Absenteeism affects all workplaces and costs them a significant amount in lost time and productivity. It is estimated 4.8 days a year are lost per employee in the UK, the highest rate of absenteeism in a decade. And it is important to note that this is not referring to authorised days off for holiday or sickness but rather the unexpected and unscheduled days or hours lost to other causes.  A large proportion of these days can be attributed to long-term health conditions, which according to ONS figures, accounted for nearly 105 million lost days to sickness absence. The causes include…

The government’s new plans to restrict levy funding of level 7 apprenticeships will widen the skills gap, hinder the economy and have a significant financial impact on SME employers needing to develop future managers, business leaders or fill specialist roles.   The warning comes from the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) which has produced a new national report in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University to explore the critical purpose of training apprentices of all ages to deliver jobs of the future. The report also explores the importance of older apprentices to employers in a shifting labour market and the impact higher and degree apprenticeships, such…

With climate change high on the agenda and social inequality on the rise, it’s more important than ever that startups consider their impact on communities and the environment around them. Customers, stakeholders and socially-minded investors now demand that startups explain their purpose – the pure pursuit of profit alone is no longer enough.  Encouragingly, and perhaps contrary to popular belief, purpose doesn’t have to be at the expense of profit. Research shows that mission-led companies experience higher market shares and three times faster growth compared to their competitors, all while enjoying higher satisfaction rates from their customers and their workforce.…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live and work. If you’ve used tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, or Jasper AI, or asked AI assistants like Alexa or Google Home to organise your daily routine, you’ll know about the enormous benefits AI can provide. Whether you’re writing, coding, designing, or simply curious about a subject, AI models use natural language processing and deep learning algorithms to examine and understand a user’s query or instruction. But AI tools are only as good as the information – the prompts – you give them. Get this wrong and you won’t…

The National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) has today (17 October) revealed its latest report — “Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales by 2050”. The report presents bold but practical recommendations for Welsh Ministers to future-proof Wales against the growing risks of flooding over the next 25+ years. With one in seven properties in Wales now at risk of flooding, the report couldn’t come at a more important time — especially with this figure set to increase by more than a third as the effects of climate change worsen* and the UK Committee on Climate Change warning that Wales is…

Aaron Lee, the chemist and distribution consultant behind Alchem Trading, has been appointed as an exclusive partner with Ubib AG, distributing its REB Technologies innovative chemical products in the UK and Ireland.  RebTech’s products are cosmetic actives that deliver targeted skin and hair benefits, like reducing wrinkles or providing moisture. Encapsulating these ingredients in liposomes enhances their effectiveness by protecting them from degradation and helping them penetrate deeper skin layers, where they are most effective. Without encapsulation, many actives stay on the surface or only reach upper layers, reducing their efficacy. “I’m delighted to be able to work in this…

The percentage of UK small business predicting growth for the final three-months of 2024 remains at the two-year high of last quarter (35%) – with significant upturns in growth forecasts across the North, the Midlands and among younger businesses – according to new research from Novuna Business Finance. Despite market uncertainty about what lies ahead in this month’s Autumn Budget, Novuna’s findings follow reports that the UK economy returned to growth in August, with inflation falling back to the Bank of England’s 2% target – and tipped this week to fall below two per cent target for the first time…

A new report by the government’s Invest in Women Taskforce, has revealed some disappointing statistics. Female-led businesses received just 1.8% of private-equity investment, in the first half of this year, down from 2.5% in 2023.  An already poor situation for women entrepreneurs and SME leaders appears to be getting worse. Numerous, innovative women-led start-ups have been held back due to a lack of finance. Fewer than 6% of active equity-backed companies were founded by women.Melissa Snover, founder and CEO of international nutrition brand, Nourished, which has sold 50 million units worldwide, feels urgent action needs to be taken by government, investment organisations…

The average Brit estimates that starting a business costs around £34,000, according to research earlier this year from American Express and think tank, The Entrepreneurs Network. In reality, it’s much less than that – a separate study estimates it only requires, on average, £5,000 to get a business off the ground. This difference – nearly a 600% overestimation – reveals a gap in public knowledge which is potentially a reason holding back would-be entrepreneurs from taking the leap to set up on their own. Addressing and dispelling this myth is not only key to encouraging more people to start their…

The Government’s introduction of the “Make Work Pay” bill has drawn sharp criticism from small businesses and employment law experts. The bill, which includes 28 new measures aimed at reforming employment rights, is being viewed as rushed and poorly planned. Concerns are being raised about its potential to impact employment rates, job creation, and economic growth. A “Rushed Job” That Threatens Small Businesses Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), has been one of the most outspoken critics of the bill. She called it a “rushed job, clumsy, chaotic, and poorly planned,” highlighting how the introduction…

Startups are as vital as ever to the UK’s economy, with over 890,000 new companies registered at Companies House during 2024. Richard Gould, Director of Small Business Solutions at Howden Employee Benefits provides some insight into which benefits help build growth for start businesses  Whether those businesses are a side project at a kitchen table or competing with multinationals on a global basis, all will recognise the importance of having a talented, productive workforce that enables their business to grow for the future. Over 100 decision-makers in UK startups shared the challenges they are facing, and how their employee benefits are…

MarinaTex, a pioneer in developing marine-derived biomaterials as alternatives to problematic single-use plastics, is delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Sterling as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  Craig, a highly experienced entrepreneur and business leader, will spearhead the multi award-winning company through its next phase of development, with a remit to raise investment, drive revenue, build a high-performing team and establish the company’s base and market presence in Scotland. Craig joins with over three decades experience of navigating companies through crucial stages of growth, from inception to series B funding or acquisition. A dedicated advocate for marine conservation, having been…

According to the latest research by *Europcar Vans & Trucks, ahead of Fleet & Mobility Live, more than half of current non-electric van drivers said they have plans to switch. However, there are still some significant barriers to making the switch. Van drivers for work were surveyed to discover what would help them make the switch: 52% said they have plans to switch 38% said they could be persuaded to switch to electric if purchase costs were lower Better battery range to accommodate vehicle payload would help 31% make the switch Not surprising, the main hurdle standing in the way…

Mike Hallam, CEO at Egg energy, says the changes due to com into force April 2025 will be a severe hit to the cost of living and accessibility of EVs. Calls have already come for the Labour government to abolish the tax for battery-powered vehicles, but Mike also believes there is a role for businesses across the EV and cleaner energy ecosystem to help the move to cleaner energy and transport solutions. Vehicle excise duty (VED) is a tax on every vehicle driven or kept on public roads in the UK. It is collected by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing…

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on the Chancellor to deliver a decisively pro-small business Budget, saying SMEs are “sick of stagnation.” The UK’s largest small business group says the , on 30 October, will be the Chancellor’s “first and best chance” to secure sustainable, long-term economic growth. It calls for specific measures to ease employment costs, remove barriers to access finance for investment, and lift more small firms out of the burden of business rates. FSB is also urging the Chancellor to resist pressure to introduce anti-enterprise tax rises, as new official figures highlight the urgent need…

In this step-by-step guide, Kath Lord-Green, aka Your Fairy Podmother® takes you from Planning to Launch. Podcasting is a powerful tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. It offers a unique way to engage with audiences, build brand loyalty, and establish authority in your industry. This guide will take you through the essential steps from planning to launching a successful podcast, ensuring you can tap into this growing trend effectively. Step 1 Define Your Goals and Audience Before diving into podcasting, it’s crucial to understand why you want to start a podcast and who you’re targeting. Set…