March 28 is National Hot Tub Day, dedicated to celebrating hot tub ownership's incredible benefits. Whether you want to unwind after a long day, improve your overall wellbeing, or create a social hub for friends and family, a hot tub can transform your home into a sanctuary of relaxation and enjoyment. A hot tub is an affordable luxury—it’s a way to enhance your lifestyle and improve your health. The warm, soothing water and powerful jets offer a range of benefits, from easing muscle tension and reducing stress to promoting better sleep and enhancing circulation. Hot tubs provide a personal retreat where you can escape the pressures of daily life and focus on your wellbeing. For many, a hot tub becomes the heart of the home, a place to reconnect with loved ones, share meaningful conversations, and create cherished memories. Whether you use it for quiet, solo relaxation or lively gatherings with family and friends, a hot tub enriches your lifestyle in countless ways. Taking time for yourself is essential; a hot tub makes self-care effortless. The combination of warm water, buoyancy, and hydrotherapy jets helps to relieve aches and pains, reduce anxiety, and encourage deep relaxation. Many hot tub owners find regular use improves mental clarity, enhances mood, and supports overall emotional wellbeing. In today’s fast-paced world, having a dedicated space to unwind and recharge is invaluable. National Hot Tub Day is the perfect reminder to prioritise relaxation and embrace a more balanced, stress-free lifestyle. If you’re considering investing in a hot tub, choosing a trusted professional to ensure the highest quality, safety, and aftercare is essential. The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) represents the UK’s leading hot tub specialists, ensuring that every BISHTA-accredited company adheres to strict industry standards and best practices. By choosing a BISHTA member, you can be confident in receiving expert advice, quality products, and reliable support for years. BISHTA also provides valuable consumer resources, including buying guides, maintenance tips, and inspiration to help you create your perfect hot tub experience. Join the celebration and explore how a hot tub could enhance your home, health, and happiness. Whether you dream of a peaceful retreat for self-care, a space for family bonding, or a luxurious addition to your garden, a hot tub is a rewarding investment in your wellbeing. Visit www.bishta.co.uk to find out more.

As companies continue to embrace the ‘return to office’ more broadly, Crowne Plaza by IHG – one of the world’s largest premium hotel brands and a thought-leader in the Blended Travel space – releases its second white paper, Leading the Charge in Blended Travel , unveiling a major shift in how people live and work since its 2022 report. Today, 66 percent of US and UK travellers actively combine business trips with personal leisure time, up from 53 percent in 2022. Among them, 56 percent say the ability to travel while working is a key benefit of remote work. To gauge the global reach of this trend, Crowne Plaza commissioned a YouGov survey of over 12,000 people across nine countries, including the US, UK, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, UAE and India. The findings revealed 67 percent of respondents in other markets surveyed agree Blended Travel is beneficial and offers greater flexibility, confirming travellers everywhere are more eager than ever before to make the most of their time away. "Flexibility in where and when people work is now a non-negotiable expectation for today’s professionals," said Ginger Taggart, Vice President of Brand Management – Global Premium Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts. "At Crowne Plaza, we’ve been tracking the evolution of work-leisure integration for years. Blended Travel has shifted from a trend to a permanent way of life—whether it’s extending a business trip, working remotely from a dream destination, or finding inspiration on the go. As this shift evolves and becomes more sophisticated, we’re not just responding to it—we’re actively shaping the future of it with inventive hotel designs, curated social spaces, and purpose-driven experiences that support a more dynamic, fulfilling way of traveling." The Evolution of Blended Travel Leading the Charge in Blended Travel white paper reveals four emerging trends driven by travellers seeking greater flexibility as a means to achieve broader goals. Improve and Grow: Blended Travel is now key to both personal and professional growth, with travellers linking their journeys to self-improvement, skill development, and creative exploration. Unlike traditional travel, which focused on rest and recharging, today’s travellers see time away as an active pursuit that fuels creativity and enhances well-being. Blended Travel offers a powerful catalyst for creativity by exposing individuals to new environments that inspire fresh ideas. The YouGov survey findings further back this trend revealing the top motivator for combining work and leisure travel is to explore new destinations (40%). The desire to be stimulated by new surroundings has always been part of why we travel, and Crowne Plaza meets this need with a variety of inspiring meeting and events spaces – from Victorian ballrooms at Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Sheffield in the U.K. to the expansive 38-acre campus of Crowne Plaza Atlanta SW – Peachtree City in the U.S., complete with an outdoor amphitheatre. Mind-Body Equity: Wellness is now woven into every aspect of life and