Author: Sam Allcock

Family-owned businesses in the UK have raised concerns about potential tax hikes in the upcoming Budget, fearing these changes could severely impact their ability to operate and invest in the future. According to a recent survey commissioned by Family Business UK and conducted by Censuswide, 85% of business leaders expect the government to raise taxes, with 35% anticipating significant increases. The research highlights fears that rises in Corporation Tax, Business Rates, Capital Gains Tax, and Employer’s National Insurance could be on the horizon, despite Labour’s pre-election pledge not to increase these rates. The sentiment is particularly strong among family businesses,…

A groundbreaking loyalty and payments solution is set to expand globally, following the launch of OneTap Group Ltd, a new UK-based company. The innovative OneTap Loyalty® technology allows consumers to use their payment cards as loyalty cards, simplifying the shopping experience by merging payment and loyalty functionalities. This global expansion is made possible through investment from industry veterans Brian Dunne, from the UK, and Debbie Ghillino, from South Africa, who have joined forces to form the new venture. The technology, initially developed by Australian company Elevate Loyalty Pty Ltd, specialises in digital payment solutions and global rewards programmes. It allows…

With the football season in full swing, businesses are presented with a prime opportunity to connect with passionate fans and grow their reach. From exclusive ticket promotions to strategic partnerships, there are numerous ways to leverage football’s massive following to drive sales and boost brand visibility. One of the most effective strategies involves using exclusive promotions around Manchester City, a club that has an especially loyal and engaged fanbase. With demand for Manchester City tickets constantly high, businesses can tap into this by offering special deals tied to the team. For example, retailers could introduce competitions where customers have the…

Musicians from the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra staged industrial action on Saturday, 21st September 2024, in a bid to address proposed pay cuts and secure the company’s future. Supported by the Musicians’ Union (MU), the action included leafleting the audience and wearing campaign t-shirts instead of their usual concert attire during the opening night of the opera Rigoletto. The performance, directed by Adele Thomas, who will become Co-General Director and Co-CEO in January 2025, took place against a backdrop of rising concerns about the WNO’s financial sustainability. Musicians are calling for the management, alongside the Arts Council of Wales…

BCRS Business Loans has reached a significant milestone, surpassing £1 million in loans through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF), aimed at promoting economic growth and job creation in the West Midlands and Wales. The Wolverhampton-based community lender achieved this landmark in just a few months after the second CIEF was launched in March, backed by Lloyds Bank. The CIEF was established to provide financial support to businesses that struggle to secure funding from traditional banks. In total, BCRS has delivered £1.07 million in loans to 16 businesses, leading to the creation of 37 new jobs and protecting an additional…

Small businesses in West Wales are flourishing thanks to the efforts of enterprise agency Antur Cymru, which has played a pivotal role in fostering growth and prosperity in the region. Local traders have successfully accessed grants from the Cynnal y Cardi Fund, administered by Ceredigion County Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Among the beneficiaries are Brodwaith Tysul Embroidery and Cariad Glass, both of which have experienced significant post-pandemic growth with assistance from the Cymorth Busnes Lleol (Local Business Support) and SMART Busnes project teams. Justine Dodd, co-founder of Cariad Glass, a stained-glass painting business based in Llandysul,…

Fast-growing management consulting firm Explic8 is set to exhibit at the Operational Excellence and Business Transformation Conference 2024 in Vienna, highlighting the significance of ‘lean thinking’ in modern business practices. The conference will take place from 30th September to 2nd October at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary. This three-day event promises to deliver valuable insights from industry experts addressing current operational strategies and challenges. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from speakers representing prominent global companies, including Shell, Johnson & Johnson, and American Express. The discussions will cover a range of topics such as the principles of artificial intelligence, innovative…

MAXHUB, a leader in collaborative communication and interactive display technology, has showcased how its partnerships with major industry players are shaping the future of workplace collaboration. A white paper, launched in partnership with Intel, highlights the growing need for seamless, frictionless environments that allow businesses to collaborate effectively. To address this demand, MAXHUB continues to work closely with technology giants such as Intel and Microsoft, focusing on innovative solutions that deliver more cost-effective, stable communications for organisations worldwide. The joint report emphasises the increasing trend towards remote and hybrid working models. Ben Cope, Principal Engineer of HEC Technologies at Intel,…

TransDigm Group, a leading aerospace components manufacturer, has announced a special cash dividend of $75 per share, payable to all holders of its common stock. The record date for the dividend is set for October 4, 2024, with the payout scheduled for October 18, 2024. This also includes equivalent payments for eligible vested options granted under its stock option plans. In a concurrent move, TransDigm confirmed that its subsidiary, TransDigm Inc., has secured $3 billion in new debt financing. The funding, which was finalised on September 19, 2024, consists of $1.5 billion in term loans maturing in 2032, carrying an…

Over 60% of businesses worldwide implemented a sustainability strategy in 2024, but only 10% feel they are effectively communicating their efforts, according to new data from Euromonitor International. The findings are part of the firm’s updated Passport Sustainability platform, which offers businesses the ability to track sustainability claims, understand consumer sentiment, and develop more effective strategies. The platform’s 2023 data revealed that one-fifth of all global sales were for products featuring sustainability claims, with such products experiencing an average sales growth rate of 1.5% higher than non-sustainable alternatives over the past four years. This underscores the rising consumer demand for…