten into many businesses' reserves,…
8:27 AM 23rd February 2021
‘Soul-destroying’ Ageism In Recruitment Could Be Final Straw For Over-50s Made Redundant During The Pandemic,
Ageism in the recruitment process has a profound effect on older workers, according to a new report by the Centre for Ageing Better, with over a third of people in their 50s and 60s feeling at a disadvantage in applying for jobs. Described as ‘soul-destroying’, ageism in recruitment is leaving…
5:00 AM 23rd February 2021
‘Soul-destroying’ Ageism In Recruitment Could Be Final Straw For Over-50s Made Redundant During The Pandemic,
Ageism in the recruitment process has a profound effect on older workers, according to a new report by the Centre for Ageing Better, with over a third of people in their 50s and 60s feeling at a disadvantage in applying for jobs. Described as ‘soul-destroying’, ageism in recruitment is leaving…
5:00 AM 23rd February 2021
Prime Minister’s Roadmap For Reopening In England - Business Response
IoD welcomes irreversible plan to end lockdown Responding to the roadmap set out today by the Prime Minister, IoD Director-General Jonathan Geldart said: “The vaccine rollout has shown that there is light at the end of the tunnel for the UK and our economy, and today’s ​roadmap is another welcome step…
5:17 PM 22nd February 2021
Digital Consumer Insights Expert Appointed To Vypr Board Following PE Investment
Market research and online consumer intelligence veteran Richard Thornton has been appointed to the board of fast-growing Manchester-based consumer insights business Vypr following a £2.5m investment backed by private equity firm YFM Equity Partners (YFM) in January 2021. Vypr has built a cloud-based data validation platform that enables manufacturers and…
1:41 PM 22nd February 2021
Darren Drabble joins DWF Group plc as General Counsel and Company Secretary
DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services, has appointed Darren Drabble as Group General Counsel and Company Secretary. Darren will be a member of DWF's Executive Board with responsibility for providing senior management with strategic legal advice whilst also overseeing legal compliance and corporate governance across the Group.…
1:37 PM 22nd February 2021
Opinion
Budget 2021: The Travel Industry Needs A Vote Of Confidence
Ahead of the budget on 3 March, Rajeev Shaunak, Head of Travel & Tourism at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, believes the lack of liquidity is the biggest single danger to the travel industry right now and helping businesses manage their cash flow needs to be a priority for the Chancellor: “The travel…
8:54 AM 22nd February 2021
Opinion
Long COVID As An Occupational Disease
Kate Hindmarch, partner in Employment Law at Langleys Solicitors takes a look at Long Covid as an occupational disease As our understanding of the coronavirus has developed over the past year, the effects of ‘long Covid’ have become apparent. Some people who contract Covid have found themselves battling symptoms for months…
8:50 AM 22nd February 2021
Kleinwort Hambros Looks To The Future Of Young Talent
Societe Generale
To mark National Apprenticeship Week this year and picking up on the theme recognising the positive impact of apprenticeships on individuals and local employers, Kleinwort Hambros celebrated with its current cohort of talented young apprentices, helping the business to grow and inspire the next generation of talent within the industry. In…
8:43 AM 22nd February 2021
Lancashire Manufacturing Boost As Made Smarter Programme Achieves Government Backing To Continue
A pilot which has helped hundreds of Lancashire manufacturers access technology and digital tools to boost productivity, growth and create jobs, is to continue as part of a £8M government rollout. The successful initiative becomes part of the government’s Made Smarter Adoption programme, which now expands into the North East, Yorkshire…
8:34 AM 22nd February 2021
10 in 10: Adam Watson – Every®
Adam Watson
Adam Watson, founding director and co-owner of Leeds-based Every® – a compliance and HR software provider for the education sector – is the latest regional business professional in the hot seat as The Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria Times gives him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions. What does…
5:01 AM 22nd February 2021
Levelling-up Commitments, Digital Transformation And Skills Support Top Budget Wish List For North West Businesses
Business leaders in the North West are calling for next month's Budget to prioritise commitments to level up the region, increase support for digital transformation, and provide incentives for employers to invest in skills development and talent attraction. These are the top asks reported in a survey of the region’s leading…
5:01 AM 22nd February 2021
New Study Finds The Gender Pay Gap Fell To Almost Zero In 2020 For Employees Under 40
A new study done by GoSimpleTax has revealed that in 2020, the Gender Pay Gap for full-time employees under 40 years old fell to almost zero. For full-time employees over 40, the gender pay gap remained at over 10%. Specifically: Ages 40-49: 11.2% Ages 50-59: 12.8% Over 60: 13% The construction and finance and insurance…
3:15 PM 21st February 2021
