Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 17 June 2025
More Employers Back Apprenticeships than Graduates as Demand for School Leavers Rises Across England
New data from First Intuition reveals a shift in how UK accountancy employers are building their talent pipeline. Apprenticeships are the preferred route into accountancy for UK employers, as revealed in the National Accountancy Salary Guide 2025 published by leading training provider First Intuition. The new data shows 70% of employers actively pursue apprenticeship programmes, […]
Uncategorised 16 June 2025
25 Years of Guardtech: Compliance Manager Chris McGinn Q&A
One of the Group’s longest-serving stalwarts gives his take on why quality and compliance is so critical to keeping Guardtech at the apex of the industry’s cleanroom construction providers You’re now Compliance Manager at the Guardtech Group – can you explain the journey that took you to this role? Chris says: “I started out at […]
Uncategorised 13 June 2025
Exports Slump in April as Tariffs Hit
Responding to the latest ONS data on trade, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “It’s clear there was significant front loading of goods exports to the US before April as firms looked to cushion the impact of tariffs. “We should always be cautious about reading too much into a single month’s […]
Uncategorised 13 June 2025
Economy Volatile as Tariffs Hit
Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the ONS (Office for National Statistics), Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “With 0.7 per cent growth in the 3 months to April, the UK economy enjoyed a strong start to the year as firms increased trade ahead of the volatility of […]
Uncategorised 13 June 2025
Spending Review Must be a Catalyst for Growth
Responding to the Comprehensive Spending Review, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: “Business has been waiting for Government to show it understands the deep-rooted problems holding back our economy and how they can be solved. “Today we have seen signs they get it, with action to address some of the key issues […]
Uncategorised 13 June 2025
Unemployment Up As Business Costs Rise
Responding to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The increase in employment costs for business appears to be starting to bite with today’s data showing a rise in unemployment. “This year’s steep increases in national insurance and […]
Uncategorised 13 June 2025
Xanthos Digital Achieves Net Zero Status – A Milestone for Cambridge’s Digital Sector
Xanthos Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Cambridge, is proud to announce that it has achieved net zero status, an ambitious milestone that sets the agency apart in the UK’s digital sector. By offsetting over 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually, more than double its combined Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, Xanthos demonstrates that […]
Uncategorised 13 June 2025
CAMBS BUS OPERATOR WINS PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD
Cambridgeshire’s biggest local bus operator is celebrating victory, in one of the transport industry’s most prestigious national awards, for its work in preventing violence against women and girls. Stagecoach East won the CIHT Awards for the Collaboration Award and it was also Highly Commended for the Bus Centre of Excellence Innovation of the Year Award. […]
Uncategorised 13 June 2025
Is Your Business Sale Ready? By David Ball, Associate Director, S&W
Selling a business is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to crystallise hard-earned value. But to maximise success, preparation is key. Buyers seek confidence—poor planning or gaps in your business can jeopardise value, delay deals, or cause them to collapse. Start Planning Early It’s never too soon to plan for an exit. Strong fundamentals and good practices […]