Search Results

Johnsons Nurseries Ltd has announced its fifth consecutive year of achieving the prestigious Plant Healthy Accreditation. This milestone highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to protecting plant health and biosecurity and runs alongside its responsibility to support biodiversity and promote sustainability within the horticultural sector. The Plant Healthy Accreditation is awarded to organisations that meet the rigorous plant health management standards set by the UK Plant Health Assurance Scheme (UKPHAS). By achieving this recognition for the fifth year in a row, Johnsons Nurseries Ltd has reaffirmed its dedication to biosecurity best practices and responsible plant care. As part of this commitment, Johnsons has comprehensive internal plant health training for its staff, ensuring that key team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to maintain these high standards each year. Plant health remains a priority not only for Johnsons but for nurseries across the UK. Protecting woodlands from threats such as ash dieback and sudden oak death is vital in safeguarding native species and maintaining resilient ecosystems. Healthy plants are also central to creating thriving gardens and landscapes, while playing a fundamental role in sustaining life. They generate the oxygen we breathe, absorb carbon dioxide, and underpin the global food system—without them, life as we know it would not be possible. Jonathan Whittemore, Commercial and Business Manager at Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, said, “Reaching our fifth year as a Plant Healthy accredited business is a remarkable achievement for the whole team at Johnsons Nurseries Ltd. It highlights our ongoing efforts to champion plant health and support the resilience of the UK’s horticultural ecosystem. We remain committed to setting high standards for quality, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.” The company also holds BSI ISO 14001 Environmental Management and ISO 9001 Quality Management certifications, which further demonstrate its dedication to sustainable operations and the delivery of superior products and services. With five years of consecutive Plant Healthy Accreditation, Johnsons Nurseries Ltd continues to position itself at the forefront of the horticultural industry, committed to advancing plant health, environmental stewardship, and industry-leading quality standards.

Award-winning Scottish hospitality operator, Buzzworks, has announced the appointment of JP McKeown as its new Operations Director, further strengthening its leadership team as the business enters an exciting period of expansion. With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, JP joins from Stonegate Group, where he was responsible for a £160 million portfolio of 150 pubs and group hotel strategy. A values-driven and people-focused leader, JP has built his career on delivering exceptional guest experiences while driving sustainable growth – qualities that will support Buzzworks as it looks to expand its footprint across the country. JP takes over the role from Alison Blair, who has been instrumental in shaping Buzzworks into one of Scotland’s leading hospitality operators. Alison, who was recently awarded Inspirational Woman of the Year at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025, will move into an advisory role, continuing her long-standing contribution to the business. JP McKeown, Operations Director at Buzzworks, said: “I’m proud to be joining such a dynamic and ambitious business at a pivotal time. The introduction of rooms marks an exciting milestone in Buzzworks’ journey and I’m thrilled to play a part in its continued growth." “As the company expands, I’m passionate about ensuring our people grow with it, with opportunities for development at every stage of their careers. Delivering outstanding guest experiences is at the heart of Buzzworks and I’m committed to building on the strong foundations laid by Alison and the team.” JP will work closely with Buzzworks’ Operations, Culinary, People and Leadership teams to support the company’s long-term ambition of becoming Scotland’s favourite hospitality business. Kenny Blair, Managing Director of Buzzworks, added: “JP brings a rare blend of operational expertise, strategic vision and passion for people. His experience leading large, complex portfolios will be invaluable as we set our sights on doubling the size of the business.” Buzzworks  currently operates 22 bars and restaurants across Scotland and was recently crowned Best Managed Pub Company in the UK (Under 51 sites) at The Publican Awards – the first Scottish operator to achieve this accolade.

