Workplace injuries pose ongoing challenges for businesses and the broader UK economy. These incidents result in a significant financial burden, affecting productivity, compensation costs, and lost working days. Using data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Stuart Snape, Managing Partner at Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors examines the scale of workplace injuries and their economic impact, while highlighting the benefits of preventative measures. The Scale Of Workplace Injuries According to the HSE, thousands of workers suffer injuries in the workplace each year. In the year ending 2022/2023, 581,000 workplace injuries were reported. The most common types of injuries include slips, trips, and falls, which account for nearly 30% of all incidents. Manual handling injuries and incidents involving falling objects are also prevalent, particularly in industries such as construction, warehousing, and healthcare. Fatal injuries, while less common, represent a significant human and financial cost. In 2023/2024, there were 138 workplace fatalities in the UK, with sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and construction reporting the highest rates. Lost Working Days Workplace injuries are a leading cause of lost working days, with the HSE reporting over six million days lost annually due to work-related injuries and ill health. These absences not only reduce workforce availability but also disrupt business operations. Delayed projects, unfulfilled contracts, and increased workloads for remaining employees are common outcomes. The financial implications of lost working days can be substantial. Businesses may need to hire temporary workers to maintain productivity, incurring additional costs. In industries operating with tight margins or seasonal demands, even short-term absences can have long-term effects on profitability. Compensation Payouts And Legal Expenses Workplace injuries often lead to compensation claims, which add further financial pressure on businesses. Compensation payouts can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury. For example, minor injuries may result in payouts of £1,000–£3,000, while serious injuries requiring lifelong care can lead to settlements exceeding £100,000. Legal expenses compound these costs, particularly for businesses that contest claims or face regulatory penalties for failing to meet safety standards. Employers’ liability insurance typically covers compensation payouts, but repeated claims can lead to higher premiums. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), these rising costs can threaten financial stability, diverting resources from expansion or innovation. Productivity Challenges For Businesses Injuries affect productivity in ways that extend beyond absenteeism. When a key team member is injured, businesses may need to reallocate workloads, slowing overall performance. Training temporary staff or new hires takes time and resources, while other employees may experience burnout or reduced morale if workloads increase. In cases where injuries occur due to inadequate safety measures, businesses may face reputational damage. Clients, customers, or partners may view the company as unreliable, particularly if incidents result in missed deadlines or interruptions in service delivery. Broader Economic Impact The financial impact of workplace injuries is not confined to businesses. According to HSE estimates, the total cost to the UK economy is approximately £21.6 billion annually. This figure includes both direct and indirect costs: Direct costs: lost wages, compensation payouts, and the cost of temporary or replacement workers. Indirect costs: reduced consumer spending power by injured workers, public sector expenses for NHS treatment, and costs associated with rehabilitation and support. These economic losses contribute to slower growth, lower productivity, and increased strain on public services. The Case For Preventative Measures Preventing workplace injuries is both a legal responsibility and an economic opportunity for businesses. By investing in safety measures, employers can mitigate risks and reduce associated costs. Examples of preventative actions include: Conducting regular risk assessments: identifying and addressing hazards before they lead to incidents. Training programmes: Educating employees on safe work practices and proper equipment use. Upgrading equipment: Investing in safer tools, machinery, and ergonomic workstations. Studies cited by the HSE demonstrate that investing in workplace safety yields a measurable return on investment. For example, businesses that implement robust safety protocols often report fewer absences, lower insurance premiums, and improved employee morale. The Role Of Regulation Government enforcement of health and safety standards is critical in reducing injuries. The HSE conducts inspections and imposes penalties for non-compliance, creating an incentive for businesses to prioritise safety. Recent campaigns have targeted high-risk sectors, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance. Workplace injuries impose significant costs on businesses and the wider UK economy. The financial burden of lost working days, compensation payouts, and diminished productivity highlights the value of prioritising safety. While these challenges affect all sectors, businesses can mitigate the risks by adopting proactive measures and fostering a culture of safety. By addressing workplace hazards, organisations not only protect their employees but also contribute to a more stable and productive economy.