travel is no exception. Thirty-five (35) percent of YouGov survey respondents said Blended Travel helps them establish healthier routines and reduce stress. Embracing this trend, Crowne Plaza has developed a series of daily rituals designed to promote mental and physical health during your stay, such as energizing smoothies at Crowne Plaza Helsinki – Hesperia during breakfast packed full of ingredients to kick start your morning to Crowne Plaza Amsterdam – South hosting weekly guided runs to help you relive stress and wind down. The New Personal Travel Economy: New traveller demands are all about getting the most value from our time and money. We want every moment, dollar, and ounce of energy spent to feel meaningful. According to the YouGov survey, the top benefit of this trend is the ability to extend trips at a lower personal cost – with 70 percent of respondents saying affordable deals or amenities that cater to both business and leisure would encourage them to pursue Blended Travel experiences. Through the IHG One Rewards program, members staying at a Crowne Plaza hotel can earn and redeem points for free nights, unlock access to exclusive, unforgettable experiences and events, and more. Intentional Togetherness: With much of life lived online, travellers are placing greater value on bonding with loved ones, colleagues, and new acquaintances. Thirty-seven percent of respondents surveyed by YouGov prioritize family and friends when combining business and leisure travel. Crowne Plaza’s Meetings & Events Concierge program caters to this, offering personalized itineraries that enable all guests to explore the locality and enjoy meaningful connections, whether they are conference delegates or their friends, family or partners. Crowne Plaza Unveils Global Refresh to Meet Needs of Modern Travellers Since launching the first business-class hotel in 1983, Crowne Plaza has remained a bold, inventive leader in the hospitality industry. Crowne Plaza is never standing still – always looking to the future – passionate about meeting the evolving needs of travellers on a global scale. Currently, 70 percent of Crowne Plaza properties in the Americas are new to the system or have undergone a renovation, while more than 60 percent of properties across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific will have seen a renovation by the end of 2026. This global revitalization positions Crowne Plaza to accelerate IHG’s growth in the global Blended Travel market, which is projected to grow from $315 billion in 2022 to more than $731 billion by 2032. With more than 400 properties across 67 countries, and steady demand from owners and guests, the brand’s accelerated growth plan includes the addition of 146 properties in the pipeline – expanding its current system size by more than 35 percent. From enhanced guest room zoning to reimagined Meetings & Events, Crowne Plaza’s continues to stay ahead of consumer expectations with a new modern design and guest experience. To learn more or to book a stay, visit  https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/reservation

Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV), the premier business advocacy group for Leicester and Leicestershire, has appointed Sue Tilley as its new Chair. Sue brings significant experience to her new role including economic strategy, inward investment, business innovation, partnerships between business and education, and business development, in both the public and private sectors. Sue Tilley (c) Beth WalshSue will direct the LBV board members as they develop and deliver a strategy to support the business community in Leicester and Leicestershire. This will include advocating for members and the wider business sector with key local, regional and national stakeholders, running a programme of strategic business-themed events throughout the year and growing the membership of LBV through the new 100 Club initiative. Sue will replace outgoing Chair, Robin Pointon, who steps down after four years as Chair. Robin will remain on the board of LBV. Robin Pointon said: “I am delighted that Sue Tilley is our new LBV Chair. Her knowledge of the local business community and key stakeholders is exceptional. More than this, she commands great respect across all sectors and so well suited for this role.” Sue is Founder and Director of Sue Tilley Associates and a member of the board of trustees at the Leicestershire Education Business Company. She was previously Head of Inward Investment, Economic Strategy Manager - Business, Head of Business, Innovation and Partnerships, and Head of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). Prior to that, Sue was Head of Inward Investment at Prospect Leicestershire, worked in sales director, business development director and general manager roles, and was Owner and Managing Director of the Classy Rags clothing company. Commenting on her new role, Sue Tilley said: “LBV is an ideal platform with which local businesses can get involved and make a difference. I’m so proud to have been selected to lead such a trusted business group as LBV and look forward to working with the rest of the board, a group of vibrant business leaders, all invested in the growth of the local business sector." “Through my professional work, I’m a strong advocate for business in Leicester and Leicestershire. I understand how important relationships are with key stakeholders such as councils, MPs and universities, and having been in a start-up business of my own, I’m passionate about driving opportunities for the local SME community.”

