A new, nationwide survey reveals how fast-paced, modern life has become, with many resorting to multi-tasking hacks in a bid to save precious time. Relaxing is a thing of the past, as 36 percent of Brits now continuing to work on their phones in the evening, while watching their TV programmes. A busy quarter (25 percent) have no choice but to send work emails on the loo, while one in twenty (six percent) call their boss while cleaning their house, according to the study by electric vehicle (EV) charging specialists, Roam . So accustomed we are to multi-tasking in the modern age, that one in five (20 percent) do the weekly shop while their EV car is charging, while one in ten (ten percent) work on their internet dating while walking around the supermarket. Jumping on a team's meeting while looking after the kids (nine percent), brushing teeth in the shower (20 percent) and sending emails on the treadmill (7 percent) are also now the norm, while seven percent have dialled into a work call while walking the dog - and 13 percent have done a full week’s shop during a face-to-face business meeting. Overall, one in three (30 percent) of Brits are confident they have mastered the art of multitasking. Over half (51 percent) believe that being able to multitask is essential to modern life, with 42 percent going a step further and saying that modern life is so busy that you HAVE to do two tasks at the same time. 79 percent think their life is just a series of tasks, from the minute they wake up to the minute they go to bed, with three quarters (75 percent) feeling they are spinning too many plates and juggling too many balls. It’s no surprise that 57 percent feel completely overwhelmed by how many things they have to achieve every day - with the average Brit having 12 tasks on the to-do list a day, keeping them busy until 8pm at night. A spokesperson for EV charging specialists, Roam, who commissioned the study said: “This research highlights that our lives are now busier than ever, so it’s understandable that so many of us are looking for convenient and efficient ways to get all of life’s jobs done, EV charging included.” “Going shopping or hitting the gym while you’re charging your car is now a realistic part of modern life, giving time-poor Brits the freedom to go wherever life takes them.” And it seems that the age-old debate about whether women are better multi-taskers still divides the nation as 51 percent say they are, while 49 percent are not convinced. Despite this, 85 percent admit that splitting their concentration across multiple tasks has resulted in them making a mistake. How Multi-Tasking Brits Save Time 1. Working / sending emails while watching TV – 36% 2. Working / sending emails on the loo – 25% 3. Ironing while listening to a podcast or audiobook – 22% 4. Brushing teeth in the shower – 20% 5. Shopping while charging your EV car – 20% 6. Cooking while helping the kids with their housework – 19% 7. Online shopping while in a work meeting – 13% 8. Ordering a take-away while on a work call - 11% 9. Internet dating while doing the weekly shop – 10% 10. Doing a work teams meeting while looking after your kids – 9% 11. Working / sending emails on the treadmill – 7% 12. Dialling into a work meeting on the dog walk – 7% 13. Cleaning while talking to your boss on the phone – 6% 14. Working on your phone, while charging your electric vehicle – 6% 15. Doing the weekly shop at the gym – 5%

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has released its monthly figures which show that inheritance tax receipts hit £6.3 billion in the nine months from April to December 2024. This is £600 million higher than the same nine months last year and continues the upward trajectory over the last two decades. In 2023-4 tax year, HMRC raised £7.499 billion, but these figures show that they are well on track to smash through this figure. Currently just 4% of estates are liable for inheritance tax, but government estimates suggest that this will increase to 10% of estates by 2030. Nicholas Hyett, Investment Manager at Wealth Club said: “Inheritance tax continues to be something of a golden goose for HMRC – with a tax take that seems to rise inexorably. It may only affect a small number of estates at present, but that number is growing all the time - suggesting “Britain’s most hated tax” is only set to become more unpopular." "What really gets to many people about inheritance tax is the double taxation. You’re taxed on the money when you earn it and again when you die, resulting in combined income tax and inheritance tax rate of 67% for additional rate tax payers – potentially more if you’re also paying National Insurance." "One way to avoid the taxman having your cake and eating it too, is to make gifts out of surplus income. By making regular gifts out of leftover income at the end of the month you can pass money on to your loved ones free of inheritance tax." "Gifts out of surplus income are particularly popular with grandparents, who use it to pay for things like school or university fees. Avoiding double taxation from inheritance tax is a nice added sweetener.” Changes to Inheritance tax announced at the Autumn Budget included: An extension to the freeze on IHT thresholds, which have been frozen for a further two years (until 2030). Agricultural Relief and