A regional law firm has congratulated the latest of ten aspiring colleagues to have qualified as solicitors in the past two years. ‘Rising star’ Emily Shepard has gained her professional title after two years in the Wills, Trusts & Probate department of Ellis Jones Solicitors. The 26-year-old from Sturminster Newton, Dorset, earlier completed an LPC LLM, a Masters degree coupled with an enhanced legal practice course, at the University of Law in Exeter. She passed her degree there with distinction while also working as a paralegal in the Disputes & Investigations team of a large London-based international law firm. Emily also holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Law in Bristol, her first step into a legal career after an undergraduate degree in Ancient History from the Royal Holloway University of London. Emily has now qualified as a solicitor by completing a series of Law Society-recognised modules focused on practical legal skills including advocacy, professional standards and client care. Based at Ellis Jones’ Ringwood office, she follows in the footsteps of nine colleagues who have qualified as solicitors across various departments in the past two years. The others are Bradley Moon, Suzi Daver, Howard Hasan, Tayla Baird, Victoria Simpkin, Leah Sharman, Daisy Kershaw, Wai Chan and Matt Rushent. Emily, who lives in Winchester, said: “I am so grateful to Ellis Jones for supporting me throughout my training contract and I look forward to many more years at the firm.” Ellis Jones Managing Partner Nigel Smith said: “Congratulations to Emily on her much-deserved qualification as a solicitor. It’s ten out of ten for us. She is the latest of ten colleagues to make the grade in the past two years, true testament to our policy of supporting young people keen to follow a legal career and encouraging them to stay with us. I wish Emily and all our rising stars every success.”

Seventeen aspiring accountants from across East Anglia have begun their career journeys at accountancy firm Ensors, part of Azets, this September. The group, which is made up of a combination of graduates and school leavers, will work in one of Ensors’ six offices in Ipswich, Norwich, Huntingdon, Bury St Edmunds, Saxmundham and Cambridge. They will join the Audit, Corporate Tax, and Business Services Teams across the business and will study for the ACA, AAT or ACCA qualification as part of their training. David Scrivener, Managing Director, Eastern, said: “We have a proud tradition and great track record of training at Ensors – a number of our partners and senior leaders joined us as trainees, including me. I’m delighted to welcome the class of 2025 to the firm – and look forward to seeing them complete their qualifications and progress through the business in the future.” The Ensors 2025 trainees are: James Fell, Skie Corney-Leighton, Ross Hammond, Alexander O'Loughlin, Harvey Shepherd, Harry Eastick, Charlie Johnson, Tristan Masterton, William Kitching, Oliver Hill, Alex Gudgin, Adriana Fisher, Reuben Andrews, Euan Hove, Austin Peng, Liam Carberry, Guy Motley and Victoria Earland. Ensors’ training programme is long established and involves trainees working alongside qualified accountants at the firm while studying for a recognised professional qualification most often as apprentices. Currently, more than 100 Ensors’ staff are part of the programme and are studying for one of the recognised professional accountancy qualifications: AAT, ACA, ACCA, or CTA. Following an acquisition in September 2025, Ensors is now part of UK Top 10 accountancy firm Azets and will act as the hub for the newly-formed Azets Eastern region. Azets has 1,200 trainees in the UK. Photo: New Intake: David Scrivener, Managing Director, Eastern, centre, welcomes new trainees at Ensors’ office in Ipswich, from left Alexander O’Loughlin, Harvey Shepherd, Harry Eastick and Ross Hammond. Ensors is now part of UK Top 10 accountancy firm Azets and acts as the hub for the newly formed Azets Eastern region

Scottish farmers are warning that the UK’s food security is under serious threat following a UK Government decision to remove Skilled Worker code 5111, effectively blocking farms from recruiting skilled overseas workers. The change, introduced on 22 July 2025, has taken skilled farm roles off the Temporary Shortage List, leaving dairy, pig, poultry and horticultural producers struggling to fill vital jobs. In Dumfries & Galloway alone, more than 25 dairy farms depend on staff from the Philippines and other nations to keep operations running. While skilled builders remain eligible to help ease the housing shortage, farmers argue that blocking skilled farm workers, as well as those working in food processing, risks creating a food shortage — with higher prices for consumers and greater reliance on imports. Rory Christie, who runs The