Opinion
Market Analysis: Moneysupermarket & Rio Tinto
This week's contributions begin with Dan Thomas, Senior Analyst at Third Bridge, the global primary research firm, commenting on Moneysupermarket. "The FCA’s price-walking proposals could lead to smaller differences between the insurance premiums offered to new and existing customers. Ending the practice of price-walking could lead to a reduction in…
3:07 PM 21st February 2021
Nationwide Hunt For Local Heroes Has Started
SGS Engineering has launched a nationwide search for tradespeople who have helped their communities during the Covid-19 crisis. Local heroes can be nominated via a dedicated entry form, and further information can be found at: https://www.sgs-engineering.com/help-advice/sgs-local-hero-awards-open-for-entries/ From across Britain, SHS Engineering is encouraging nominations for tradespeople in their…
3:07 PM 21st February 2021
London’s Prospects As Derivatives Hub Remain Bright Post-brexit
Capco a global management and technology consultancy headquartered in London comments on London’s Long-term Prospects as a centre For derivatives trading remain bright post-Brexit, despite recent shifts in volumes to the US and EU UK-based financial institutions have used the past four years to develop and implement (re)location strategies, working on…
4:23 PM 20th February 2021
Monthly Corporate And Individual Insolvency Statistics (January 2021) – R3 Response
Colin Haig, President of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and Head of Restructuring at Azets, responds to today's publication of January's corporate and personal insolvency statistics for England and Wales: "January's fall in corporate insolvency numbers has been driven by a fall in Creditors' Voluntary Liquidations, administrations, and Company…
4:12 PM 20th February 2021
Independent Retailers Urge Government To Scrap Business Rates For 2021/22
The Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) is calling on the government to follow Scotland’s lead and announce that no business rates will be levied on retail in 2021/22. HM Treasury revealed that the government's fundamental review of business rates, which was originally announced in last year’s Budget, will now be published…
9:12 AM 20th February 2021
BCC Welcomes European Commission Data Adequacy Ruling
Commenting on the decision by the European Commission to grant the UK data adequacy, BCC Co-Executive Director Hannah Essex said: “With the free flow of data critical to their operations, businesses will be greatly relieved at the granting of data adequacy which removes a costly cliff edge at a time…
9:06 AM 20th February 2021
Saturday Essay: The Untapped Potential Of The e-Greeting Market
Dominic McGonigal, Co-Founder and Chair of JiveBird looks at the untapped potential of the eGreeting market. COVID-19 has been a rude awakening for the greeting sector and investors are seizing on it by backing digital offerings. But what is surprising about the greeting and gift market is that it is so late…
7:16 AM 20th February 2021
Opinion
The Legality Of No Jab No Job? Employers Risk Discrimination If A Policy Is Enforced
Mini Setty, partner in Employment Law at Langleys Solicitors looks at the dangers of employers taking a no jab, no job approach. “No jab, no job could be a dangerous approach for employers to take. There is not enough evidence to suggest taking the vaccine makes everyone’s working environment safe. If…
4:00 AM 20th February 2021
Opinion
Uber Ruling Could Open The Floodgates For The Greater Gig Economy
Kate Hindmarch, partner in Employment Law at Langleys Solicitors looks at the Supreme Court's decision. “The Supreme Court has set an important legal precedent today, that really has the momentum to affect not just those who work for Uber but the nearly 5 million workers in the UK that…
1:43 PM 19th February 2021
Carbonation Scientists Keep Global Soft Drinks Manufacturers Fizzing Throughout Pandemic
A Yorkshire-based business that helps makers of carbonated drinks to keep their fizz for longer has shaken up the way it works to ensure its global customers don’t fall flat during the ongoing pandemic. Made by Sustain CO2 Ltd, CO2Sustain is a patented liquid foam control and carbonation aid that offers…
1:31 PM 19th February 2021
BCC Responds To Delay To Business Rates Review
Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay
Commenting on the delay to HM Treasury’s Fundamental Review of Business Rates until autumn, BCC Head of Economics Suren Thiru said: “Delivering fundamental change to this longstanding drag anchor on business has become only more pressing in light of Covid-19. “Delay in reforming a broken system will hamper any recovery by exacerbating business…
12:08 PM 19th February 2021
£4m Facility Opens Doors For Yorkshire Manufacturer
Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has provided a £4m Invoice Discounting Facility to investment group Modular Group Investments to support the acquisition of window and door manufacturer, of South Yorkshire-based Euramax Solutions Ltd, Servicing both commercial and residential businesses in the UK and Ireland, Euramax specialises in PVCu windows and…
8:58 AM 19th February 2021
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