Côte Brasserie announces the appointment of Emma Dinnis as its new Chief Executive Officer. The French Brasserie made the appointment to build on its strong momentum as it looks ahead to its next chapter. Emma joins Côte following a successful tenure as Managing Director at Sofology, where she led the brand’s customer-first transformation. With a wealth of experience in retail and hospitality, she has also held senior leadership roles at Topshop/Topman, M&Co, IKEA, and Marks & Spencer, bringing deep expertise in brand evolution, guest experience, and commercial growth. Her appointment marks an exciting new phase for Côte, which has seen positive results from its updated food and drinks offer, refreshed restaurant design, and contemporary service style. With strong investor support, the business is rolling out these changes across its estate and actively seeking new, larger sites to expand its footprint. Emma said: “Côte is a much-loved brand with an incredibly exciting food offering lead by world renowned chefs and I’m excited to build on its strong foundations. The team has done a fantastic job evolving the brand while staying true to its French brasserie roots, and I look forward to leading Côte into its next stage of growth.” Côte Chair Jane Holbrook added: “We’re delighted to welcome Emma as our new CEO. She brings a deep understanding of brand-led transformation and customer experience, which will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen Côte and bring our authentic brasserie experience to even more guests.” Côte currently operates over 70 restaurants across the UK, offering a contemporary take on the classic French brasserie designed by Steve Allen, Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef. From seasonal dishes to signature steak frites, Côte is dedicated to delivering high-quality, freshly prepared food in stylish, relaxed surroundings.

One of the UK’s leading bespoke racking manufacturers is looking to double its sales by 2028 after tapping into assistance from a leading business support programme. Wickens Engineering Ltd, which employs 50 people at its Wainwright Road factory in Worcester, is targeting £20m in revenues after it completed a £1m improvement project in its paint shop, giving it the capability to powder coat 8-metre-long steel beams for the first time. The latest phase of the investment drive was supported by consultancy through the Elevate Manufacturing Programme, which included a revenue grant that played a key role in driving change. The project enabled the business to adapt its processes, improve efficiency, significantly reduce solvent paint usage and maximise production capacity. In addition, Wickens received grant funding towards capital equipment, allowing the much-needed project to be implemented six months ahead of schedule. It will help the company, a specialist in cantilever, heavy duty, structural and vertical racking, to improve performance and offer a greater product range, whilst also cutting solvent emissions significantly. Mark Rawlings, Operations Director at Wickens, commented: “We have seen strong growth in recent years, with turnover up £3m after orders from clients in the automotive, marine, recycling, construction and retail sectors." “Our paint shop was reaching capacity, so we knew we had to do something about it, deciding to embark on a £1m investment in automation equipment. As part of the GROWTHmapper exercise we did with the Elevate Manufacturing Programme, we identified solutions that would unlock capacity and allow us to offer a new service to customers.” He continued: “We can powder coat up to 8-metres in length now and this is proving very popular with our clients, who span the length and breadth of the UK.” Wickens has been a trusted name in the industrial racking sector for more than 40 years, with its solutions adopted by boat yards, steel stockholders and tooling manufacturers. Household retailers are another major user of its bespoke offer, with the company recently completing the largest project in its history for a well-known brand. Faced with several business challenges that come with the manufacturing territory, the leadership team turned to external assistance, firstly from the Worcestershire Growth Hub and then more intensive, one-to-one assistance from the Worcestershire Council-funded Elevate Manufacturing Programme. The latter appointed a Manufacturing Growth Manager to work with Mark on identifying barriers to growth and a range of business improvement projects, which ranged from the paint shop upgrade to upskilling the workforce. “There’s so many different business support programmes out there that it can get quite confusing and time consuming trying to find the right ones that will