Dourie Farming Company near Port William with his brother Gregor, is determined to ensure that this potential catastrophe is avoided. Rory, as current chair of the Milk Suppliers Association, SAOS and the Association of Dairy Producer Organisations is seeking cross sector assistance to bring this labour shortage disaster to the attention of not only policy makers but the consumers who will face price rises if it continues. “Our family has employed local people for over 70 years, and we will always look to local labour first. However, the reality is that with rural depopulation there are insufficient skilled or indeed unskilled local people to fill the gap. This isn’t about uncontrolled migration — it’s about targeted, skilled people filling essential roles to keep food on our tables. The Government is naïve if it thinks its decision won’t have a huge negative effect on food security and food prices.” “Farming isn’t bypassing local workers,” added Christie. “We’re filling unavoidable gaps. Without access to overseas skills, the entire food supply chain — from farm to processor to retailer — is at risk.” Dourie Farming Company runs a 1,200-cow dairy herd and a 200-sow pig unit. Like many farm businesses, they rely on a mix of local and overseas talent to operate seven days a week and provide consistent food supply. Alongside Rory, other organisations, such as NFU Scotland and the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers are calling for an immigration policy that enables skilled, willing workers across agriculture and food processing. In particular, Andy Backhouse of CAS Recruitment has been working tirelessly to address the issue UK wide. Rising salary thresholds and the removal of Skilled Worker code 5111 are already constraining recruitment, despite sustained efforts to recruit and train locally. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) itself has previously acknowledged that “domestic supply is insufficient to meet demand in key sectors with sustained vacancy pressures” and that employers have “undertaken significant efforts to recruit locally and upskill, but persistent shortages remain.” The Sector Is Urging Government To: 1. Reinstate Skilled Worker code 5111 for key farm roles, ensuring skilled farm workers are returned to the shortage list and placed on the immigration salary list. (further details can be found at here . 2. Provide certainty ahead of the upcoming MAC review so businesses can plan, invest and retain staff. Photo:  Shows Benji Cruz, one of the Filipino employees at The Dourie Farming Company with Andy Backhouse of CAS Recruitment who worked with Rory Christie to recruit Benji. They are cutting a cake which show both the Saltire and the Filipino flag and illustrates the essential relationship between farms in SW Scotland and their Filipino employees.

According to RSM UK’s latest Economic Outlook for Q3 2025, the UK was the best performing G7 economy in the first half of 2025, despite low consumer confidence and stagnant business investment.   However, growth looks more challenging moving forward, with inflation set to hit 4% and wage growth slowing. There’s also the added risk that speculation around Autumn Budget tax rises could depress confidence further.   Mike Thornton, Regional Managing Partner for Yorkshire and the North East at leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK, looks at: Why there’s reason for cautious optimism among Yorkshire and the North East businesses despite a squeezed UK labour market; The importance of the government delivering its Industrial Strategy to boost regional growth; The urgent need for infrastructure investment in the North amid a budget storm brewing. Mike Thornton comments: “A weakening labour market is affecting availability of jobs and pay growth across the UK, with some regions and industries hit harder than others. However, in Yorkshire and the North East, emerging industries are popping up around us and are set to become drivers of future growth and productivity." "In addition, commitments outlined in the Industrial Strategy to benefit key industries for the region, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital technologies, are conducive to unlock long-term economic growth and skilled jobs."   “Hull and the Humber is already recognised as a national leader in world-class renewable energy generation and is home to sites such as Siemens Gamesa and Saltend Chemicals Park. These businesses employ over 2,400 people and are expected to bring in more than £2bn in private investment, with the area also experiencing above-average productivity growth (2.6%), outpacing other northern regions. In the North East, plans are underway to develop Blyth and Cobalt Park into an AI growth zone to boost economic growth and create thousands of jobs. Similarly, Google is in talks to develop a giant datacentre at Teesworks in Teesside, with the site also lined up as an AI growth zone."   “However, public finances are in an unsustainable position and therefore tax rises plus spending cuts are inevitable in the upcoming Autumn Budget. During periods of economic uncertainty, businesses need stability to underpin long-term decisions, especially in Yorkshire and the North East, where further funding in key sectors and local investment zones is expected. The Industrial Strategy is hugely welcome and rightly focused on unlocking opportunities in sectors like clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure, but we can't afford another budget full of surprises and a dampening business confidence.”   He added: “If the government is serious about its commitment to unlocking growth in the North, it must finally get to grips with infrastructure and improving connectivity. Currently, our rail networks hinder productivity and prevent skilled workers from reaching industry hubs, due to delays, disruption and complex routes. Additionally, the upgrades to the network have felt underwhelming, with many arguing they fall short of what’s needed, or even bypass areas like Hull, which still lacks electrification. The government did commit to improving rail and road connectivity in the North of England in the Industrial Strategy over the next five years, but, despite funding, progress has felt steady rather than stellar. It is therefore key that the Autumn Budget tackles concerns around infrastructure, ensuring it acts as a catalyst for industrial and regional growth, rather than a barrier.”

A new £8.8m educational facility in the heart of Mansfield is set to prepare young people for careers in key industries while helping local businesses grow. West Nottinghamshire College officially launched its latest centre, the Mansfield Ambition Exchange, with educationists, students, civic leaders and employers praising the project. Built by Nottingham-based Clegg Construction, the state-of-the-art building at the Chesterfield Road campus delivers courses up to level 3 and will accommodate more than 350 students studying business and T Level professional construction programmes. The centre will strengthen the college’s long-established industry links, enabling students and employers to collaborate on real-world projects. It will also act as a strategic hub for business engagement, hosting conferences, masterclasses, roadshows and events alongside partners including Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Mansfield and Ashfield Business Network (MABN) and East Midlands Chamber. In addition, the centre will provide a space for knowledge-exchange between the college, university and local businesses – with events offering insights into future trends, technological opportunities, and support for product and process innovation. The flagship project aims to equip Mansfield and the surrounding area to meet future labour market needs, address skills gaps, and create well-paid jobs in emerging industries. Businesses will also benefit from access to support and a pipeline of skilled talent, helping them enhance competitiveness and efficiency. Senior leaders from the college, NTU, MABN, Clegg Construction and Mansfield District Council, Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams, and college students came together to unveil the building. This coincided with MABN’s monthly business breakfast networking meeting – the first employer event to take place in the centre – where the Mayor, college principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley MBE, and MABN chair Ian Jephson addressed an audience of local business representatives. Darren Chapman, operations director at Clegg Construction, said: “As a Nottinghamshire-based company, Clegg Construction was proud to have been appointed to deliver this exciting expansion for West Nottinghamshire College." “We are very pleased to see how well the Mansfield Ambition Exchange has been received now that it is operational, and we are particularly happy to see that it is accommodating the T Level professional studies in construction course – helping to train the next generation of construction experts." “Being born and bred in Mansfield, and having attended the college as a teenager to study construction, this is a project that’s close to my heart.” Mansfield Ambition Exchange spans 1,343 sq. m. of high-quality teaching space including classrooms, IT suites, a Learning Resource Centre, and a T Level room that doubles as a conferencing facility. Flexible spaces support meetings, events and independent study. Located at the rear of the college’s sixth-form building, the centre spans two levels to accommodate the site’s natural slope. Light wells bring daylight into the lower ground floor, while heat recovery and variable refrigerant