Business Property Relief have been reformed, meaning that from April 2026, the first £1m of qualifying combined assets will have no inheritance tax at all, but for assets overt £1m a 50% relief will apply, at an effective rate of 20%. Qualifying AIM shares will no longer have full exemption from IHT, instead from 2026 they will have an inheritance tax rate of 20% if they are held for two years. From 6th April 2027, inherited pensions could be subject to inheritance tax in addition to income tax levied on the recipient meaning passed down pensions could be taxed at an effective rate of up to 67% - subject to consultation. What Can Investors Do To Mitigate Their Inheritance Tax Bill? Despite recent reforms there are still ways to reduce the inheritance tax paid by your estate, although many of them do require time and more risk: Those concerned about inheritance tax should consider: Giving money away early . Gifts taken out of regular income, which are not deemed to affect the giver’s standard of living, are inheritance tax free on day one – as are certain smaller gifts. Timing is key as you can give unlimited amounts away but typically these take seven years to be completely inheritance tax free. Of course, once you give away the money you’ve lost control. If you need it back for an emergency, that’s not an option. Investing in unlisted companies that qualify for Business Property Relief. These are typically inheritance tax free after two years. Investing in unquoted businesses can be risky, however, unlike giving the money away, you retain control. From 2026 you will have an overall £1 million Business Relief Allowance. Anything in addition will be taxed at 20%. Investing in an AIM ISA . ISAs are not inheritance tax free. When you pass away, your loved ones could miss out on 40% of your hard-earned cash. AIM ISAs are a popular, although much riskier way, to reduce this. Currently after two years they could be IHT free. From 2026 the IHT will be halved toa rate of 20%.”

OCS (“the Group”), a global leader in facilities management, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Maxim FM, one of the fastest-growing independent regional facilities management companies in the North-East of England. This acquisition represents OCS' sixth strategic transaction in the UK over the last 18 months, strengthening its service offering and expanding its regional presence across key public and private sector markets. The acquisition of Maxim follows on from the acquisition of Scottish facilities management specialists FES FM and FES Support Services, which was announced in December last year. Founded in 2010, Maxim FM has built a reputation for delivering customer-centric facilities management solutions, supporting its diverse client base with a holistic range of services that include commercial and industrial cleaning, maintenance, consumable supplies, as well as hygiene and janitorial services. With a multi-award-winning offering and a commitment to sustainability, Maxim FM is a trusted partner in its key markets across the UK. Maxim FM brings an established track record in the education sector, which complements OCS’ market-leading expertise, already bolstered by the recent acquisitions of Exclusive Services Group and Accuro. The acquisition will also see OCS welcoming over 1,100 Maxim FM colleagues into its operations, further strengthening its public sector cleaning service capabilities across the UK. With Maxim FM’s head office in Sunderland, and satellite offices in Glasgow, Bradford, and Swindon, and a strong customer base in the North of England and Scotland, this deal will add regional density to OCS’ cleaning division, enabling the business to capitalise on growth opportunities and deliver enhanced services to an expanded customer base. Daniel Dickson, UK & Ireland CEO of OCS, said: "Maxim FM has established itself as a trusted Facilities Management company throughout the north of England and Scotland through its dedication to customer satisfaction. Their expertise in both public and private sector contracts, along with their regional strength, aligns perfectly with our strategic vision for growth." "We are delighted to welcome Maxim FM’s talented team to OCS and look forward to working together to build on their success and deliver industry-leading services to a broader range of customers." Graham Conway, Managing Director of Maxim FM, added: "Since Maxim FM’s inception nearly 15 years ago, we have focused on delivering exceptional service by placing our clients' needs at the core of our business. Becoming part of OCS presents an exciting opportunity for Maxim FM to leverage the Group’s extensive resources and expertise to offer an even wider array of innovative, sustainable solutions to our clients." "We are confident this partnership will benefit our colleagues and customers alike, and we are thrilled about the future prospects ahead." The acquisition of Maxim FM follows OCS' previous successful acquisitions of Exclusive Services Group, Accuro, Abate Pest Management, and Profile Security Services as part of its broader strategy to double its UK & Ireland revenue over the next five years. This latest addition to OCS will support the Group's commitment to delivering operational excellence and expanding its reach in critical sectors such as public services, education, and industrial maintenance

