Many construction firms are on the ropes following a bleak picture of recent company insolvencies in England and Wales. Nicola Banham, a restructuring expert at UK top 10 accountants Azets, said: "The construction sector is bearing the brunt of tough trading conditions caused by recent record-high inflation in trades materials, supply chain turbulence, higher wage demands, labour shortages and 15-year high interest rates with rising debt levels linked to pandemic loans; many firms are on the ropes." “Latest figures issued by The Insolvency Service make for a bleak picture - the last two quarters, up to the end of this September, saw the highest quarterly insolvency numbers for all types of businesses since the second quarter of 2009 when the economy was reeling from the global financial crisis." “Significantly, over the same six-month period, we also saw the highest numbers of creditors’ voluntary liquidations (CVLs) since the start of the series in 1960, when Elvis Presley’s It's Now or Never was the biggest-selling single and is somewhat appropriate given the problems 63 years on." “CVLs accounted for nearly 5,000 of the 6,208 registered company insolvencies between July and September of this year; CVLS are where directors voluntarily decide to close their business down because it has become insolvent and therefore cannot legally continue trading.” Nicola added: “Matters are unlikely to improve soon - the CEBR think-tank estimates that 28,000 businesses could fall next year as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite on the high street.” According to The Insolvency Service data, there were also 735 compulsory liquidations, 466 administrations, 41 company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) and one receivership appointment. Company insolvencies were 10% higher than the same third quarter in 2022. The last two quarters saw the highest quarterly insolvency numbers since the second quarter of 2009 and the highest numbers of CVLs since the start of the series in 1960, The Insolvency Service reported, with the numbers of compulsory liquidations and administrations increasing to levels last seen before the pandemic. Nicola said: “Many businesses received financial support during the 2020 pandemic and are now unable to pay the lifeline money back due to escalating borrowing costs and belt-tightening by consumers." “To put this into context, and quoting figures from The Insolvency Service, 52.4 per 10,000 active companies entered insolvent liquidation for the year up to this September, a rise from just under 47 over the same timeframe up to September last year." “Our advice to any directors of companies feeling the financial heat is to ensure accurate cashflow forecasting and, if the figures flash up red with no sign of long-term relief, to put their pride in their pocket and speak to a professional advisor as quickly as possible because the longer matters are left, the worse it is for them and their employees and customers.” Based on data from The Insolvency Service, the five industries with the highest number of ‘tombstones’ in the 12 months up to the end of September this year were construction firms at 4,276, followed at 3,777 for wholesale & retail trade along with repair of motor vehicles & motorcycles, 3,477 for accommodation & food service activities, 2,282 for administrative & support service activities and 1,911 for manufacturing. A director based in the London restructuring and insolvency team at Azets, Nicola specialises in advising directors, lenders and other stakeholders in situations involving financial distress.

Popular Derbyshire farm shop Croots has won two top awards in the Great British Food Awards. The farm shop near Duffield scooped a silver medal for its steak and ale pie and a gold for its Croots pork pie – making the pork pie the joint national winner in the savoury bakes category. Kay Croot, who runs the farm shop based at Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, said: “We are beyond thrilled that two of our products have won awards in the Great British Food Awards this year. Our steak & ale pie and our pork pie are both big favourites with our customers, but to win a silver and a gold in these national awards is absolutely fantastic and a tribute to our team here at Croots who produce our home-made savoury bakes using top quality local ingredients.” Croots Farm Shop’s lemon drizzle cake and its Bakewell tart have both previously won the best sweet bake in the Great British Food Awards, in 2021 and in 2015 respectively. These latest awards come after Croots won a gold star for its pork pie in the Great Taste Awards earlier this year. The Great Taste Awards are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the fine food world. The Great British Food Awards were launched in 2014 to celebrate the country's finest artisanal produce, as well as the hard-working people behind the scenes. The judging panel comprised celebrity chefs, Michelin-starred restaurateurs, popular food critics, influencers, buyers and food writers, all known for their love and knowledge of British food and produce.