flow systems maintain a comfortable learning environment. Upgraded car parking and modernised landscaped areas create a welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors. Clegg Construction carried out the 16-month build, hosting T Level student Archie Martin on an industry placement during the construction phase. The 17-year-old is now among the first cohort of learners to study in the purpose-built centre. The facility sits adjacent to Ashfield House, an early 19th-century Georgian building now being transformed into a student services hub, linking Mansfield’s history with its educational future. The stone portico from the former School of Art building on the site was carefully removed, preserved and incorporated as the main entrance to the new centre, maintaining the site’s historical character. Mansfield Ambition Exchange has been made possible thanks to £4.3m from the UK Government’s Towns Fund, £3.8m from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (now part of the Department for Education), and £734,000 from the college and NTU. It is among several major schemes being made possible through Mansfield’s £12.3m Towns Fund allocation secured by the Mansfield Place Board with the support of Mansfield District Council. Other projects include the Warsop Health Hub, Destination Mansfield and work to make Berry Hill Park a Destination Park. Andrew Cropley MBE, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College and chair of the Mansfield Place Board, said: “It’s great to celebrate the opening of Mansfield Ambition Exchange, which is already providing a great experience to over 350 young learners on our business studies and professional construction courses." “This excellent facility also gives us a great venue to offer technical courses to adults wishing to take their career forward or in a new direction, and to support businesses to prosper and grow. We will work closely with our partners at Nottingham Trent University to ensure this is an exciting and ambitious offer." “I’m delighted to see the Mansfield Place Board deliver another major project. Mansfield Ambition Exchange will support the ambitions set out in the ‘Make it in Mansfield’ strategy to grow our economy and create opportunities for local people." “I’m confident that the range of courses and events hosted in this building will raise the aspirations of businesses in the area, help them develop their plans, and then support them in turning those plans into reality. Meanwhile, the courses offered in the centre and across the wider college will support local people to seize the opportunities that emerge." “We already have several such events and courses planned, and we look forward to working with colleagues at MABN, NTU, East Midlands Chamber and others to bring them to life.” Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, said: “The Ambition Exchange puts opportunity where it belongs – on our doorstep. This college site has come full circle, from cherished memories to a new sixth-form hub in 2021, and now to a place where education, enterprise and community meet." “Our goal is simple: equip people with the capabilities our economy needs and energise the town centre while we do it. If we want streets that are lively all week and into the evening, we must attract, develop and retain our young people – students, apprentices, founders and early-career professionals – because footfall follows opportunity." “When talent trains and starts up here, cafés fill, venues buzz and a renewed rhythm of life returns. To business: offer placements and first jobs. To young people: make this your launchpad. Together, we can make Mansfield the place where ambition starts – and stays.” Jeremy Hague, director of knowledge exchange at Nottingham Trent University, said: “The Mansfield Ambition Exchange represents a powerful step forward in our shared mission to connect education with enterprise for the benefit of the local community." “By bringing together students, educators and employers under one roof, it’s creating a dynamic environment where innovation thrives and ambition is nurtured." “Nottingham Trent University is proud to collaborate with West Nottinghamshire College on this transformative initiative, which will help shape the future workforce and drive inclusive growth across Mansfield and beyond.” Ian Jephson, chair of Mansfield and Ashfield Business Network, said: “We are delighted that we were able to hold our latest business breakfast networking meeting within the new Mansfield Ambition Exchange." “This was a great chance for everyone to see what fantastic facilities are now available to students and the business community – flexible workspaces, modern facilities, and the kind of atmosphere that sparks creativity and encourages enterprise." “What a great facility to have within the district.”

