Author: Tony Burgess (Director – Merchant Network, fuelGenie) The UK’s fuel market may be about to reach a major turning point, with the introduction of a new government-backed scheme aimed at stopping supermarkets and fuel retailers from allegedly overcharging motorists. The announcement came after the CMA revealed that the average supermarket fuel margins rose by 6p per litre between 2019 and 2022. Currently, retailers and supermarket forecourts only provide information on fuel prices at the actual petrol stations, which makes it hard for drivers to compare costs and weakens competition. The launch of a fuel finder open data scheme would…
Author: sme-admin
After reports that wages have grown at record levels between April and June this year, an employee engagement expert has warned that businesses need to think differently about remuneration to keep hold of their best staff.Ifty Nasir, CEO and founder of equity management platform, Vestd, says companies who are unable to match rising wages need other ways to engage staff as the battle for talent increases.Ifty said: “News of rising wages is great for workers in the short-term, as they are facing higher mortgage and rent payments while everyday costs continue to put a strain on personal finances.“For businesses though, and…
A year in the making, the new Lion House is now complete. Brainchild of Mammal Keeper James Welch, it’s the Park’s first major new construction since the Giraffe House was built in 2010 to commemorate Cotswold Wildlife Park’s 40th anniversary. The new Lion House will become an important focal point to raise awareness of the plight these endangered animals face in the wild. To mark the occasion, Professor of Wildlife Conservation at the University of Oxford and conservation biologist Amy Dickman was invited to officially open the Lion House with Mammal Keeper James Welch. Professor Amy Dickman said: “Lions are one of the most iconic species in the world and people…
Leading law firm, Irwin Mitchell, has recently conducted a nationally representative study into the ‘trend’ of quiet firing. Quiet firing is defined as behaviour or actions by an employer that make employees feel like they’re no longer wanted, forcing them to quit. However subtle, this gas-lighting behaviour can have concerning consequences for an employee’s confidence, performance and livelihood. This is different to ‘quiet quitting’, a ‘phenomenon’ which came in response to pandemic burnout that saw employees only doing the work they’re paid to do – shunning extra work and going the extra mile. After surveying 2475 people, Irwin Mitchell…
Author: Gediminas Rickevičius, VP, Global Partnerships at Oxylabs When we think about, for example, counterfeit goods or IP infringement, we tend to think about the largest and most well-known brands. Everyone knows that somewhere counterfeit Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and other apparel brand goods exist. But malicious actors fake not only large brands. Just a few years ago, BIC began working with the US Customs and Border Protection due to an increased incidence rate of counterfeit lighters. These weren’t the kind we might think of, not like Zippo produces, they were the ones that cost a few dollars for a pack…
As anticipation builds for the Women’s World Cup final this Sunday, SMEs might be gearing up for potential employee relations challenges. Sporting events such as this can serve as a dynamic and compelling way to enhance team engagement by fostering a shared sense of excitement, camaraderie, and competition among team members. However, while these events can bring excitement and passion, it’s crucial for employers to effectively manage situations where employees fail to show up for work or exhibit inappropriate behaviour. Jo Chambers, HR Consultancy Operations Director at WorkNest explores the possible scenarios SMEs may encounter including handling employee absence and addressing any…
Author: Martyn Swann, Global Head of SME Distribution, AXA – Global Healthcare Starting a business abroad or expanding your business overseas is a goal for many, and it can be an overwhelming experience with challenges to overcome along the way. Ultimately, however, setting up a business abroad can have huge benefits for organisations of all sizes. If you’re planning on growing your business abroad like we have done over the years at AXA – Global Healthcare, having people on the ground is a game-changer. We know that in an increasingly digital world, spurred on by the Covid-19 pandemic, remote working only continues to grow in…
Latest research by instantprint reveals valuable insights into workplace collections and celebrations amid the challenges of rising living costs. The study examines employee perspectives on office spending and highlights their sense of obligation in these practices. Are Employees Taking Part? While workplace collections and celebrations may appear to be age-old traditions, it is evident that not everyone actively participates in them in modern times. The survey asked respondents if their workplace carries out collections for celebrations and or milestones. 53% said yes, 31% said no, 9% shared ‘other’ and 8% were not sure. The survey then asked employees specifically if they participate and contribute…
In a remarkable achievement at this year’s Firm (The Forum for In-house Recruiters) Awards, eSift were delighted to be awarded the Best Supplier Partnership award for their work with Pilgrim’s Food Masters, adding to the award they had previously achieved for their Recruitment on Demand service. These awards demonstrate that companies should always appreciate the power of a boutique business to lead the way and provide a flexible and agile service to its partners. The backdrop to this success story lies in Kerry Foods’ divestiture of its meat and ready meals division to Pilgrim’s in 2021. Part of the process…
Author: Ken Naismith, Chief Executive of Workpro. Some of the brightest minds in the technologies of the future have been unusually vocal about the potential dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with concerns ranging from simple job losses to world domination by heartless robots intent on wiping out mankind. Others are more sanguine, pointing to profound benefits in sectors such as transportation, healthcare, finance and manufacturing, with a recent PwC report suggesting AI could add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Between these poles are countless businesses and organisations who are well aware that AI is coming, if indeed…