Dublin Bay Cruises is proud to announce the launch of its eco-friendly initiative by moving from fossil fuels to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in their existing vessel St. Bridget. They are now the first domestic passenger ship operators in Ireland to adopt this sustainable practice aimed at reducing environmental impact while enhancing the marine experience for visitors. In adapting the Circular Economy Policy they remanufactured the engines of St Bridget, making her more fuel-efficient, and dramatically reducing emissions. By doing this, instead of building from scratch, they not only reduced waste but also took a major step toward a greener future. This change will reduce emissions by up to 90%, which will exceed the climate targets set by the EU and Ireland. This thoughtful investment underscores Dublin Bay Cruises’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism. “Recently Dublin Bay Cruises faced a crucial decision—whether to invest in a larger vessel for increased passenger numbers or to reconsider our approach and focus on sustainability," said founder and Managing Director, Eugene Garrihy. “After careful thought, we chose the latter. Our choice reflects not just a business decision, but a responsibility to the environment and the future of our coastal communities. We need to slow things down.” Garrihy added: “We are deeply aware of the privilege and responsibility we have to operate in UNESCOs Dublin Bay Biosphere, one of the most beautiful marine environments in the world. This initiative is a reflection of our commitment to preserving Dublin Bay for future generations while still providing our customers with an unforgettable and sustainable marine experience.” The transition includes substantial investments in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency onboard with solar panels, and incorporating green technologies into its daily operations. Dublin Bay Cruises has also partnered with Failte Ireland’s “Climate Action Programme” and with local marine conservation groups to support biodiversity and the protection of the rich marine life found in Dublin Bay. Being the first domestic passenger ship in Ireland to take this important step is not just a milestone for Dublin Bay Cruises, but also hopefully an encouragement for others working in tourism industries to take the leap and follow suit in safeguarding Ireland's natural heritage. St. Bridget will now continue to serve as a passenger ship for at least another decade, with far fewer emissions than before. Dublin Bay Cruises invites all travellers and marine enthusiasts to join them in celebrating this exciting new chapter by experiencing the beauty of Dublin Bay with a reduced environmental footprint. For more information, please visit www.dublinbaycruises.ie

A 70-metre lifting crane, almost as tall as York Minster, appears on the city's skyline as Nestlé installs new £5.2m cranes at its Haxby Road distribution centre. The investment highlights Nestlé’s commitment to improving efficiency and modernising its facilities as the company celebrates the 40th anniversary of its York Distribution Centre site this year. The investment will focus on replacing six high-bay stacker cranes and their control systems in the automated warehouse. This upgrade will not only enhance the warehouse’s reliability and longevity but also improve technology and overall efficiency, all while ensuring a safer work environment by reducing the need for employees to work at heights. This ambitious project will be executed in three phases between January and July 2025, to maintain uninterrupted service in the company’s 32,500-pallet warehouse throughout the process. The work will be carried out with Nestlé’s logistics partner, Alstef Group, and will involve the temporary assembly of telescopic cranes on site, with a total of seven lifting crane visits. The lifting crane will reach a height of 70 metres to replace six 25-metre cranes through the warehouse roof, all whilst keeping the operation running. The company is also upgrading the electrical and control systems in the warehouse to ensure seamless operation. These improvements will make it easier for its team to monitor operations and respond quickly to any issues that may arise. Richard Hastings, Head of Logistics at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “Nestlé York is a cornerstone of our operations in the UK, playing a vital role in our supply chain and our commitment to delivering high-quality products to consumers." “This investment in our York Distribution Centre reflects our dedication to continued improvement and innovation and we look forward to sharing more updates as we progress with this exciting project.” Nestlé UK and Ireland has invested more than £800 million in its UK factories over the past decade, including recent upgrades in Wisbech, York, Halifax and Buxton. Nestlé’s investment in the York Distribution Centre builds on more than £85 million investment in the Nestlé York campus in the past decade, including refurbished office space and factory machinery upgrades. The York Distribution Centre was opened in 1985 and supplies retailers in the North of England with a wide range of Nestlé products, including confectionery, coffee and cereals.

