The number of UK businesses exporting solely to the EU fell by 19% in 2024 to 14,300, from 17,800 in 2023, says London-based chartered accountants and business advisers Lubbock Fine LLP. Meanwhile, the number of UK businesses importing and exporting exclusively to non-EU countries increased 12% over the same period to 132,000, up from 118,000. Alex Altmann, Partner at Lubbock Fine and head of the firm’s German Desk, says this drop in companies exporting to the EU highlights how welcome the May 19th EU/UK trade agreement is. The deal will see a reduction on veterinary checks on plants and animals transported…

As inflation jumps to its highest level in over a year and continues to pinch pockets, new research has revealed the UK sectors offering the best hourly pay for workers.¹ The business finance experts at money.co.uk business bank accounts have analysed ONS data about average hours worked and median average pay for a range of sectors to uncover the ones offering the best – and worst – hourly pay. Industries with the highest hours-to-pay ratio: Rank Industry Median weekly paid hours Median gross annual pay Median gross pay per hour 1 Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply 37.0 £51,886 £26.89 2 Financial…

Small firms are keen to become more energy-efficient, but they are being held back by the high upfront cost of green investment. A major new report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in partnership with Zurich UK, New Growth: How to support small businesses to cut carbon and costs on the road to Net Zero, published today (27 May), finds that half of small businesses (51%) say that sustainability is a high priority for their business. While nearly two-thirds of small firms (64%) think that sustainability should be a high priority for the Government, only a quarter (25%) expect to…

More than four-in-five (86%) DB schemes are currently running at a surplus, though 36% need advice on how they could utilise it, according to new research from LawDeb, the independent professional services firm. The research, which was conducted amongst 150 finance decision makers in UK companies with DB pension schemes, also revealed that 76% of smaller schemes, with assets valued between £100m-£249m report running at a surplus, with this number rising for schemes between £250m-£499m (90%) and £500m-£999m (93%). How do firms say they plan to utilise DB surplus? With the majority of DB schemes running at a surplus, it’s…

National children’s reading charity Schoolreaders has partnered with a leading furnishing, fit-out and service provider to enhance employee wellbeing and support reading ability in primary schools. Project Group, sought to expand its ESG programme by offering meaningful, holistic support for its staff working in fast-paced environments. After research and a word-of-mouth recommendation, Project Group partnered with Schoolreaders, a charity which provides free reading support to primary schools. Andrea Ball, Group ESG and Social Value Director at Project Group, said: “As a volunteer myself, I’ve had the opportunity to support reading and mentoring programmes with previous employers, and it’s something I’m passionate about.…

The Procurement Act 2023, which came into force February, is calling on businesses to jump through strict social and environmental hoops to secure lucrative government and public contracts. That’s according to renewable energy specialist and managing director of CES, Joe Collison, who says businesses will need to clean up their act if they want to win their slice of the pie. “The Procurement Act represents a big mindset change for both contractors and procurers alike, as base price is no longer the biggest priority,” said Joe. “Businesses are going to have to make changes that increase energy efficiency, utilise more green energy,…

With rising costs and uncertainty around international trade impacting the shape of UK businesses, many small businesses are looking to adapt to new technologies.  New data* from VistaPrint, the leading print and design partner for small businesses, reveals that 1 in 4 (25%) small businesses have used cryptocurrencies to help support business growth, increasing to 3 in 5 (63%) for small business owners with 10-49 employees. The adoption of cryptocurrencies by small business owners is largely driven by an appetite to provide more payment options to grow customers. 1 in 2 (49%) UK small businesses have accepted or are accepting cryptocurrencies…

With continued coverage around Gary Lineker’s departure from the BBC following his controversial social media post on Zionism, Employment Partner at law firm Harper James, Sally Gwilliam, comments on what this high-profile situation means for employers more broadly, particularly around employee social media use, reputational risk, and how businesses can respond proportionately and fairly when issues arise: “Gary Lineker’s departure from the BBC following his repost of controversial content on social media is a timely reminder of how personal online activity can have professional consequences, particularly for individuals with a high public profile or a clear association with their employer. “While Lineker has…