work for your company,” added Mark. “Worcestershire SMEs are blessed that we have a very proactive Growth Hub and the Elevate Manufacturing Programme, who collaborate very closely to ensure manufacturers get access to dedicated support." “It has made a massive difference to us operationally and will be a big boost commercially. They also signposted us to Skills Boost, which helped us fund Business Improvement and effective leadership training for more than ten people. The external support has been a real big plus for us.” The Elevate Manufacturing Programme aims to support SME manufacturing businesses in understanding their short, medium and long-term improvement goals. It has worked with more than 30 companies in the region to improve productivity, competitiveness, sustainability and to adopt new products or services through digital adoption. Each firm has access to the GROWTHmapper business diagnostic tool and grants of up to 40% towards the total cost of a project. There is also a calendar of manufacturing workshops covering topics from digital manufacturing to supply chain management. Jas Raju, Manufacturing Growth Manager with the Elevate Manufacturing Programme, concluded: “Wickens is a well-established family business that continues to grow in Worcester, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. Through the Programme, we’ve helped them identify key areas for improvement and access funding to accelerate their expansion towards a £20m turnover by 2028.” Councillor Adam Kent, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, added: “We are delighted to see Wickens Engineering Ltd flourish through the Elevate Manufacturing Programme. This success story truly demonstrates the power of tailored support to help businesses in our region tap into their full potential, streamline their operations and drive sustainable long-term growth.”

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is celebrating its 130th anniversary of trading in Wales this March. From its humble beginnings as a Penny Bazaar market stall in Cardiff's Hall in March 1895, M&S has grown to become a trusted retailer in the Welsh community. M&S’s journey in Wales began with further Penny Bazaar stalls in Swansea (1902) and Newport (1908), followed by the transformation into larger department stores in prime high street locations, including Cardiff and Swansea in 1932, and Rhyl, Wrexham, and Llandudno in 1936. This expansion reflected the growing popularity of M&S with Welsh shoppers. M&S has 22 owned stores across Wales including twelve full line and nine M&S Food stores. There are also 26 M&S franchise stores across Wales. Recent store renewals in Cardiff, Culverhouse Cross, and Llandudno in 2022 demonstrate M&S’s continued investment in Wales and its commitment to providing customers with a modern and enjoyable shopping experience. M&S is a proud of employer of more than 2,500 employees across Wales. M&S has been a pioneer in promoting the Welsh language in the workplace and in 1993, Cardiff staff helped pilot a scheme to incorporate Welsh into everyday work, leading to participation in the UK government’s ‘Welsh into the workplace’ campaign. This initiative encouraged activities such as staff conducting till transactions in Welsh. M&S is proud to have its stores in Wales led by Allison Jenkins, Regional Manager in South Wales and David Hughes, Regional Manager in North Wales, who are both proud Welsh natives, bringing a unique understanding and passion to their roles. Allison Jenkins, Regional Manager for M&S in South Wales commented: "We are incredibly proud to celebrate 130 years in Wales. This milestone is a testament to the loyalty of our local customers and the dedication of our colleagues. Our teams look forward to continuing to offer great quality and trusted value to our customers in Wales for many years to come, whilst supporting our Welsh suppliers.” As M&S approached this milestone, the company celebrated its Welsh producers and suppliers during Welsh Food Fortnight in 2024. This included showcasing its Collection sourdough loaves and baguettes, made to an exclusive recipe at the award-winning Village Bakery in North Wales which is run by third-generation bakers Robin and Christen Jones. David Hughes, Regional Manager for M&S in North Wales commented: "As we celebrate this milestone, we're not only reflecting on our history but also looking forward to the future. Wales is home to some truly exceptional food producers, and we're passionate about showcasing their quality on our shelves. From the 2,500 Select Farmers we work with in Wales, to the delicious selection of products from Welsh suppliers, we are excited to be bringing the very best of Wales to M&S customers across the UK.”