Apple is once again the world’s most valuable brand. Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, values Apple’s brand at USD574.5 billion for 2025, keeping it ahead of its closest rival, Microsoft, valued at USD461 billion. Except for 2023, when Apple briefly trailed Amazon by a margin of just 1%, it has held the top spot as the world’s most valuable brand since 2021. According to Brand Finance’s Global 500 2025 research , 4 out of the 5 most valuable brands in the world are technology brands: 1. Apple: brand value of USD574.5 billion, up 11% from 2024 2. Microsoft: brand value of USD461.1 billion, up 35% 3. Google: brand value of USD413.0 billion, up 24% 4. Amazon: brand value of USD356.4 billion, up 15% 5. Walmart: brand value of USD137.2 billion, up 42% Brand Finance also analysed what brands have grown the most since 2020. While technology is clearly a high-growth sector over the longer term, the depth of Brand Finance data and research provides a revealing and nuanced view. The analysis includes TikTok – although Brand Finance began valuing the brand in 2022, its 79% growth in 4 years puts it in the same league as the other high-growth brands. The Fastest Growing Brands : 1. TikTok/Douyin: brand value of USD105.8 billion, up from USD59.0 billion (in 2022) 2. DraftKings: brand value of USD5.1 billion, up from USD18 million in 2020 3. Fanduel: brand value of USD7.0 billion, up from USD56 million in 2020 4. NVIDIA: brand value of USD87.9 billion, up from USD4.7 billion in 2020 5. AMD: brand value of USD11.0 billion, up from USD1.4 billion in 2020 6. Pinduoduo: brand value of USD13.0 billion, up from USD2.5 billion in 2020 7. BYD: brand value of USD14.0 billion, up from USD3.1 billion in 2020 8. Apple: brand value of USD574.5 billion, up from USD140.5 billion in 2020 9. TSMC: brand value of USD34.2 billion, up from US8.6 billion in 2020 10. Microsoft: brand value of USD461.1 billion, up from USD117.1 billion in 2020 11. Lilly: brand value of USD8.0 billion, up from USD2.1 billion in 2020 American gambling brands DraftKings and Fanduel are cashing in as US legislators and courts legalise online gambling and overturn old laws preventing betting. Semiconductor brands NVIDIA, AMD, and TSMC advance new technologies, while tech giants Apple and Microsoft lead from the front, continuing to innovate from their dominant positions in an evolving and growing market. E-Commerce brand Pinduoduo is following in Apple and Microsoft’s footsteps, investing in an ecosystem that merges social networking with online shopping. Electric vehicle maker BYD and pharmaceutical brand Lilly are meeting the modern demands of evolving consumers. David Haigh, Chairman and CEO of Brand Finance, commented: “Our analysis of what brands have grown the most since 2020 reveals that technology companies do not have a monopoly on sustained brand growth. This longer-term view also reinforces another important global trend: how Chinese brands like TikTok, Pinduoduo, and BYD are leading the charge by creating value, and challenging established brand leaders." "As China continues to refine its brand-building strategies and focus on quality, we expect to see more Chinese companies enter the global marketplace in 2025.” Although these brands grew in different ways, generally speaking, their paths over the past five years have been organic and linear. None of the ten brands with the biggest value growth belong to the sector that has added the most value since 2020: Media, up 125%, encapsulating the transformation of media brands from news source to indispensable tools used daily around the world. Google, the world’s third most valuable brand, saw its brand value increase by 24% to USD413 billion. Ongoing investments in AI have enhanced Google’s reputation for innovation while strengthening its consumer appeal and trust. Amazon, with a 15% increase in brand value to USD356.4 billion, continues to integrate AI across its operations, from personalised recommendations to advanced logistics. These efforts have solidified its reputation as a customer-focused brand, driving sustained growth. For the second consecutive year, WeChat is the world’s strongest brand, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 95.2 out of 100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating. WeChat’s comprehensive ecosystem and seamless integration capability continue to propel the Chinese brand as a global leader. e& is the fastest growing brand value in the world this year, posting an eight-fold increase in brand value to USD15.3 billion. This is the final stage of a 3-year group rebrand, staged to transition brand equity from Etisalat to e& as a platform for international growth. The like for like brand value growth is 13% versus the combined value of the