A community boxing club in Dumfries is punching above its weight on community impact and climate action, thanks to a £3,000 grant secured with help from Business Gateway. Founded by Ross Phillips, Southwest Amateur Boxing Club has quickly established itself as a beacon of community engagement and physical wellbeing. Since opening its doors in May 2023, the club has welcomed individuals from age seven to over 60, offering a diverse range of classes tailored to different age groups and abilities. At the core of the club’s ethos is a commitment to inclusivity and removing barriers to participation. The activities, which are largely non-contact, are focused on promoting confidence, fitness and personal growth, with members encouraged to train at their own pace. This ethos is reflected in the club’s highly successful Boxing for Parkinson’s class, which offers tailored sessions for those living with the condition, reinforcing the club’s belief that fitness should be open to everyone. Understanding that financial pressures can prevent some young people from participating in sport, the club runs a dedicated sponsorship initiative for members aged seven to 16. This is also fully self-funded through membership fees, all of which are reinvested to maintain facilities, purchase equipment, and create opportunities for members to progress through competitions and structured training. To help realise his vision of an inclusive, community-focused boxing club to life, Ross approached his local Business Gateway team in February 2023, and was supported throughout the start-up process by adviser Gary Calderwood who provided expert one-to-one guidance from the early planning stages through to launch, using Business Gateway’s ‘Planning to Start’ tool to help Ross shape his business plan, as well as signposting and application support with routes to funding. Thanks to the support, Ross was able to secure a £3,000 Climate Resilience Grant for Net Zero Adaptations from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding enabled the club to replace its outdated lighting with a bright, energy-efficient LED system, significantly improving the gym’s sustainability and atmosphere. Ross Phillips, founder of Southwest Amateur Boxing Club, said: "We’re passionate about making boxing a tool for positive change. With support from Business Gateway, we’ve been able to make our gym more accessible, more energy-efficient, and a more welcoming space for everyone in the community." “Our aim has always been to create something inclusive - a space where people from all walks of life can come together, support one another, and build lasting confidence and resilience." Gail MacGregor, chair of Business Gateway Board, said: "Southwest Amateur Boxing Club is a shining example of the kind of community-driven enterprise that Business Gateway is proud to support." “Ross has created something truly inspiring; not just a gym, but a place that champions inclusion, health and wellbeing for people of all ages and backgrounds." To find out how Business Gateway can support your business journey, visit here .

Arco, the UK’s leading safety expert, is launching a special, one-off range of pink ATG nitrile gloves in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. This initiative sees Arco collaborating with its long-standing partner, Openreach, which will be providing 1,000 pairs of gloves to its engineers throughout October. For every pair of pink gloves sold between 1st September and 31st October 2025, Arco will donate 80p to its chosen charity: Breast Cancer Now, dedicated to supporting breast cancer awareness and research. The gloves will be available in mixed sizes, from 6 to 11, and supplied in packs of 12 (144 per carton). This limited run is available whilst stocks last and is aimed at all Arco customers, without a specific use case. The ATG MaxiFlex Pink Active is a unique glove, offering a combination of both wearer and social responsibility benefits. Featuring ATG’s proprietary “Active” technology, the glove is infused with vitamin E and Aloe vera to actively care for and condition the skin while worn. Niall Robinson, Product & Procurement Manager – Gloves, at Arco said: "Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an incredibly important cause, and we wanted to contribute in a meaningful yet distinctive way this year. These pink gloves offer a practical product for our customers while also serving as a visible symbol of support for a truly great charity. We are delighted to partner with Openreach on this initiative and hope our customers will join us in making a difference this year." Mark Gannon, UK Sales Director at ATG, said: “Join us in supporting Octobers Breast Cancer Awareness month with the special ATG MaxiFlex Pink Gloves. Designed for comfort, grip with touchscreen capabilities, these breathable gloves now come in a limited-edition pink colour. Available for a limited time only, get yours today and show your support while enjoying top-quality hand protection.”