Yvette Cooper (left) with Sam Wright (middle) and Steve Harrison (right) Secretary of State for the Home Department and Member of Parliament (MP) for Pontefract, Castleford, Knottingley and Altofts, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, visited Castleford College last week to see the progress of its brand-new construction facilities. Principal and Chief Executive, Sam Wright and Local College Director, Steve Harrison, provided the Home Secretary with a tour of the development, which aims to provide a large space for students from a range of construction disciplines to enhance their learning using new innovative technologies. The development is an expansion of the College’s existing construction facilities that feature state-of-the-art brickwork, carpentry and electrical workshops, which Yvette also visited. The Home Secretary spoke to learners about their experience at the College and how their qualifications are preparing them for a range of careers in construction. The Home Secretary meeting with learners on the College’s Electrical Installation programme Yvette Cooper said: “Castleford College’s new building dedicated to training and apprenticeships is a great opportunity for local young people. The College is becoming a real centre for excellence for construction skills at a time when we need more young people starting apprenticeships. It’s great to see the college going from strength to strength and supporting good quality local jobs.” During her tour, the Home Secretary also stopped by the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s Curriculum Stakeholder Event which invites local and national employers and partners to help shape the Group’s curriculum strategy. Fruitful discussions were had with employers such as Ardagh Group, Crompton Controls, His Majesty’s Prison Service and more, about how the Group can align its curriculum with industry demands - helping to meet local, regional and national skills needs. Sam Wright said: “Developing an education offer which is responsive to the skills needs of our region is incredibly important to us at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. That is why we regularly engage with external stakeholders to help shape our curriculum and continuously invest in our facilities to create realistic and immersive learning environments for our students. It was a pleasure to be able to demonstrate this to the Home Secretary and to further discuss how the College can support skills development in our district.” With strong ties to the College, Yvette officiated the launch of Castleford College in November 2022 after it was granted official College status in March earlier that year, following the formation of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.

Blooming marvellous – a day celebrating women’s achievements has become so popular that it is now one of the biggest flower-giving occasions in the UK calendar, latest sales data can reveal. International Women’s Day, which takes place every March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. And in the last few years it has become such a prominent occasion to honour women in business, sport and in everyday life that Tesco says it is now in the top flower giving occasions of the year, after Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Easter. Over the last three years the supermarket has seen demand for flowers soar in the days leading up to the occasion with an average of nearly 300,000 extra bouquets. Tesco first noticed the trend a few years ago and each year since it has seen a steady rise in the number of bouquets bought for the occasion. Tesco flower buyer Ryan Daley said: “Celebrating International Women’s Day appears to have really taken off in the UK judging by the growing number of bouquets that are being bought on and around this special day." “The day is a great opportunity to celebrate women's achievements and giving a bouquet is a great way of saying that you appreciate and admire what they do." The most popular flowers being bought for International Women’s Day are tulips and roses. Flower-giving in general is making a major comeback after being one of the first things that fell during lockdown and the cost of living crisis. Last year Tesco saw demand for its top of the range Finest bouquets soar by 20 per cent. That’s roughly the equivalent of more than a million extra bouquets bought in the last year versus the same time period the previous year.