brands in 2024. Nvidia has the highest like for like growth - 98% - making it the second fastest growing brand value for 2025. Global economic growth is expected to remain stagnant at 2.8% in 2025, mirroring 2024 and falling short of the 3.2% pre-pandemic average, according to United Nations forecasts. In contrast, the world’s 500 most valuable brands are thriving, with their total value rising 10% year-on-year, from USD8.6 trillion in 2024 to nearly USD9.5 trillion in 2025, according to Brand Finance data. Apple leads the way among 193 American brands featured in the ranking, collectively contributing over half of the total. China and Germany follow as the second and third most valuable countries, with 69 and 27 brands respectively, accounting for 15% and 6% of the total brand value. Across sectors, banking leads with 79 brands contributing 13%, followed by retail with 45 brands at 11%. Media ranks third, with 23 brands representing 10%. Brand Finance is launching the Global 500 at Davos on the 21st of January 2025 in partnership with Infosys, the fastest growing IT Services brand over the last 5 years.

Residents in Poole have been de-cluttering their homes at the start of the year like never before, according to one of the largest storage businesses. Store & Secure in Hamworthy said they have seen a huge increase in home-owners emptying their properties. Lucy and Sophie Maidman said that there seems to be two reasons; preparing for building work and a new minimalist outlook for the year. Lucy said: “We’ve been in this business for many years now and never has January heralded so many people taking storage to help them de-clutter." “January is always a time when people start afresh and turn over a new leaf, but de-cluttering seems to have really taken off this year – up by 50 per cent on any previous year." “I think a lot of people have decided to extend their homes rather than sell and move and in preparation for that they’ve taken storage out and have started to clear rooms. But there also seems to be a move to more minimalist interiors. Whether this is a wider trend I don’t know, but we’ve seen a lot of it." “Some people, especially those in the very small new homes, simply don’t have much space and are making room. But others who live in modern homes with lots of glass and windows find they look better with a more minimalist interior. Therefore, following Christmas, they are taking storage with us and bringing things they don’t want in their homes." “What they intend to do is rotate their possessions – such as paintings and small pieces of furniture. I think because we are physically secure, but also put a great deal of emphasis on our cyber-security and information security, people really trust us to look after their often very valuable possessions." “We are a family business and are well-known in the area, and that familiarity really helps. I also think that our own interior, with its brightness, clean lines and minimalist feel helps encourage people to clear their own homes.”

London Gatwick’s expansion plans could significantly boost the economy and UK-China connectivity as demand continues to grow, with an almost 265% year-on-year rise in passenger volumes between Gatwick and China. The airport saw almost 550,000 passengers travelling to China in 2024, up from more than 150,000 in 2023. China’s three largest carriers already fly from London Gatwick, with 33 services a week to China, with Air China, China Southern and China Eastern flying to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Zhengzhou. London Gatwick plays a key role in that continued growth and if plans to bring its Northern Runway, currently a backup, into routine use are approved by the Government next month, it will allow for even more international services, including from China. The Northern Runway project represents a £2.2 billion shovel-ready privately financed investment which could be operational by the end of the decade. The plans will create a further 14,000 jobs and generate £1 billion in economic benefits every year. Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said: “China accounts for 5.1% of total UK trade and is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner in 2024. As demonstrated by the Chancellor’s recent visit to China, this market is vitally important to the UK economy in terms of both inbound visitors and trade and we are pleased to offer significant connectivity between the two nations from London Gatwick." “We have seen huge demand for growth of these routes, from airlines and passengers." "If approved, our Northern Runway plans could provide even greater opportunity to support communities the economy and the Government’s wider plans for growth, through enhanced capacity for vital long-haul services.”

