The UK cannot afford to miss out on future trade with US states The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, must demonstrate to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, how important the US-UK relationship is to secure future trade deals with US states, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Simon Gleeson, Head of the firm’s US Desk, said: “The prospect of a US-UK trade deal seems more challenging than ever with the risk that bi-lateral trade between the US and UK will become a lower priority in light of the Trump campaign accusing Labour of “blatant…
Author: Karen Contrino
Eat Scottish Mussels campaign is on a mission to tell the nation and a whole new generation of foodies, just how great these little miracles are! The campaign led by the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group is part of a wider programme supported by the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers. This aims to inform and inspire more people to eat Scottish farmed mussels and other shellfish. SCOTTISH MUSSELS HAVE SUPERPOWERS!! Armed with recently commissioned research confirming their sustainability credentials and nutritional properties, the Eat Scottish Mussels campaign wants to let everyone know about this fantastic seafood, carefully grown around the West…
Accelerated action needed to remove barriers to e-SAF growth say aviation leaders – 13 CEOs and 50+ companies collaborate on project to scale e-SAF – Air France / KLM first of big national airlines to sign – Project SkyPower identifies urgent 2-year window to get first-of-a-kind plants operational by 2030 to support sector emissions reduction targets The European aviation industry faces a critical window of less than two years to get first-of-a-kind e-SAF plants to final investment decision or risk missing regulated mandates, says a new report from Project SkyPower published today. New economic modelling from the project also shows…
A third of British residents believe that log burner installation should be banned in the UK, due to the harmful effects on the environment and the people that live in it. According to brand new data from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, 33 per cent of people in the UK would support a ban on the installation and use of log burners in homes. Men were slightly more in agreement with a ban, with 35 per cent compared to 31 per cent of women. Within age demographics, younger people were very strongly in support of a ban, with 38…
‘Sweet’ is the UK public’s preferred flavour (38% of respondents) followed by ‘savoury’ (27%) and ‘spicy’ (19%). 78% of Brits believe their favourite drink enhances their mood, and 77% of the people polled agreed that the smell of a drink enhances its taste. Belfast is the city with the biggest sweet tooth – 50% of Belfast residents selected ‘sweet’ as their greatest ‘taste sensation’, compared with 26% of people in Liverpool. Gen Z were the most likely (85%) to say they’re ‘adventurous’ when trying new flavours, whereas people aged 55-plus year olds were least likely (56%). Popularity-wise, vanilla is…
Government must balance supporting low wage employees and businesses The Government’s increase to minimum wage could harm employers and lead to businesses closing due to an increase costs, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Heather Powell, a Partner at Blick Rothenberg, said: “The Government have announced that the National Living Wage will increase by 6.7% to £12.21 from 1 April 2025. Any increase is certainly welcome for those being paid it.” She added: “However, the Government has ignored the recommendation from the Low Pay Commission of a rise of 5.8%. Which means that this wage rise…
Corteva Agriscience has warned that weeds are continuing to emerge and grow in oilseed rape crops later than usual due to unseasonably mild temperatures. Weeds are growing rapidly which, if unchecked, could be detrimental to the crop. While the national picture varies, later-drilled crops are still small and weeds are only just coming through. Where early-drilled rape established well, crops are forward with large canopies. Warmer weather also means most growers have the conditions to apply autumn herbicides to control key problem weeds. Joe Martin, Oilseed Rape Herbicides Field Technical Manager, said: “After last autumn when many farms either struggled to…
WHAT OTHER FINANCIAL OPTIONS ARE THERE TO HELP BUSINESSES NAVIGATE RISING COSTS Novuna Business Cash Flow (https://www.novuna.co.uk/business-cash-flow/), a leading provider of financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has reviewed the UK’s latest budget announcement, which introduces significant changes expected to impact businesses across the country. As of the 30 October budget, the UK government has raised employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15%, marking one of the highest rates on record in recent times. Coupled with a 6.7% increase in the minimum wage for over-21s, now set at £12.21 per hour, these shifts pose a formidable financial…
In this winter-warming Spid the Spider adventure, Spid and friends visit the Highlands. What sets this adventure apart is its unique blend of entertainment and education for children aged 4-10 years. While delivering laughs and thrills, it also reimagines aspects of late 13th and early 14th-century Scottish history, in particular, a spidery tale involving Robert the Bruce. In the story, Spid reads about King Robert the Spid of Glenthistle in a history book, and then decides to visit his cousin, Hamish McSpid, who lives there. However, Spid and his friends have hardly arrived when strange things begin to happen. Of…
This holiday season, Hedges & Hurdles Country Skills & Crafts invites you to experience the magic of a sustainable Christmas with hands-on wreath-making and creative Willow Craft workshops that blend festive cheer, traditional craft, and environmental stewardship. As a holder of the prestigious Trade Mark Surrey Hills, Hedges & Hurdles transforms Willow, seed heads, dried grasses, and a range of coppiced and foraged foliage into enchanting holiday decorations that are as gentle on the earth as they are beautiful. Hosted at stunning Surrey Hills locations like Hogs Back Brewery in Farnham, Albury Organic Vineyard in Shere, Birtley Woodland Art Space…