The UK’s largest water company has invested £20 million over the last three years to make its sewers smart by installing over 20,000 monitors that provide real-time data on the health of the network. These devices alert its teams to blockages that could turn into pollutions and flooding. Thames Water is improving how it manages the wastewater network, enabling its teams of engineers, analysts, and data experts to identify problems earlier and take faster action. This means blockages can be tackled before they cause issues for customers or the environment. Key Findings Engineer installing a monitor. Thames Water has invested £20 million to make its sewers smart and prevent flooding and pollutions. 20,000 monitors across the Thames Water region have helped identify and remove 11,500. blockages between March 2021 – March 2024. This investment is part of Thames Waters commitment to using data and technology to drive actionable insights and improved its service to customers. As part of a pilot scheme along Wealdstone Brook in London in 2023, the water company installed over 1000 monitors to gain greater insights into the patterns of blockages around the critical water course. This insight has led to over 100 blockages being cleared so far along the brook and the success of the scheme has paved the way for future installation strategies. Between March 2021- 2024 Thames Water monitoring network has located and removed over 11,500 blockages across the entire region identified by these monitors. In its Mogden catchment, which covers the north west, west and majority of south west London, the company have 4964 monitors contributing to the smart sewer system. Since January 2023, these have helped identify and remove 2240 blockages across the west side of London. Thames Water is expected to install a further 31,000 monitors by 2030, to continue making its sewers smarter. By using the data retrieved from the monitors, Thames Water is also able to decipher which areas of its network needs urgent upgrades and where improvements will be required in the future. Anna Boyles, Head of Environmental Performance at Thames Water, said: "At Thames Water, we are always looking at how we can use data and digital technology to improve the way we work and reduce the impact on our customers and the environment. Our smart sewer network is a major step forward in preventing blockages before they happen, and we are committed to expanding this work over the coming years." "With 20,000 monitors already installed, we are excited to build on this progress. Our ambitious five-year business plan will help us deliver key improvements for our customers, including the installation of 31,000 additional monitors by 2030.” Thames Water cleared around 52,000 blockages caused by sewer abuse in 2024. These are caused by items such as wet wipes, sanitary items and cotton pads that can't break down. This can force raw sewage to back up drains, manholes and spill into watercourses. The water company continues to encourage members of the public to only flush the three p’s: pee, poo and toilet paper.

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of engineered timber components, Donaldson Timber Engineering Ltd (DTE) has become the first bespoke product manufacturer to achieve the Code for Construction Product information (CCPI) mark for DTE roof trusses and DTE joists. Initiated by the Construction Product Association (CPA), the CCPI was developed as a direct response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety set up in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. It consists of an 11-clause set of expectations that promotes positive culture and behaviour change in the approach and management of product information by the construction product manufacturing industry. Conformance with the CCPI helps to give greater customer confidence that product information is clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous. This is something which is becoming increasingly important to specifiers and buyers looking for guarantees and safeguards in product performance claims. The CCPI Assessed Status for DTE roof trusses and DTE joists is valid for two years and requires a commitment to continuous improvement and a proactive approach to raising standards in product information. Luke Roberts, Managing Director at DTE, said: “We’re extremely proud to be the first manufacturer of trusses and joists to commit to higher standards in construction product information, marketing and product claims by achieving CCPI assessed status for this product set. This is another step towards delivering manufacturing and supply chain excellence, signifying to customers that the product information they’re receiving is trustworthy and adheres to the high standards set out by the CCPI." “The CCPI is playing a pivotal role in driving up standards in product information and marketing and facilitating positive culture change. We’re pleased to be working proactively with the CCPI to raise standards in our product information management and marketing.” Mark Murphy Chief Risk Officer at Donaldson Group and Tom Edwards, General Manager at DTE Ilkeston led the process. Mark said: “While a huge amount of work has gone into this process, our structured approach, along with an historic and ongoing commitment to certification, allowed us to demonstrate our compliance and values across the business." “We’re always striving to achieve the next standard of excellence and trust, so there’s an enormous amount of pride in achieving the CCPI mark for this product set. It’s great to have successfully been through the CCPI independent assessment process to demonstrate that we deliver on our core value of integrity." “A huge thank you to our Donaldson colleagues who supported on this over the last nine months.” DTE is the UK’s longest established manufacturer and supplier of roof trusses, open web joists and I-joists, with a regional network of nine branches across the UK."