British Airways customers were surprised to find a special out of this world guest, a Dalek, while travelling through Heathrow’s Terminal 5 on Friday. Much to the surprise of those waiting in the Arrivals hall to meet loved ones, one of Doctor Who’s fearsome foes was seen keeping a watchful eye over British Airways’ arriving customers. The Dalek also mysteriously appeared in Departures where confused customers spotted one of the planet’s best-known villains checking in for a flight to Skaro, an extra-terrestrial destination that isn’t normally on British Airways’ route network. The unscheduled arrival of the Dalek in British Airways’ home at Heathrow Terminal 5 marked the new partnership between British Airways and BBC Studios to celebrate Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, which includes the launch of a dedicated Doctor Who inflight entertainment channel, available for all the airline’s customers travelling on long-haul flights from November 1. The new channel features 13 acclaimed episodes of the longest running science fiction television series in the world. Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said: “We are really excited to be partnering with the BBC’s Doctor Who to create a dedicated channel on our inflight entertainment system, another fantastic British Original partnership that we know our customers will love. This year alone we have doubled the amount of content available on our in-flight entertainment, and we are committed to continue to bring the best, out of this world, entertainment to the skies.” Sarah Bold, Head of Marketing, Scripted at BBC Studios, said: “Doctor Who has been inspiring and entertaining audiences globally for an incredible 60 years and we couldn’t miss this opportunity to bring two iconic British brands together in style to celebrate. Travellers and subscribers will be able to enjoy a curated collection of content and the tie in will reach millions of people throughout the partnership.” The new Doctor Who inflight entertainment channel on board British Airways’ flights, to celebrate the 60th Anniversary, includes 13 different episodes from series 1-13. Alongside this, customers can enjoy up to *80+ box sets such as And Just Like that Season 2, plus 15+ classic franchises, including Back to the Future and The Matrix, and over *700 pieces of audio, including BBC Proms 2023 Classics and UK true-crime podcast They Walk Among Us. In November, customers can enjoy new release movies such as Scrapper, a British Comedy/Drama, The Haunted Mansion or Meg 2: The Trench. Doctor Who returns from November 25th on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ for the rest of the world, with three special episodes with David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor to coincide with the 60th anniversary. The Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, will then take control of the TARDIS, with his first episode airing over the festive period in 2023. Ncuti Gatwa also features in British Airways’ latest safety video.

Mitre announces a new three-year partnership with The Football Association (FA), alongside a set of new football designs inspired by football fan culture. The deal will see Mitre continue in its role of official ball supplier across FA competitions including the Emirates FA Cup, the Women’s FA Cup, the Isuzu FA Vase, the Isuzu FA Trophy and the Golden Ball Awards until the end of the 2026/7 season. To celebrate the partnership, Mitre has unveiled a new set of football designs that pay homage to fans of the legendary Mitre Ultimax. The brand has updated the iconic ball with modern, geometric patterns inspired by football fan matchday scarves and flags. The bold red on the men’s ball has been carefully matched to The FA’s colour pallet with blues taken from Mitre. The women’s ball features the Women’s FA Cup brand colours of deep purple, The FA’s blue and mint green and the silver of the trophies. Mitre’s Ultimax Pro football has been built upon decades of knowledge. It uses a unique four-panel thermally bonded construction to increase that sweet spot for a cleaner strike while the Hyperflow debossed grooves improve in-flight dynamics and reduce drag for pinpoint passing. The FA’s head of commercial partnerships, Stephen Hutchison, said: “We really value our relationship with Mitre, so we’re very happy to extend our partnership. Mitre shares the desire for our competitions to maintain the highest standards and their track record as football suppliers, to both the game in England historically and us throughout this period, has been outstanding.” Simon Rowe, vice president of global sports marketing, Pentland Brands, added: “We’re extremely proud of our partnership with The FA. At our core, we are a brand dedicated to our fans and we firmly believe the beautiful game should always start with a beautiful ball. With these new designs, players and fans can expect the same game-changing ball technology coupled with a levelled-up retro design that encapsulates Mitre’s iconic past through the current football scene.”

Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards joins the cast of Dancing on Ice. Swapping skis for skates, Eddie will be taking to the ice alongside his fellow celebrities as training for the 2024 series has now begun. Eddie said, “It’s bittersweet as whilst I’m delighted to be taking part in the new series I’m gutted for Stephen and wish him a speedy recovery. Dancing on Ice is a show I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a challenge I think I’m going to relish!” Eddie joins the cast after Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb had to withdraw from the show due to an injury he sustained during training. Eddie will be joining the class of 2024 which includes, World Champion Boxer Ricky Hatton MBE, actress Claire Sweeney, actress and singer Hannah Spearritt, West End star Amber Davies and Olympic Champion and presenter Greg Rutherford MBE, TV personality Miles Nazaire, comedian and writer Lou Sanders, actor Ricky Norwood, Broadcaster and DJ Adele Roberts, actor Ryan Thomas and Emmerdale Roxy Shahidi. Dancing on Ice, created and produced by Lifted Entertainment, returns to ITV1, STV and ITVX in 2024 with a new cast. Twelve celebrities prepare to embark on the ultimate challenge as they take to the ice each week, skating live in a bid to impress both the panel and viewers at home. Back for a sparkling new series, the greatest show on ice promises more glitz, glamour and show stopping performances as the celebrities brave it all to learn this dangerous discipline. But who has what it takes to master the skill and steps and lift the trophy at the end of the series?