An Inverclyde football coach is helping local children find their feet (and the back of the net) with dedicated football coaching after accessing support from Business Gateway. Former professional footballer Craig Molloy set up his coaching business, Craig Molloy Coaching, last April, aiming to nurture the next generation of Scottish stars through football coaching for children aged 3 to 9 years old. After hanging up his boots, Craig began coaching his sons football team which inspired him to take the leap and set up his business to support aspiring players and offer an affordable pathway to children looking to get into the sport. Initially running one-to-one sessions for 8 kids on weekends, Craig has seen tremendous growth in his business since accessing support from local Business Gateway adviser, Ronnie McLaren. He now coaches over 140 aspiring players each week through dedicated group coaching sessions assisted by a team of coaches and volunteers, as focused business planning has laid the foundations for game-changing results. Determined to give back to the community through his work, Craig has now transformed the business into a thriving Social Enterprise and works with Action For Kids to run sessions for disadvantaged children to provide them with a safe space to play and develop valuable life skills and positive pathways through sport. Craig also runs low-cost holiday camps with local charity Anchor in the Inverclyde and Bishopton areas, providing kids with a safe space to develop and play with fellow football enthusiasts. Dominos generously supply pizzas for the camps to fuel the players for action-packed days. Craig has also recently launched walking football sessions for over 50’s in the community, which will double up as a warm space, as he seeks to support all walks of life through his work. Throughout his start-up journey, Business Gateway has supported Craig with expert guidance and advice, helping him to develop a business plan, complying with regulations and advising on marketing which has allowed him to begin his business on the best possible footing. Business Gateway also signposted Craig to £750 of grant funding from Inverclyde Council, which went towards coaching equipment and the costs to set up his holiday camps. Craig Molloy, Founder of Craig Molloy Coaching, said: “Ronnie has been so helpful in getting me set up with my business plan and signposting me to funding opportunities. Being dyslexic, Ronnie’s help with paperwork made such a difference to my progress." “His support and advice have given me the confidence to develop the business and has paved the way for future growth as we continue growing our community projects.” Ronnie McLaren, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Craig’s passion to support the local community and help kids develop their skillset in a safe and inclusive environment is inspiring. His success is testament to his hard work and dedication." “Setting the right foundations for success through establishing a strong business plan and accessing available funding has allowed Craig to find his stride. I look forward to supporting the next steps of his journey and will hopefully see some of his players making headlines of their own in the near future.”

Azets has appointed Jodie Barwick-Bell as a private client tax partner in the North East, advising families with complex tax affairs. Working for the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm in Newcastle, and the firm’s other offices in the region, Jodie is a highly experienced private client tax adviser and has a specialism in family offices. Her career includes Evelyn Partners, Deloitte and KPMG, as well as running family offices. Brian Laidlaw, Azets’ Head of North East, said: “This is another exciting appointment for us at Azets in the North East – we have spoken about the ongoing drive to recruit senior hires and support regional businesses and their owners through the full growth lifecycle." “Jodie brings considerable personal tax experience in advising private clients with varied business and investment interests, supporting them with tax, investment structuring, succession planning, trusts and philanthropy, dovetailing with our other specialist service lines.” Jodie said: “There is clear demand for strategic advice from multigenerational families with complex tax affairs in the North East, with Azets well-positioned to provide a range of services under one roof and a holistic, joined-up strategy." “There are some 4.8 million family-owned businesses in the UK, employing around 14 million people, and the turnover amongst the top 100 ones alone exceed £138 billion, with all the inherent financial complexities that come with expansion, including the desire to preserve and grow wealth for future family members.” She added: “The North East region has nearly 193,000 companies – many are owned and run by business owners who have not yet agreed a succession plan." “Given the recently announced IHT changes which take effect from April 2026, this year is a particularly important time for business owners to obtain tax advice and plan for the future.” Azets has offices in Alnwick, Crook, Durham, Hexham, Newcastle, Morpeth and Wynyard. The appointment follows that of Ian Beaumont, who is Regional Senior Partner for the North East and Yorkshire and was recently head of KPMG in the North East. Lee Humble, based in Newcastle, was made Azets’ new UK Head of Corporate Finance last year, with Brian Laidlaw becoming Head of North East and Claire Hinshaw (Audit & Assurance, Newcastle) promoted to Office Managing Partner. Senior promotions also included local tax partner Claire Smailes becoming Head of Tax in the North East and local tax partner Clair Williams becoming the National Head of Employment Tax. As part of 122 mid-year promotions by Azets UK, and just announced, Newcastle-based Louise Phillips, previously VAT Senior Manager, has been made a Director.