Business confidence increased 12 points to 49% in February, the highest level since August 2024, according to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer. The boost in confidence was mainly driven by increased economic optimism, which rose 18 points to 42%, the highest level for six months and the largest single monthly increase since late 2020. Currently, 63% of firms said they feel more optimistic about the economy, up from 52% last month. Key Findings: Business confidence hits highest level since August 2024, mainly driven by a strong rise in increased economic optimism. Businesses in 11 out of 12 regions and nations report higher confidence. Confidence grew across all sectors in manufacturing, construction, retail and services. Trading prospects increase, prompting a rise in firms’ hiring intentions.   Businesses’ own trading prospects also improved with a six-point rise to 57%, marginally surpassing last year’s high of 56%, and the highest level since 2017. Nearly two-thirds (65%) expect stronger activity in the coming year, up from 60% last month, while 8% expect less activity, down from 9% last month. The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. The results show that businesses confidence levels in February were significantly above the long-term average of 29%. The increased sentiment is being felt by businesses across the UK, with 11 out of 12 regions reporting higher confidence, the most widespread increase since April 2021. Employment Insights Businesses reported a significant rise in hiring intentions, with the net balance rising nine points to 41%. This comes as firms identified hiring and upskilling employees as their biggest growth opportunity over the next six months. The majority (56%) of businesses plan to expand their workforce, up from 49% last month. Several industries anticipate higher staffing levels, including manufacturing, retail and parts of the services sector, such as hospitality. Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “The rise in business confidence demonstrates the resilience of UK businesses and their ability to navigate challenges, such as rising costs and uncertainty. Increased optimism, along with an expected uplift in trading prospects, is prompting businesses to invest in growing and upskilling their workforce, putting them in a prime position to capitalise on increased demand and drive future growth." “This chimes with the expectations businesses set out at the beginning of the year, where they predicted a strong start to 2025, with the majority (70%) expecting to see their turnover increase in the year ahead. To sustain this positive momentum, it is important that businesses continue to innovate and adapt, ensuring they remain competitive and resilient to future challenges.” Regional Insights 11 of the UK’s 12 regions and nations reported stronger business confidence, with the East of England and North East experiencing the largest increases, followed by the North West and South East. Sentiment in the West Midlands, London and Scotland also exceeded the UK average. The North East is the most confident region, followed jointly by the North West and East of England. The East Midlands was the only outlier, registering a small decline in confidence. Sector Insights All four sectors surveyed saw double-digit increases in confidence. The largest improvements were seen in manufacturing, which rose by 13 points to 51%, and construction, which increased by 14 points to 50%. Retail also experienced a significant gain, up 11 points to 51%, and services rose by 10 points to 48%. Within the services sector, hospitality firms posted a particularly strong rebound in sentiment. Confidence across these sectors reached their highest levels in several months, ranging from four months in services to seven months in manufacturing. Paul Kempster, Managing Director for Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Business & Commercial said: “The findings of the latest Business Barometer are encouraging, showing a significant uplift in business confidence and economic optimism across the UK." “At Lloyds, we are committed to supporting businesses through this positive phase. Our range of financial services and expert advice are designed to help firms navigate the evolving economic landscape, seize new opportunities, and achieve their growth ambitions. We stand ready to assist businesses in capitalising on this momentum, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive in the coming months." Pricing Insights Two-thirds of businesses (66%) expect to raise their prices in the coming year, up from 61% last month. The proportion of businesses expecting to reduce prices is unchanged at 2%. This resulted in a 5-point increase in the net balance to 64%, with the most significant rises in price expectations reported by firms in the manufacturing, retail and education sectors.