Velfrey Vineyard, near Narberth in Pembrokeshire, has been nominated as a finalist in the prestigious BBC Food & Farming Awards 2023. These national awards were launched in 2000 to honour those who have done most to promote the cause of good food. Fiona Mounsey, from Velfrey Vineyard, commented: “It is an honour to have been chosen as one of three finalists in the category Best Food and Drink Producer in Wales.” The other finalists are Pembrokeshire Lamb and Peterston Tea from the Vale of Glamorgan. Velfrey are no strangers to success having been awarded the Food & Drink Wales Best Small Drinks Producer award earlier this year, and are holders of the Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Award for Tourism Innovation as well. The vineyard’s flagship wine, its traditional method non-vintage sparkling was awarded a Silver Medal at the WineGB 2023 Awards, while its award-winning Naturiol (Welsh for Natural) is served at some of the country’s finest restaurants. Each week, Radio 4’s The Food Programme has been featuring one of the categories in this year’s Awards, and the episode featuring the best producer in Wales will be broadcast next month. The winners of each of the nine categories will then be announced at a dinner to be held in Newport on 25 October. “We are really looking forward to the event,” concludes Fiona. “We’re thrilled to be in the final alongside such amazing food and drink producers.” The winners will be revealed in BBC Food Programme across two episodes to be broadcast on Sunday 29 October and Sunday 5 November on BBC Radio 4 (12.32pm).

Store & Secure’s huge facility in Poole has undergone an autumn makeover – thanks to one of its clever clients. The frontage of Joyce House has been decorated with an arch of gorgeous seasonal foliage and flowers. Its usual sunny yellow colour still shines through but visitors are now under no illusion that autumn is open us. Josie Murgatroyd of Little Dreams Events took storage with the company and offered to give the entrance a different look. She said: “When I needed storage for my business Store & Secure were the best and they have been great to work with. I asked if I could do up the entrance to the facility with an autumnal display and they said ‘go ahead.' “There are a number of businesses using the facility and it is a very friendly and sociable place – unlike the larger chains.” Store & Secure is run by the ‘storage sisters’ Lucy and Sophie Maidman, and Lucy said: “We love what Josie has done. Like many businesses in various sectors she took storage with us because it is safe and we take in stock for clients when they’re not here. We have indoor and outdoor storage plus serviced offices and love to interact with our clients." “Visitors are always remarking on the display and saying how talented Josie is to have created it.”

ECI-backed, SaaS HR provider Ciphr has appointed Andrew Stevens as its new chief technology officer (CTO). He will lead all technical activities for the group, with immediate effect. Stevens has over 25 years of experience in software engineering, including a strong technical background in greenfield development and deployment, critical systems, platform innovation, infrastructure transformation, and SaaS technologies. He joins Ciphr from Checkit, a leading provider of workflow management software and smart sensor automation for deskless workers, where he served as CTO for nearly three years. Prior to this, he was software development director for Kerridge Commercial Systems, working with large-scale ERP systems. He has also held senior roles at DMGT’s Property Information (PropTech) division, and at Sage, where he worked for over a decade – rising through the ranks to head up R&D for a range of HR, payroll and ERP products in the UK and Europe. Sion Lewis, CEO of Ciphr, says: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to Ciphr, and to our executive leadership team. CTO is a pivotal role in driving ongoing growth for the group and Andrew brings extensive technical knowledge and expertise in software development and engineering to the business. “His impressive SaaS and cloud experience, with a consistent focus on customer delivery and innovation, successful management of several tech transformation programmes, and proven track record of developing people and building high-performing teams, make him ideally suited for this position. We’re really looking forward to working with him as we continue to innovate and evolve Ciphr as the go-to HR software and solutions provider for mid-sized organisations.” Andrew Stevens, incoming CTO at Ciphr, says: “I’m excited to join Ciphr at such an important time, and I see great opportunities ahead for the business and our customers. Ciphr’s innovative products offer huge benefits to businesses across all industries – helping them to manage, support, and unlock the value of their people. “Ciphr has big ambitions, a thirst to drive change, and a proven legacy of innovation in the HR technology market – its products help businesses grow and empower the people that use them. It’s a very compelling proposition, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our customers to meet their business needs and deliver the best possible outcomes. I believe that Ciphr is well placed to further its success, and I’m honoured to be a part of the journey.” David Burns, Ciphr’s former CTO, left the business in May. Ciphr is a leading provider of integrated HR, payroll, learning and recruitment software and solutions. More than 600 organisations use the group’s people management solutions globally across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Ciphr also offers off-the-shelf and bespoke eLearning content through its subsidiary Marshall E-Learning. For more information, please visit www.ciphr.com .