A big change is coming to Lidl tills across the country next month as the supermarket announces it will become the first national retailer to introduce Pennies, a digital micro-donation system. The move follows a successful regional trial and will allow customers to donate up to 30p per transaction at the card reader. At the end of January, Lidl will start to roll the tech out, with all its stores having it in place by mid-February right up until the middle of March. This will offer customers the chance to make these micro-donations – a quick and easy way to turn spare change into meaningful contributions. This initiative will be available in stores for the six-week duration of a fundraising campaign and complements the existing in-store cash donation tins, further encouraging customers to support the cause. Micro-donations are becoming an increasingly important form of charitable giving, according to research from Pennies. Nearly half (42%) of UK consumers are familiar with the concept, with estimates suggesting these donations could inject £1 billion into the UK charity sector annually if every UK cardholder contributed just 35p a week. This move is part of Lidl’s fundraising efforts for the NSPCC, having recently extended its partnership with the charity by five years. The discounter aims to raise £5 million by 2030 to support the NSPCC’s vital Childline service, a free, confidential lifeline for vulnerable children and young people under 19 in the UK. With a child contacting the service every 45 seconds on average, trained counsellors are there to assist them in navigating challenges, improving their well-being, and finding hope in difficult times. Lidl will focus its efforts on supporting children who seek help during the night. Over the next five years, these donations will enable Childline’s Twilight team to double its reach, helping support over 100,000 children and young people who contact them when they need someone to talk to. It follows Lidl having already raised £10 million for the NSPCC since the partnership began in 2017. These funds have had a transformative impact, including essential support for the ‘Speak out. Stay safe.’ programme, which educated 1 million children on recognising abuse and seeking help, whilst also supporting 24/7 access to Childline. Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, said: “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with the NSPCC and to give voice to the amazing work they do to ensure that children across the country have the support they need. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our colleagues and customers, we’ve managed to raise an astonishing £10 million for the NSPCC to date, but we want that figure to keep growing. So, by bringing Pennies into our stores, we’re offering our customers a simple way to contribute to causes that matter, turning small donations into a significant collective impact.” Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, added: “We are thrilled that Lidl will be supporting the NSPCC for another five years with an extraordinary goal of raising £5 million in the same period. We look forward to continuing to work together on new projects and ways of fundraising, including the Pennies initiative, which sees customers being able to make micro-donations at the till. “The partnership with Lidl has brought significant benefits right across the NSPCC, helping us reach the children we’re here to support. Thanks to Lidl, we’ve been able to promote Childline through Lidl’s national marketing campaigns, raise vital funds through creative colleague fundraising, and celebrate Pride at local events. Funds from the Lidl partnership have supported our essential services, such as Childline, which provides impartial support to all children in the UK. We cannot wait to see what the next five years brings.” Highlights of Lidl’s 2024 NSPCC fundraising include: Colleague efforts: colleague-led fundraising, including bake sales, dress-up events, and sports challenges. Festive giving: donating £150,000 from sales of Lidl’s Christmas bouquets, cards, jumpers, and festive clothing. Mental Health Awareness Week 2024: raising £10,000 through sales of Deluxe Bouquets in May. In October, Lidl also partnered with Crayola and Hunter Price International to launch an activity set featuring Childline contact details, donating £1 per item sold. Events and sponsorship: Lidl sponsored NSPCC’s presence at Pride events nationwide and donated proceeds from product sales at The Baby Show, Royal Highland Show, and music festivals such as Tramlines and Victorious. For the third consecutive year, Lidl served as the retail sponsor for NSPCC’s Childhood Day, enabling customers to donate at in-store cash points. Additionally, on 7th and 8th June, Lidl contributed £1 to the NSPCC for every £10 spent by customers using the Lidl Plus app. The discounter’s approach to fundraising and its unwavering commitment to supporting the NSPCC ensures the partnership continues to make a lasting impact on young people’s lives across the UK.