Curly hair has always held a reputation for being trickier to manage than straight hair. In fact, research by hair tool brand, Bellissima , specialists in curly hair, has found that it takes on average 22 minutes a day to style curly hair - that’s five and a half days of styling time a year! This maintenance effort has caused 52% of curly-haired women to sadly, fall out of love with their curls. The research has also found that one in four women feel self-conscious about having curly hair (only 23% feel confident going on a date with their natural curls on show!) and despite 24% saying curly hair made them feel fun, only a tiny 7% say they’ve always loved their curls. What’s Your Curly Hair Type? According to the research, 56% of women are unaware of their curl type. Jacqui McIntosh, Bellissima hair ambassador, specialist in hair texture management and certified Trichologist, says: “Type 1 hair is straight with no natural curl or wave; however Type 2 curls are wavy and form an "S" shape. They tend to be fine or medium in texture and can be prone to frizz." “Type 3 curls are springy and well-defined, forming ringlets or corkscrew shapes and Type 4 curls are tight and densely packed, often forming coils or zig-zag patterns.” To suss out your curl type, wash your hair, then let it air-dry without brushing or styling it to see its true curl pattern. “Once you know your curl type, you can pick products and hair care methods that won’t weigh down your waves or leave your spirals parched.” Styling Your Curly Hair If you’re blessed with curly hair, you might struggle to tame it. The research by Bellissima has found that only 13% admit to having never used a tool or had a treatment to lessen their curls. But all this heat can cause damage, so much so that 41% of women who finally embraced their curls said that they realised the damage they were doing to their hair by constantly straightening it or using heat to style it. Callum Townsend, Salon Owner and Curl & Colour Expert and Educator says: “If someone came to me to try and chemically treat their hair to be straight, the first thing we are doing is sitting and working on breaking that stigma around why their natural hair is 'bad'. Natural is beautiful and it's about time we all realised that!” According to the research by Bellissima, 51% of curly haired women don’t or are not aware of hair salons who have hairdressers qualified in cutting or styling curly hair in their area. But Jacqui says that curly hair needs a little more TLC. Jacqui explains: “Curl care should be customised to suit your unique texture. Using products that don’t work for your curl type can actually cause issues leading to a damaged curl pattern, breakage, frizz and loss of curl due to chemical damage.” As for how to save time on caring for your curls, Callum says: “Strip it back to basics, focus on simple high-quality shampoo, conditioner and a styler to make your curls pop." "It's all about technique, not how many products and times you throw your head forward to make the best curls.” Style Your Hair, The Right Way: Type 2: Wavy Hair Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair when it’s wet and avoid frizz. To avoid weighing your hair down, use lightweight gels or mousses to define the waves. Apply products on damp hair and scrunch upwards. Air-dry or use the Bellissima Diffon Ceramic diffuser for gentle drying. Type 3: Curly Hair Moisture is key here for frizz-free, defined curls. Use curl creams or gels on wet hair and apply in sections to enhance and hold the curl pattern without adding too much weight. Try a microfiber towel or T-shirt to scrunch dry and avoid frizz caused by towels. Type 1: Straight Hair Straight hair tends to get oily quickly, lacks volume, and may need extra texture to hold styles. Try lightweight products like volumising sprays or mousses to avoid weighing down the hair and use texturising sprays or salt sprays to add some body and grit for better hold when styling. A round brush is great for blow drying, adding volume, or creating loose waves.

