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…
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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…
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…
Pedddle is proud to be part of the paper craft renaissance happening at artisan markets, which we’re set to see in Christmas 2024, and throughout 2025. Card-giving for occasions has seen a downturn in recent years, as many consumers favour e-cards for both financial and sustainable reasons. However, nothing can truly replace the personalisation and nostalgia of paper craft in all forms, from cards to journalling. Rebecca from Pedddle states, “mindfulness and sustainability have been a huge focus for consumers in recent years, and for makers as a result. Things like journalling have seen an uptake, and customers are seeking…
“This government appears committed to addressing the tough financial realities they’ve inherited, and for that, I commend them. However, it’s ironic that the hardest-working segment in our country – families who run small businesses – are being hit the hardest by these ‘Make Work Pay’ changes. While I’m relieved the Employment Allowance offers some relief for the smallest businesses, who often struggle the most with covering their costs and complying with the seemingly endless rules on tax and employment, the recent focus on ‘protecting the workers’ has created a sense of a ‘them-and-us’ divide in this Budget. Small businesses account…
Leading female AI / Cyber / data expert, Alina Timofeeva’s reaction to today’s Autumn Statement. Alina is associate partner level with experience in FinTech/Ai/Cyber at the Big Four with clients including Santander, HSBC, JP Morgan Chase, Nat West and Credit Suisse. Alina Timofeeva says: “Innovation” was made a key priority in the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget with more than £20 billion funding for the science sector. I welcome the public investment in the UK – however, it is disappointing to not hear about plans to protect the cybersecurity needed so desperately for our country, given the recent scandals including the NHS,…
With a remarkable £132 million already contributed to health and wellness initiatives across Great Britain, The Health Lottery continues to make a positive impact through community-focused projects. This November, The Health Lottery is proud to announce the launch of its Match Funding Drive at Chelsea Football Club in partnership with the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust to support one of the busiest food banks in the UK, serving the Hammersmith and Fulham area. The Health Lottery aims to support a number of food banks throughout Great Britain over the coming months. This inaugural Match Funding Drive will take place on Sunday, 10th…
A study released today underlines the continuing challenges facing people who want to work remotely some or all the time, or with flexible hours: more than a quarter (27%) of office workers who work flexibly believe they have missed out on a job promotion or opportunity. This issue is particularly acute among millennials and older Gen-Z workers, many of whom are now in management positions and looking to develop into senior leadership roles: 37% of those aged 25-34 and 42% of those aged 35-44 feel they have been passed over. The Work Remastered 2024 study, analysing 1,000 office workers across…