Leicestershire CCC is excited to announce the capture of all-rounder Logan van Beek for the 2025 season. The Netherlands international joins for the Rothesay County Championship and Vitality Blast, and will arrive at Uptonsteel County Ground ahead of the Foxes’ opening home game against Derbyshire (11 April). A vastly experienced bowler, van Beek has 599 career wickets to his name, including 231 in first-class cricket and 176 in T20s. He registered his career-best figures of 6/18 during Netherlands’ victory over UAE in 2017. The 34-year-old is also closing in on a landmark with the bat, having scored 4,962 runs across formats to date – smashing a career high 136 for Wellington Firebirds last year as one of three professional centuries. Van Beek arguably best displayed his all-round abilities earlier this winter when registering a five-fer and scoring a hundred in the Plunkett Shield meeting with Auckland, while he also made international headlines in 2023 by blitzing a world-record 30 runs during a Super Over against West Indies. The New Zealand-born star holds extensive county cricket experience, having represented Derbyshire in 2019 and 2021, as well as Worcestershire during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Discussing his move to Uptonsteel County Ground, van Beek said: “Having followed Leicestershire across the last few years, it is clear they are a Club on the up. I want to contribute to that momentum. “There’s no reason we can’t aim high and get to T20 Finals Day, as well as reach Division One in the Championship. I can’t wait to get stuck into the challenge.” Claude Henderson, Director of Cricket, said: “We’re delighted to secure Logan’s services for the upcoming season. He brings a wealth of experience and great character, which will strengthen both our bowling unit and changing room.” Van Beek, who will wear the number 87 shirt, becomes Leicestershire’s second overseas signing for the 2025 campaign, joining Australian international Peter Handscomb. A third overseas star will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sainsbury’s has expanded its unbeatable combination of quality fresh food, great value, innovative products and brilliant colleague service in Bishopton with the launch of a brand-new supermarket. Sainsbury’s Bishopton Dargavel Village is the retailer’s first new supermarket to open in 2025, replacing its previous Local store, which is located next to it. The new store is now open between 7am and 10pm from Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 10pm on Sundays. Sainsbury’s is passionate about providing good food for all of us and the store now centres around a much more extensive range of high quality, great value tasty products including fresh food, fruit and veg, food-to-go, kitchen cupboard favourites, frozen food and baked bread and pastries. The new supermarket is over twice the size of the original at 8,400 sq. ft and will allow customers in Bishopton to complete a weekly shop locally rather than having to travel further afield. Customers will also be able to enjoy shopping in a store that showcases Sainsbury’s very latest supermarket offer, with a modern, attractive design, look and feel throughout. Furthermore, there is a new Argos collection point conveniently located at the front of the store, enabling customers to choose from thousands of Argos, Habitat and Tu clothing products online and collect them while picking up their groceries. The original store team have all transferred to the new store, with 13 additional jobs created to help run the larger supermarket. Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer & MD of Smart Charge, said: “It was fantastic to see our brilliant store team, our new and existing colleagues working together, greet the many customers who lined up to experience our new Bishopton supermarket for the first time this morning." "We're determined to be our customers' First Choice for Food, and our new space programme will play a key role in this over the next 18 months by offering even more delicious food, convenience and choice to more of our customers. Our pipeline is already off to a strong start in 2025, with Bishopton’s launch marking our 7th new store so far this year and our 2nd in Scotland, where we now employ over 7,500 colleagues across more than 150 stores and fulfilment centres.” Sainsbury’s 3rd new Scottish store of the year also opened this week, also in Renfrewshire – its Bridge of Weir Main Street Local opened on Thursday 13th February on Main Street, PA11 3PD. Alison Taylor, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said: "I'm delighted to welcome the opening of the expanded Sainsbury's store to serve the growing community of Dargavel and the surrounding areas." "Sainsbury's Dargavel offers a welcome source of local employment opportunities, and I look forward to supporting staff with their wider charitable and community volunteering endeavours." Paul Milligan, Sainsbury’s Bishopton Dargavel Village Store Manager said: “We’re delighted with our new improved store and we hope our customers love it as much as we do. My thanks to all the incredible teams that have supported this project from its beginning through to launch today – I couldn’t be prouder of my colleagues and we’re excited to make our new Sainsbury’s Bishopton the best it can be for years to come.” Last month, Sainsbury’s announced two increases in pay for hourly paid colleagues throughout 2025. All colleagues outside of London across both Sainsbury’s and Argos will move from £12 to £12.45 per hour in March, with a further increase to £12.60 per hour in August.