As business owners face a challenging 2025, rising costs, increasing taxes, and global competition are at the forefront of their concerns. Two-thirds (66%) of small business leaders believe the UK is falling behind other global economies, highlighting the growing uncertainty. Joe Phelan, money.co.uk business credit card expert , explains how small business owners can protect their margins during this tough time. “According to research by iwoca, one of Europe’s largest SME lenders, 42% of business owners cite mounting running costs as their top concern, while 40% are worried about rising taxes and government policies. Inflation, energy prices, and raw material costs continue to put pressure on already tight margins," explains Joe. "Despite these challenges, business owners remain resilient. A substantial 71% expect growth in 2025, while over half (55%) plan to expand their workforce." "This optimism reflects the sector’s determination to push ahead with growth strategies, even amidst economic uncertainty." So, how can businesses navigate this complex landscape, protect their margins, and continue to grow in such a difficult economic environment? Focus On efficiency SMEs can’t afford to overlook the importance of cost control. Rising operational costs can quickly erode profitability, so identifying areas to cut back without compromising quality is key. Take a detailed look at your business’s expenditure and identify non-essential costs that can be reduced or eliminated. For example, renegotiating supplier contracts, reducing energy consumption, or outsourcing functions to save on labour costs are all effective strategies to streamline your operations. Embrace Tech And Automation Technology can significantly boost efficiency and help manage costs. By using tools like accounting software that tracks expenses in real-time or automated CRM systems that reduce manual data entry, you can streamline operations and cut down on time spent on routine tasks. Automation also frees up valuable resources, allowing you to focus on growth-driven activities such as marketing or product innovation. Increase Pricing (but do it strategically) Strategic price adjustments may be necessary to protect margins, but they need to be carefully considered. It's important to communicate the value of your products or services clearly, ensuring that customers understand why the price increase is justified. Adding new features, improving service levels, or offering bundled packages can help customers feel they are receiving more value. Explore New Revenue Streams Diversifying revenue sources can help cushion the impact of rising costs. Expanding your product offering, targeting new customer segments, or introducing subscription-based services can all be effective ways to generate additional income. Looking to international markets can also be a valuable strategy, especially if your domestic market is saturated or highly competitive. Leverage Financial Products While cutting costs and diversifying revenue streams are vital for navigating economic challenges, financial products that improve cash flow can also play a crucial role in protecting margins. For example, business loans or credit lines can provide the necessary working capital to manage fluctuations in cash flow. Consider Cash Flow Management Tools Effective cash flow management is essential to sustaining business operations. Tools that help predict cash flow gaps or manage invoicing more efficiently can offer valuable insights and ensure you’re able to handle unexpected challenges. By optimising your cash flow processes, you can improve your financial health and ensure that you're in a strong position to manage rising costs. Tap Into External Support For Innovation And Growth You and your business could also benefit from external support aimed at fostering innovation and accelerating growth. Initiatives like Innovate UK provide businesses with resources, funding, and advice to help unlock their potential and compete more effectively in the market. Innovate UK’s initiatives, such as Innovate UK Business Connect, help businesses form valuable partnerships with researchers and other organisations, sparking innovation and creating new opportunities. By leveraging external resources, you’ll be well placed to navigate challenges more effectively and position your business for long-term success. The Bottom Line While the road ahead for some businesses will be bumpy, it’s not without opportunity. By focusing on cost efficiency, embracing technology, and leveraging financial products like business loans and savings accounts, businesses can put themselves in the best position to weather the economic storm and emerge stronger in 2025. "Despite the macroeconomic challenges, many SMEs are showing resilience and determination to grow." "With the right strategies and tools in place, businesses can continue to expand and thrive, regardless of the wider economic climate.”