Simpsons Malt Limited has published its financial results for 2024, posting a profit before tax of £9.5million (2023: £15.2million) from a turnover of £264.1million (2023: £301.3million). For the fifth-generation, family-owned business and Certified B Corporation – which includes agricultural merchanting division McCreath Simpson & Prentice – profitability was lower than in 2023 due to several factors, including lower malt sales values, a small decrease in speciality malt volumes, increased costs and the quality of the 2023 malting barley harvest. The wider drinks market also presented challenges for base malt sales volumes, particularly to distilling customers. Whisky exports by value decreased by 9.5% in 2023 and a further 3.7% in 2024, with global trade disruption, weaker consumer spending and higher domestic taxation all impacting spirit production and therefore malt demand. The merchanting division, meanwhile, delivered another profitable year despite difficult trading conditions in UK agriculture. Grain and feed trading outperformed 2023 despite softer raw material costs and lower whisky production, while fertiliser returned to profitability after significant market disruption in the previous year. Over the past two years, the group has invested £31.7million in infrastructure projects to support malt customers, including £11.5million in 2024. At the company’s Tweed Valley Maltings, investment in base malt and peated malt capacity was completed during 2024, while malt storage projects were also either completed – or neared completion – at both the Tivetshall and Tweed Valley malting sites. The commissioning of the renewable Energy Centre neighbouring the company’s Tweed Valley Maltings also started at the end of 2024 and has reduced the carbon footprint of malt produced at the site by around 76%, while lowering the group’s carbon emissions by around 55%. Speaking about the financial results for 2024, Simpsons Malt Ltd Managing Director, Tim McCreath, said: “While profitability was lower in 2024 than in 2023, we have continued to deliver strong results in a challenging environment." “We have continued to invest in our infrastructure with numerous projects completed in 2024, while our long-term commitment to utilise renewable energy through the Energy Centre neighbouring our Tweed Valley Maltings highlights the positive environmental changes we are making. The drastic reductions in malt production emissions not only provides direct benefits to us as a business but also ensures significant carbon footprint reductions for malting customers we supply out of our Tweed Valley Maltings.” Photo: Founded in 1862, Simpsons Malt Limited is an independent, fifth-generation, family-owned business and Certified B Corporation comprising a malting division. (Simpsons Malt and an agricultural merchanting division McCreath Simpson & Prentice).

Vistage, the leading business performance and leadership organisation for small and medium-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland, has released results from its quarterly CEO Confidence Index for 2025. The quarterly confidence index, which is based on responses from business leaders, has declined to 88, down from 89.5 in Q2 2025 and 107.1 in Q2 2024. The results also indicate that SMEs are in an era of cautious optimism amidst economic uncertainties. While more than half of all those surveyed anticipate increased revenue (57%), 22% foresee a decline in profitability in the next 12 months. Only 10% expect to see any improvement within the economy over the next 12 months, highlighting a prevailing sense of caution and concern about the future economic conditions. Businesses Brace Themselves For Budget According to the report, the vast majority of business leaders (76%) are either not very confident or not confident at all that the upcoming Autumn Budget will deliver policies that support business growth. When asked which measures would most improve SME confidence in the economy, more than half of respondents (58%) highlighted cuts to business taxes, such as Corporation Tax or Employer National Insurance, as their top priority. Additional measures identified included: • Investment in infrastructure (20%) • Reducing regulatory burden (10%) • Targeted investment incentives (9%) • Support in the labour market (4%) Firms Grapple With High Pricing As Sales Weaken As economic pressures mount, 42% of SMEs expect to raise prices in the coming months, while 19% have already increased prices by 7-10% since the start of the year. These price increases come at a challenging time as customer demand softens, with one in four small business leaders reporting a noticeable drop. The combination of rising costs and weakening demand underscores the difficult balancing act SMEs face: maintaining profit while keeping customers engaged. Investing In People To Propel Forward More than a third (37%) of small business leaders plan to expand their workforce over the next 12 months, demonstrating a clear intent to invest in growth even as economic challenges persist. Most SMEs are embracing flexible working arrangements, with nearly two-thirds operating a hybrid model that blends remote and onsite work, while just under a third remain fully onsite. Employee engagement remains a top priority. Leaders are actively tracking the team’s well-being through regular one-on-one meetings and engagement surveys, while focusing on building a positive workplace culture, recognising achievements, and providing career development opportunities. This emphasis on people suggests that SME are not only preparing for growth, but are also investing in the resilience and satisfaction of the teams. Rebecca Drew, Managing Director, Vistage UK and Ireland said: "Our latest index reflects a complex picture facing SMEs in the UK and Ireland. While leaders are grappling with rising costs, weaker customer demand, and uncertainty around government policy, many are still focused on growth - planning to expand their team and invest in employee engagement. The results show that SMEs are navigating a challenging economic environment and making decisions to safeguard both their people and their bottom line." "As such, the leaders most adept at navigating uncertainty are actively turning to their peers for perspective and guidance, helping them make informed decisions and position their businesses for long-term success.” As part of Vistage’s ongoing support for business leaders, the quarterly CEO Confidence Index offers a clear view of economic sentiment, enabling leaders to make smarter decisions in today’s complex environment. To learn more about how Vistage supports high-performing leaders through insight, mentorship and community, visit here.