Businesses are being advised to prepare thoroughly – and budget accordingly – when considering hiring staff from overseas. The warning comes from Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, as costs associated with bringing in foreign workers continue to rise for both employer and employee. Senior HR consultant Andreja Okambga, part of the HR Consultancy Services team at the top 10 accountancy firm, said a number of factors was behind the rising cost. Increases to the visa application fees effective from 4 October have contributed 20% to overseas employee cost inflation. And that cost is set to rise still further when the Government implements an announced 66% rise in the immigration health surcharge (IHS) to £1,035 per person per year. The implementation date has now been announced as 16 January 2024 (or later pending parliamentary approval). When the surcharge, to access the NHS, was introduced in 2015 it was £200 per person per year. Employers have also been hit with an increase to the certificate of sponsorship fee, but the skills charge, payable by the employer, has not been increased. Andreja said a skilled worker immigrating with a partner and two children after the January 2024 IHS increase will be hit with a bill of £23,790 before even considering legal fees or moving expenses such as flights, accommodation, an English language test and a TB test. The employer will also have to pay £5,239 for the privilege of sponsoring a skilled worker from abroad, and this does not include the costs for maintaining the sponsor licence. Andreja, an immigration advisor registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), has set out a number of tips for businesses. Businesses should review their recruitment budgets and policies and re-evaluate their recruitment strategies. Budgets will have to be increased to account for the increasing fees, but also considering that more applicants will require help with the fees to be able to relocate. Those employers who are able to continue to support applicants with increasing fees, should ensure appropriate claw-back agreements are implemented to safeguard the business against the risks and enable them to recoup the investment should the employment not work out. Businesses should also accelerate any visa applications in the pipeline to try to get them over the line before the IHS increase in January Andreja, also a qualified paralegal in employment law, said: “Workers entering the UK to start a sponsored job are typically sponsored by employers for three years initially, to mitigate the risks of the employment not working out." “Since the fee increases were announced, more workers are sponsored for the full five years’ duration from the outset, to avoid the uncertainty of the increasing fees and to try to lock-in the whole sponsorship period at the current fees." “While that is a much bigger financial undertaking now, it means the overall cost of sponsoring a worker will be lower." “Visa application fees are often picked up by employers and I expect this will become a necessity as more and more applicants will be priced out of being able to pay for their own visas." “A lot of people don’t appreciate the total cost that a skilled worker in demand in the UK needs to pay for the privilege of working here.” Latest government figures show that in the year ending June 2023 there were 321,101 work visas granted to main applicants, 45% higher than in the year ending June 2022 and 144% higher than the number in the year ending June 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The rise is largely due to increases in the ‘skilled worker’ visas. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the number of non-UK nationals working in the UK has increased by 344,000 (+9%) in the past year to 4.26 million. Of these, an estimated 1.98 million are non-EU nationals. The total UK workforce is estimated at 30.1 million.

For many of us, swimming started at a very young age as a life skill, others took the water when they were at school and fortunate to have access to a pool, and others took the plunge later on in life. One thing is for sure, swimming is a sport for all and irrespective of when you took to the water, it is certainly not just a recreational activity but an immersive experience that offers an array of physical and mental benefits. As an activity that combines both relaxation and exercise, it has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Whether you're gliding gracefully through calm waters or racing against the clock in a competitive pool, swimming offers something for everyone. The Physical Benefits Swimming is a full-body workout like no other. As a low-impact exercise, it is gentle on joints, making it an excellent choice for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Here are some of the physical benefits of swimming: Cardiovascular Health : Swimming elevates the heart rate, improving circulation and increasing cardiovascular fitness. Muscle Toning : Every stroke engages multiple muscle groups, promoting strength and muscle tone. Weight Management : Swimming burns calories and aids in weight control, making it an effective exercise for those looking to shed extra pounds. Enhanced Flexibility : The rhythmic motion of swimming helps improve flexibility, especially in the shoulders, hips, and legs. Stress Reduction : The soothing properties of water have a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The Mental Benefits Swimming offers more than just physical rewards; it also has several mental benefits: Stress Relief : The gentle, repetitive motion of swimming is meditative, allowing you to clear your mind and reduce stress. Improved Mood : Swimming triggers the release of endorphins, enhancing mood and combating depression and anxiety. Mental Clarity : Many find that the time spent in the water is when they experience some of their most creative and clear thinking. Sense of Achievement : Setting and achieving swimming goals can boost confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. Social Connection : Swimming can be a social activity, fostering a sense of community and connection with others who share the passion. Beyond its physical and mental benefits, swimming is a critical life skill. Knowing how to swim can save lives in emergency situations, such as water accidents or natural disasters. It's an essential skill for personal safety and a valuable asset for anyone living near water or frequently engaging in aquatic activities. Swimming is more than just a sport or pastime; it's a holistic experience that nourishes the body and mind. It offers numerous physical and mental benefits, from improved cardiovascular health and muscle tone to stress reduction and enhanced mood. Whether you're diving into a serene lake or racing in a competitive pool, swimming is a versatile and life-enriching activity that has something to offer everyone. So, why wait? Take the plunge and let swimming become your watery adventure for a healthier, happier life.