As reported by BBC News, the UK government has introduced new rules to protect people using buy now, pay later services (BNPL), aiming to bring more control to what it describes as the “wild west” of unregulated borrowing. Under the new legislation, lenders will be required to carry out affordability checks to help prevent people from taking on unmanageable debt. Shoppers will also benefit from quicker access to refunds. Senior Financial Services Solicitor at law firm Harper James, Charles Rogers, comments on what this new legislation means for firms: “The government’s move to bring Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products offered…

With the threat of climate change growing larger each day, individuals and businesses alike are needed to take action and lessen their impact on the environment. One area which may not be so obvious when it comes to its impact on the environment is our digital activity. Every online interaction leaves a carbon footprint. In fact, the average person contributes around 968 grams of CO2 every single day just by scrolling. Multiply that by 1.13 billion websites that make up the world wide web, and the environmental impact becomes huge. But for businesses today, when social media pages, branding, and an engaging…

For years, digital marketers have focused on one overriding objective: driving clicks. But with shifting platform algorithms and the rise of platform-first behaviours, SMEs now need to reimagine how they deliver value to their audience without relying on a single website visit. In the era of zero-click content, the goal is no longer just to bring people to your site, but to meet them where they already are. Adam Coley, Head of Digital at Nottingham digital marketing agency Champions (UK) plc, shared his insights on how his team are best utilising this media. Understanding zero-click content “Zero-click content refers to…

Excessive noise in the workplace is taking a disproportionate toll on neurodiverse employees, according to a new study of 2,000 UK business professionals by Oscar Acoustics, specialists in architectural acoustic finishes. The research highlights how overlooked sound issues are quietly undermining inclusivity, focus, and productivity in modern office environments. As businesses like Amazon and JP Morgan push forward with office returns, there’s growing scrutiny on how inclusive these environments truly are. While a lack of acoustic comfort is a widespread concern, its impact on individuals with neurodiverse conditions—including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia—is especially stark. What’s sounding the alarm is that the majority of these individuals…

Gary Knight, CEO of WOLF Qanawat, a London-based tech company which has developed an online community entertainment app for the Arab-speaking Middle Eastern audience, discusses why the Middle East is offering predictability, opportunity and a real appetite for global partnerships. As economic uncertainty looms large in Western markets – from political instability in the US to rising regulatory headwinds – a new centre of gravity is emerging for forward-thinking businesses: the Middle East. At WOLF, a UK-founded tech company built around creating community-led online entertainment for Arabic speakers, we’ve experienced first-hand the region’s exceptional growth potential. Since launching five years ago,…

Data compiled by the Centre for Retail Research revealed that UK retail store closures have jumped by more than a quarter, with even more shutdowns predicted this year. But with so many closures over the years, which high street names are most missed? To find out which names consumers want to see return to our high streets, the experts at Liquidation Centre have compiled search data to reveal which household brands are being searched for the most, as well as advice for current retailers on how to stay relevant in a competitive market from Richard Hunt, Director at Liquidation Centre. Top Ten High…

Liz Walker, COO at employee benefits specialist Unum, explains how Group Income Protection can help SMEs manage rising National Insurance costs while supporting employee wellbeing. The government’s recent UK Budget introduced an increase in the rate of employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) from 13.8% to 15% and a reduction to the NIC threshold from £9,100 to £5,000 a year. As a result, since 6 April, employers are paying a higher rate on a larger portion of every employee’s income. With these increasing financial pressures, businesses are seeking effective ways to manage these additional costs; from recruitment freezes to salary sacrifice…

By Professor Marcantonio Spada, Chief Clinical Officer, Onebright As social creatures, we flourish when we feel connected, understood, and supported. There are multiple studies that underscore the significance of social bonds for both mental and physical health. We know that strong community ties can act as a protective factor against depression, anxiety, and burnout. The workplace, where many of us spend a substantial portion of our lives, can also be a vital source of support and wellbeing. Culture is viewed as the shared values, beliefs, and practices that influence how individuals experience their environment. A mentally healthy workplace culture and strong…