Workers across Scotland are more optimistic about their job security in the next six months than the rest of the UK, as a combination of business growth and skills shortages puts the power in the hands of candidates. That’s according to the latest data from international recruitment expert, Robert Half. According to a new study from the firm – carried out by insight agency Opinium between 4th February and 7th February 2025 – the majority (61%) of workers in Scotland are confident about their job prospects in the next six months. This is above the UK average of 55% and is indicative of the continued impact of skills shortages across Scotland. And according to the Robert Half’s recent Hiring Intentions survey, 74% of Scottish businesses are concerned about finding talent quickly when they need it and 63% are worried about addressing skills gaps. A further 61% revealed they have concerns around meeting the salary expectations of the workforce. This latest data follows recent reports from the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Growth Tracker which showed an increase in business performance between December and January, suggesting the optimism in the Scottish workforce will only continue to increase. Reggie McMahon, Branch Director, Scotland, at Robert Half commented: “Scotland holds a wealth of opportunity for workers and businesses across professional services in particular. However, employers are clearly feeling the continued pinch on access to highly skilled professionals. This is driving confidence up across the workforce. In fact, when we asked workers across the country why they are so optimistic about their career prospects in the coming months, almost half (44%) cited their skills and performance." “With employers already concerned about skills gaps and their ability to meet the pay expectations of new hires, businesses are going to have to be more strategic in their approach to recruitment. People will be much harder to convince to switch jobs if the remuneration package doesn’t meet their expectations. Broader benefits packages, commitment to career development and upskilling, as well as an inclusive corporate culture and flexible working will remain fundamental in the attraction of top talent, particularly as signs of recovery in the Scottish economy continue to emerge.”

The Employment Rights Bill will wreak havoc on our already fragile economy, say small firms who are tightening their belts on jobs, with potential changes that will expand the grounds for unfair dismissal and higher sick pay costs at the top of their list of worries, research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows. New data shows that in the last quarter of 2024, 33 per cent of small employers said they expect to reduce staff, up from 17 per cent in the previous quarter. Fewer businesses are also looking to hire – with only 10 per cent of small employers planning to take on more staff, down 14 per cent from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, 56 per cent expect to keep their workforce the same. Elsewhere, 51 per cent of small employers say labour costs are one of the greatest barriers to growing their business. The upcoming Employment Rights Bill is also causing dread among the small business community, and in response to a separate FSB survey last year, 75 per cent of small employers highlighted fears relating to unfair dismissal changes, while 74 per cent raised concerns about changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). In fact, two thirds (67%) of small employers say the proposals in the Employment Rights Bill would make them curb hiring and one third (32%) plan to reduce the number of employees they have before the measures are introduced. The Prime Minister should now show he “gets” the importance of creating and sustaining jobs by scrapping this part of the Bill, returning instead to the one-year qualifying period in place under the last Labour Government, and introducing a SSP rebate. Tina McKenzie, FSB’s Policy Chair, said: “The figures speak for themselves – plans to allow employees to sue their employers on their first day on the job will wreak havoc on our already fragile economy, while changes to Statutory Sick Pay will make employers think twice about their hiring plans." “Of course, existing protections against unfair dismissal for protected characteristics from day one are essential and should remain. But extending these rights to any and all cases from day one risks opening the door to frivolous claims." “Ministers should recognise the risk to jobs and resist any approach that comes across as out of touch with business reality, instead of brushing off their concerns." “The Prime Minister should ditch these reckless changes to unfair dismissal and reinstate the one-year qualification period that worked under the last Labour Government. It’s a zero-cost fix that would show he understands what it takes to create and sustain jobs." “If taking on staff becomes a legal minefield, businesses will simply stop. That means more people on benefits, a ballooning welfare bill, and a devastating hit to living standards. Those who will be shut out of work because of this Bill deserve better from the Government.”

