Today’s ONS data reveals that the UK’s output per hour worked was lower than France, Germany and the United States in 2021, but higher than Canada and Italy when using the component method. However, the UK was the only G7 nation to see its annual output per hour worked drop in 2021 (although this excludes Japan because of a lack of data) and ended up 10% lower than the other G7 nations’ average. Paul McGuckin, Head of Employee Benefits Distribution at leading independent consultancy Broadstone, commented: “The UK’s productivity continues to lie substantially behind many of its major international peers…
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Author: Helena Osborn, Account Manager at Protean Inbound Marketing Social media platforms are a great way for businesses to reach a large and targeted audience, helping to increase brand awareness and visibility. It allows interaction with your customers in real-time, which can help to build relationships, improve customer satisfaction and allow you to easily respond to customer inquiries and complaints, improving your overall customer experience. Social media marketing is generally more cost-effective than traditional marketing methods, making it a great option for businesses of all sizes. But, before you launch into major social media campaigns for your business, it’s important…
Whether it’s that clothing order that you just don’t need anymore, or returning any unwanted Christmas gifts – it’s important to know your rights when it comes to returns, and how delivery times may affect it. Peter Board, Commercial Director at DeliveryApp, a UK wide same-day delivery tech platform has given top tips for customers on how to make sure they’re getting the most out of their returns, and what to do if upcoming strikes may affect online orders: 1. Check companies return T&Cs Make sure to keep order confirmation numbers and check the specific terms and conditions on the company’s…
Analysis of data from Companies House reveals 774,420 new businesses registered last year, up 3.5% from 2021. The number of new UK businesses incorporated in the full year of 2022 (1 January – 31 December) was also 19% higher than five years previously, according to analysis of Companies House data by B2B PR agency, Definition. However, the data also suggests a significant slowdown in this growth rate over the last two years, most likely as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and an uncertain economic environment. In 2020, there were 13% more businesses registered than the previous year,…
Tim Reid has been appointed CEO of UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency, taking up the role on 1 January 2023. Tim was previously UKEF’s Director of Business Group and joined UKEF from HSBC in 2022 , where he held senior positions around the world, focusing on connecting businesses with international opportunities. At HSBC, his most recent role was Global Head of Transaction Banking within the bank’s Global Banking division. Previously he managed businesses across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and North Africa. Secretary of State for International Trade, Kemi Badenoch said: “I’m pleased to welcome…
A new system to regulate the award of subsidies to business comes into force last week (Wednesday 04 January), providing a boost to businesses across the country and empowering public authorities to deliver support to businesses in a quicker, fairer, and simpler way. Subsidies will be tailored to local needs, with public authorities and devolved administrations having added flexibility to ensure they can get support to where it’s most needed as quickly as possible. The introduction of these new rules are the most significant changes in subsidy administration in over 40 years and marks a landmark transition away from the…
With many workforces stating that over the past 12 months retaining talent has been a huge issue, and with diversity being high on employee’s agenda, businesses need to show they are a diverse and inclusive business more than ever before. Supporting employers to harness the talent and potential of neurodiverse individuals is essential for a truly diverse work culture and for businesses success. Being diverse is a key element that employers need to uphold to not only look attractive to potential candidates but to retain talent. One of the ways companies should be expanding their talent pool is through hiring neurodivergent…
By Cathryn O’Donnelly, Career, Business & Life Coach at Coaching by Cathryn These past three years have been like no other. Our lives and relationships have been impacted in so many ways, from personal to professional. Plans and goals have been put on hold or abandoned, and there’s been the pressure of staying safe and protecting family members and businesses as well. Although there is still uncertainty, we can and should be thinking about what the future might hold, where we want to be and how we’ll get there. After all, as the philosopher Seneca wrote 2,000 years ago, if you…
There’s just a few weeks left for businesses to have their say on the current state of technical education in the UK. The 31st January marks the deadline for businesses to join IfATE’s ‘The Big Conversation’ (the biggest consultation on technical education in years) and help shape the future of the current skills landscape so that it meets their needs. This call comes as a fifth of SMBs expect to see business increase in the coming year (despite cost of living and energy concerns) and having employees with the right skills will be paramount to support this. Positively, technical education in England has changed for…
By Clive Rich, CEO & Founder of LawBite When you are growing your business, at some point, a time will come when you need physical premises – whether that be office space to house your expanding workforce, industrial or warehousing space to manufacture, store or distribute your goods, or retail space to sell them. For many small business owners, this decision to purchase a commercial property can feel daunting, especially in a time of economic and political uncertainty such as now. But for those looking to take on a new premises there will be a multitude of questions about every…