UK companies still connected to analogue copper landlines are at increasing risk of outages, the latest figures suggest – as BT urges all businesses to switch to more robust, reliable digital networks by the end of 2025. The call comes as new research from BT suggests one in five small businesses (22%) still define themselves as “analogue”, relying heavily on traditional or 20th century technologies.  The UK’s traditional copper telephone infrastructure is set to be retired by the end of January 2027, and BT warns that businesses failing to migrate sooner will face increased outages as the ageing network becomes more fragile. Ofcom’s recent Connected Nations report highlights that the number of incidents on the legacy Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) increased by 45% in 2024. The move away from the PSTN and onto more reliable digital infrastructure like full-fibre networks is a once-in-a-generation, industry-wide programme, recognised as a necessary step by Ofcom and Government. BT is working with its UK business customers to move them off legacy analogue landline connectivity by 31 December 2025.  A national survey of small businesses by BT found one in five (22%) still define themselves as “analogue”, primarily using traditional processes such as physical filing systems, paper contracts, and older technology such as fax machines. By contrast, four in five (80%) that have invested in new technology say it has given them a competitive advantage, with 79% saying it had helped them to find new customers.  The study shows attitudes towards tech have shifted over the decades as businesses adjust to the impact of era-defining tools and upgrades. One in seven (14%) small business leaders admit they had been sceptical or resistant to taking their business online when the internet took off in the 1990s, with 18% saying the same about social media a decade later and 11% dragging their feet during the advent of the personal computer in the 70s and 80s.  Better digital connectivity, alongside tools like social media, has laid the foundations for start-ups and scale-ups across the UK in recent years, with almost three quarters (73%) of those running a business saying they couldn’t do so without reliable broadband and mobile connectivity.2 BT has warned that organisations that fail to make the switch to newer digital networks could risk missing out on the productivity gains of workplace advancements like AI and augmented reality, reliant on faster, high-bandwidth, future-proofed connectivity.  Small Business Britain, an organisation which champions the UK’s 5.5 million SMEs, is supporting BT’s digital call.  Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, comments: “Small businesses are the engine of the UK economy, but to reach their full growth potential entrepreneurs need to embrace digital opportunities as much as possible. We see a huge appetite among UK business owners to embrace technology and build digital skills – particularly since the pandemic when growing this capability helped many to adapt and survive."  “However, business owners also need support to make these transitions – which is why we highly value our ongoing partnership with BT to help small businesses on their digital journey so they can face the future with confidence."  As part of the national move off the PSTN, BT moved customers off almost 300,000 legacy business lines in 2024. It’s no longer possible to sign up to legacy phone or broadband services and from 31 December 2025, any existing PSTN-connected business services may change in preparation for the full retirement of the network by the end of January 2027. Any technology still relying on the PSTN will stop working when the network is retired.  Kerry Small, Chief Operating Officer – Business at BT, comments: "The UK’s analogue copper telephone network has a proud history, but it’s no longer up to the task for businesses. It’s simply too risky to build the economy on a shaky foundation, and we’re calling on all businesses to move before the end of 2025 – well ahead of the switch-off."  “Analogue companies making the move now can benefit from rock-solid digital connectivity to help keep them in business for years to come. We’re supporting customers small and large through the move, so no business is left behind. Whether you’re a tech start-up or a family firm passed down through generations, when it comes to going digital – BT’s got your back.”