Across the UK, families who rely on vital in-home care services are at risk of losing the support they depend on, as smaller live-in and domiciliary care providers are being forced to close their doors under rising costs, warns Noble Live-In Care, part of City & County Healthcare Group (CCH), the UK’s largest provider of community-based care. While much public attention has focused on care home closures, the impact of some care providers closing doors is being felt even more acutely in family homes. These providers allow people to remain living safely and independently at home - but rising operational costs are pushing many to breaking point. Kirsty Prendiville, Head of Operations at Noble Live-In Care, said: “Recent budget decisions are putting immense pressure on smaller live-incare providers, ones that have spent years building their community and carer to patient relationships. " "This year, the Department of Health and Social Care outlined plans for the hand back of care contracts from struggling care providers which really hit home - the industry is in crisis and it’s the families that are impacted first and foremost.” She adds: "Families tell us every day how much they want their loved ones to stay in the comfort of their own home, supported by carers who know them well. But many smaller providers simply cannot keep going under the weight of rising wage bills, National Insurance contributions and fuel and transport costs. Even as a larger provider, we feel the brunt of these increases, so it’s no surprise that smaller companies struggle. Families are, in some cases, left scrambling for care – sometimes with less than a week's notice." Noble Live-In Care highlights in detail the mounting pressures for some care providers: Employer National Insurance contributions have risen to 15%, up from 13.8%, adding a significant additional cost for every member of staff. For smaller care providers operating on tight margins, this increase alone can represent tens of thousands of pounds annually. The threshold for employer NI contributions has fallen, meaning providers now pay National Insurance on a broader portion of their staff wages. This change hits smaller agencies hardest, as they typically have a lean workforce and limited ability to absorb extra costs without passing them onto families. The National Living Wage has increased by 6.7%, further raising payroll expenses. For small providers, this affects existing staff costs and can force difficult decisions about recruitment and retention, risking service disruption. Public transport costs for care workers rose by 4.6% in March 2025, impacting carers who travel between clients’ homes daily. Many smaller providers cannot subsidise these rising costs, creating both financial strain and logistical challenges in maintaining consistent care schedules. Fuel costs have increased by 6.4%, hitting both providers and care workers who rely on cars for home visits. For live-in care providers, whose staff may need to travel significant distances to reach clients, these increases translate into higher service costs and reduced flexibility, ultimately affecting families who depend on reliable, home-based care. Combined, these factors are creating a perfect storm for smaller live-in and domiciliary care providers: tight cash flows, rising staff costs and limited room to increase fees for families who are already facing high care expenses. For many providers, continuing operations without support or financial relief is becoming increasingly hard. “At Noble Live-In Care, our scale and backing from City & County Healthcare Group allow us to absorb costs that would cripple smaller entities. It also enables us to take a leadership role in the sector, advocating for change and supporting families when others cannot.” Prendiville added: “This isn’t just about providers – it’s about families who are suddenly left without the care they rely on. We need urgent collaboration between government, regulators and providers to safeguard community care. Without action, more families will face the distress of seeing loved ones left without support.” Noble Live-In Care remains committed to keeping care affordable for families while ensuring fair pay and recognition for its carers. For more information visit here.