British Airways’ first flight from London Gatwick to Accra has landed at Kotoka International Airport. The inaugural service received a warm West African welcome as it taxied to stand, with dancers, drummers and a VIP delegation, including the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, greeting customers as they stepped off the aircraft. Crew members arrived in their new uniform, designed by British-Ghanaian master tailor, Ozwald Boateng OBE. British Airways is now operating three times a week from the Ghanaian capital to London Gatwick, giving travellers more choice of flight times and airports. Flights depart Accra at 21.20 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, landing into Gatwick at 04.00. A fourth weekly service will be added to the route timetable from April next year. Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances said: “With 11 direct flights, across two London gateways, we’re pleased to offer our Ghanaian customers a greater choice of products and prices. Overall, we’re doubling the number of seats between Accra and London, with 55 per cent more capacity next summer versus 2019. We are always looking at routes and regions where there is potential for growth and Accra is one of those routes and Africa is one of those regions.” Daily flights from London Heathrow to Accra are served by the airline’s A350 fleet, British Airways’ newest and more-fuel efficient aircraft type, featuring the latest generation business class seat, Club Suite. The new route also adds cargo capacity between the two capitals, increasing opportunities for Ghanaian exporters to get perishables and other goods to market more quickly through IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group, British Airways’ parent company. To celebrate the increase in the number of flights between Africa and London, the airline is bringing Afrobeats to travellers, with an exclusive playlist available onboard. Global DJ sensation, Cuppy, has curated her top tracks for the airline’s inflight entertainment system bringing feel-good vibes right to customers’ seats.

One-in-five (20%) small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners plan to sell part or all their business within the next two years according to a new study conducted on behalf of Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management. An additional one in ten (11%) respondents expect to downsize their businesses over the same period. Of these, a third (31%) blame rising costs, 18% cite performance-related issues and a further one in six (15%) need to release liquidity to deal with the cost-of-living crisis. But while rising costs and profitability were among some of the catalysts for selling up or making a change, the research also shows that many owners are motivated to sell all or part of their business for positive reasons. 40% plan to release liquidity to invest in other business ventures, for example. Just six percent said they are planning to sell their entire business within the next two years, with 20% citing retirement as the driving factor, and a further 20% having to do so due to an absence of family succession options. Despite the multiple challenges faced by many SMEs, most company owners (52%) have no plans to change their firm’s size or ownership status. Furthermore, one in six (16%) are considering scaling up their operations within the next two years, indicating a welcome degree of optimism among this business segment. Christine Ross, Head of Private Office (North) and Client Director at Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management said: “Making changes to your business – whether you’re expanding, downsizing, selling or starting something new – can be a very exciting time, but it can also be very stressful. If you’re releasing money from your business by selling all or part of it, it can feel like a big weight off your mind when the process is finally concluded. However, there’s also the question of what to do with the proceeds of a business sale, as you enter the next chapter of your life." “This is a good time to take stock of your situation, and focus on your goals for the future. It’s important to remember that many of the tax advantages you enjoyed as a business owner may no longer be available to you, so consider taking professional advice as early as possible to help work out the best options for you." “For example, setting up a family trust prior to your business sale could make use of inheritance tax reliefs, if this meets your financial and estate planning objectives. You might also want to make the most of allowances around ‘gifting’ money to help the next generation, if it suits your personal situation, or invest in financial markets an effort to protect the value of your capital against inflation." "Whatever you choose to do next, make sure you understand the risks and potential rewards involved.”