Bradford Bulls are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport, marking a collaboration that will see the airport’s branding feature prominently on the back of the club’s Academy and Scholarship kits for the 2025 season. As part of this dynamic partnership, the Bradford Bulls will also benefit from enhanced visibility through advertising displayed within Leeds Bradford Airport, offering a unique platform to engage with travellers and promote the club’s storied heritage. Leeds Bradford Airport, a key gateway connecting Yorkshire to the world, shares a strong commitment to community involvement and fostering local talent, making this partnership a perfect match. Bradford Bulls Commercial Manager Ian Stafford, who is proudly sponsored by La Romantica Beds, expressed his excitement about the collaboration: “We are delighted to welcome Leeds Bradford Airport as a partner of the Bradford Bulls. Their support of our Academy and Scholarship programs highlights their belief in nurturing young talent and investing in the future. The presence of Bulls advertising in the airport also offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with a wider audience and showcase our club to the world. We’re excited about what this partnership will bring in 2025 and beyond.” Leeds Bradford Airports Commercial & Strategy Director John Cunliffe commented: “Partnering with the Bradford Bulls is an exciting opportunity to support a club that represents the heart of Yorkshire and its vibrant community. We are proud to see our branding on the Academy and Scholarship kits, as these programs play a vital role in developing the next generation of talent. We look forward to welcoming the Bulls’ advertising to the airport and celebrating this partnership throughout the coming season.” This partnership underscores Bradford Bulls’ dedication to creating meaningful collaborations that benefit the club, its players, and the local community.

British Airways has announced it is to acquire the Boeing hangar facility and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) business at Gatwick in a move that will secure jobs at the site and expand BA’s presence at this key airport. It will ultimately benefit BA customers by bringing additional skills, expertise and facilities into the business which will help to support the BA operation. This transaction sees the airline create a new wholly-owned engineering subsidiary called British Airways Engineering Gatwick (BAEG) which will join BA’s existing engineering operations in South Wales (BAEW) and Glasgow (BAMG). The colleagues employed by Boeing who work at the facility will, subject to an employee information and consultation process, be transferred to the new subsidiary in Q2 of this year. This is a significant investment for British Airways and forms part of the airline’s strategy to expand its engineering operation. Longer-term, it's expected the carrier will recruit additional colleagues and grow this new facility at Gatwick. British Airways’ existing engineering operation at Gatwick is a vital part of the airline’s family, and its role and capability as a key engineering hub or ‘line station’ in the airline's network will be enhanced with the hangar now under British Airways ownership. British Airways Chief Technical Officer, Andy Best, said: “Today’s announcement will help us to be the very best in the business by bringing in the skills and expertise of former Boeing colleagues and adding a large, modern hangar to our portfolio of Engineering facilities. It will support the reliability of our entire fleet, which is good news for our customers and colleagues." “We’re proud of our Gatwick operation and this will give us a stronger presence which underlines our commitment to the airport.” ”I’d like to welcome our new colleagues to British Airways, including highly-skilled and experienced Licensed Aircraft Engineers. I’m delighted that, subject to consultation, they will be joining the BA family and I hope to be recruiting more people in the future.” Taking over the Boeing facility will significantly boost British Airways’ engineering operation at Gatwick, enabling it to continue to carry out minor maintenance on 777 aircraft at the airport. This increased capacity will allow BA to in-source some scheduled heavy maintenance work on its A320/321 fleet. Additionally, it will enhance its capacity to carry out unscheduled repair work, as well as providing additional maintenance resilience, and relieving capacity challenges at other locations across our network. Carrying out more 777 and A320/A321 maintenance at Gatwick will reduce the need to ferry these aircraft to other operational bases, which supports our commitments to BA’s wider sustainability goals. The transaction announced is subject to the usual conditions.