British Cycling has announced the 11-strong squad that has been selected to represent Great Britain at the 2025 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, in Liévin, France from Friday 31st January to Sunday 2nd February. Taking on a challenging and varied course, three-time national champion Cameron Mason will spearhead the elite men’s race. Mason, who has had three top-10 world cup finishes so far this season, will be joined by Thomas Mein, who delivered a world cup best position of sixth place in Besançon in December, alongside three National Trophy Series wins so far this season. Zoe Backstedt will be donning a Great Britain jersey and pulling out all the stops in an attempt to defend her under-23 women’s title. The 20-year-old has had a whirlwind season so far, claiming top 10 finishes in every world cup she’s entered, including three podiums. She will face some stiff competition in the form of Luxembourg’s Marie Schrieber, as well as a strong showing from her own nation. Having missed a chunk of the cyclo-cross season due to injury, Cat Ferguson will be looking to make her mark in her first year at under-23 level, after securing the junior women’s silver medal in 2024. National bronze medallist Imogen Wolff will also be pushing for a podium position, alongside Ella Maclean-Howell. Back-to-back national champion Oscar Amey will compete in the junior men’s category, having had a promising season so far with three top 10 performances in the junior world cups. Making his world championship debut alongside him will be national championship silver medallist Milo Willis. All three of Great Britain’s junior women will be making their world championship debut in Liévin, with Arabella Blackburn, Zoe Roche and Ellie Mitchinson looking to earn their stripes on the world stage. After winning a silver medal last year in the team relay event, Great Britian will be competing in this event with the line up to be confirmed closer to competition. Matt Ellis, Great Britain Cycling Team Cyclo-cross Co-ordinator, said: “We have a fantastic squad of promising riders heading to the world championships this year, ready to take on an interesting course and show their talent on the world stage." “We have a fantastic range of experience from cyclo-cross veterans to debutants looking to gain experience on the biggest stage, all supporting each other and ready to represent Great Britain with pride and determination." “Having this level of strength and depth across the programme to take 11 riders to a world championships is a credit to the talent teams and coaching staff that support these riders to become the best in their sport and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can deliver in competition.” Great Britain Cycling Team Squad for the 2024 UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships: Elite Men Cam Mason Thomas Mein Under-23 Women Zoe Backstedt Cat Ferguson Ella Maclean-Howell Imogen Wolff Junior Men Oscar Amey Milo Wills Junior Women Arabella Blackburn Ellie Mitchinson Zoe Roche Photo credits: SWPix

Global Brands Ltd is pleased to announce the expansion of its partnership with Distil PLC, after securing full UK & Ireland distribution rights for its renowned brand portfolio, which includes RedLeg Spiced Rum, Blackwoods Gin and Blavod Black Vodka. Building on the initial agreement to distribute RedLeg Spiced Rum to the UK’s off-trade, Global Brands will now take ownership of on-trade, off-trade, cash & carry, and e-commerce channels for the entire company – commencing from February 14th. The announcement represents a significant milestone in Global Brands' third-party strategy and is testament to its ability to strengthen the presence of spirits brands across multiple market sectors. The partnership launches in line with an increasing demand for premium spirits, particularly within the spiced rum category, which continues to gain momentum in the UK & Ireland market. As rum sales grow, RedLeg, known for its bold Caribbean flavours and accessible price point, is well-positioned to capitalise on the expanding consumer demand for high-quality spirits. Global Brands will leverage its strong distribution network and logistics capabilities to position Distil's brands at the forefront of the premium spirits market. Blackwoods Gin, with its rich botanical profile, and Blavod Black Vodka, renowned for its distinctive black colour and smooth finish, are expected to see success as consumer preferences shift towards quality over quantity. Julian Atkins, Managing Director at Global Brands, commented: “Building on the success of our initial collaboration with Distil PLC to distribute RedLeg Spiced Rum in the UK off-trade, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our partnership. This new agreement grants us full UK & Ireland distribution rights for RedLeg Spiced Rum, Blackwoods Gin, and Blavod Vodka from within Distil PLC’s portfolio." “RedLeg Spiced Rum has already made its mark with its distinctive identity and exceptional quality, capturing the attention of consumers and retailers alike. We are equally excited to bring Blackwoods Gin and Blavod Vodka into our portfolio - each offering unique character and heritage that perfectly complements our commitment to offering our customers variety and innovation.” Julian continued: “This extended partnership marks another significant milestone in our growth strategy, ensuring our dedication to delivering exceptional brands to the UK & Ireland market. With our growing sales team and strong infrastructure, we are well positioned to grow these brands while actively pursuing new opportunities for third-party collaborations.” Don Goulding, Executive Chairman of Distil, added: “Following a successful trial in the grocery and cash & carry sector, I’m delighted to commence a new partnership with Global Brands, extending distribution to the full UK & Ireland trade." "The team has demonstrated a clear understanding of Distil’s brands and ambitions, and we are excited by the opportunities that will be unlocked as part of its portfolio, benefiting from the team’s strong relationships and operational efficiencies." "We are confident that Global Brands is the best partner to support our growth within the UK & Ireland trade.” Global Brands Ltd, the UK’s leading independent drinks company, continues to innovate and diversify its offerings through strategic partnerships. Its portfolio, which includes VK, Franklin & Sons, Hooch, and GATHER Gourmet Cocktails, showcases its commitment to delivering exceptional beverages for all occasions. For more information about Global Brands and its diverse range of products, visit their website here