Small business owners across the UK are facing a harsh reality – many are too overworked and financially stretched to take a much-needed holiday, potentially pushing themselves to the brink of burnout. According to new research from InsureandGo , a significant portion of the UK’s 5.51 million small business owners are missing out on holidays to keep their businesses running, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. At a time when Novuna Business Finance data reveals that the percentage of small businesses predicting growth for the three months ahead has fallen back to 33% - with 82% claiming business worries keep them awake at night – the new InsureandGo research explored whether small business owners were able to look after their health and wellbeing by having decent family breaks or a holiday abroad. The InsureandGo data found that more than one in three (35%) entrepreneurs have not been able to take a proper two-week holiday, citing financial constraints and operational challenges as major barriers. Even a short escape is a luxury for many. A staggering 18% of small business owners admitted they haven’t taken an overseas holiday for years, while nearly one in four (24%) opt for shorter breaks, squeezing in a long weekend or a quick city trip to minimise time away from work. Even staying within the UK doesn’t seem to ease the pressure, with some feeling they must remain constantly available, 15% of business owners choosing to holiday in the UK so they can return to work quickly if needed. Shockingly, 7% don’t take holidays at all—sending their families away while they remain at home to oversee business operations. The top reasons why so many entrepreneurs feel unable to step away from their work: 43% say they simply can’t afford the financial hit of taking two weeks off. 24% admit they wouldn’t be able to fully switch off, expecting to be contacted about work issues. 22% feel even more stressed about their business when they are away than when they are working. 21% worry about the risk of illness or injury that could take them out of action for an extended period. 14% believe there is no one capable of managing their business in their absence. Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at InsureandGo commented: "Small business owners are the backbone of the UK economy, but outside work they are parents and partners like everyone else – and it is great concern that business pressures seem to be preventing them from enjoying holidays with their families." “Our research suggests many small business owners could be running on empty, sacrificing their own well-being for the sake of their businesses – and this is not sustainable. Taking time away from work is not just beneficial for well-being, it’s also important for long-term business success." At InsureandGo, we understand the value of a truly stress-free holiday to helping manage a healthy work-life balance – and we work hard to make it easy for customers to get the right cover so they can go abroad without the doubt, knowing they’re protected while they’re away.”

As the fifth anniversary of the pandemic approaches, Jenni Field, author of Nobody Believes You: How to Become a Credible Leader , warns that the rise of 'authentic leadership' has done more harm than good. As global uncertainty, misinformation, and scepticism continue to erode trust in leaders across institutions, governments, and businesses of all sizes, Jenni's second book provides a timely roadmap for rebuilding confidence, trust, and influence, making it essential reading for any leader who wants their message to be heard and their impact to last. With over two decades of global experience, Jenni provides actionable strategies that show how consistency, transparent communication, self-awareness, and a commitment to truth, especially when uncomfortable, can transform a leader’s credibility. "While researching this book, we asked people, 'Why do you follow a leader?' and the word 'authentic' was mentioned only once," says Jenni. "This reinforced my belief that the COVID legacy of authenticity over credibility needs to change and may explain why so many leaders struggle to be taken seriously." "While being more human isn't a bad thing, 'authenticity' has become an excuse for poor behaviour, oversharing, and going back on promises, all of which must stop. People don’t want leaders to be authentic; they want them to be genuine and credible, because these kinds of leaders create the safe, inclusive environments that are being craved as we navigate the turbulence of today’s society." Jenni adds, "Just look at Trump, Musk, and Zuckerberg, whose erratic communication styles, unpredictable approaches, and lack of boundaries might be authentic to who they are as individuals, but when it comes to being believed and credible, that’s a whole different story. We are hardwired for survival, and if the people we are meant to trust are constantly changing their minds, panic sets in and trust is lost." Adam Davies, Head of Talent Development, Gymshark, comments, “This book provides you with a human lens on how to become the leader people want to represent them, and if you look inward closely enough, it can start the wheels in motion for you to become the credible leader you would believe in.” Jenni concludes, "People need to trust someone before they feel confident following them, and credibility is the absolute bedrock of this." "Credible leaders inspire action and passion because people believe in what they say, they know they’re being told the truth, and that their leader will do what they say they’ll do." Find out more and order a copy of the book here