Skipton Business Finance has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the UK’s growing independent business sector by providing a six-figure invoice finance facility to Sheffield based distributors of luxury and niche fragrances, SG Brands. Founded by Samuel Gearing in 2019, the business is known for supplying fine and independent fragrance labels to prestigious retailers such as Liberty and Fortnum & Mason. The invoice factoring facility will support the businesses growth plans by enabling it to purchase stock from brand holders, strengthen supplier partnerships and expand distribution across a broader retail network. It will also allow the business to invest in new opportunities with heritage names such Portuguese beauty brand, Benamôr and French fragrance house, Bienaimé, helping to confidently respond to rising customer demand. Samuel Gearing, director at SG Brands, said: “Securing the funding from Skipton Business Finance is a pivotal moment for SG Brands. It gives us the capacity to scale our stockholding and develop relationships with our brand partners.” “We chose to work with Skipton not just because of their flexible funding model, but because they took the time to understand our business and what makes it special. Their support means we can now pursue our growth plans with greater certainty and ambition.” Skipton Business Finance provides invoice factoring and invoice discounting solutions tailored for SMEs across a range of sectors. Jim Furey, regional sales director for the North West and Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to support SG Brands at the start of this exciting growth chapter. Samuel and his team have built a distinctive and highly respected business in the fine fragrance sector, and our funding will enable them to respond to increasing demand while safeguarding the operational ability of the company.” “At Skipton, we work with an incredibly diverse client base, from traditional industries to innovative niche sectors, and SG Brands is a great example of that range. We’re proud to be backing them through this period of growth and looking forward to being on that journey with them.”

Four adult students from the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group were recently commended at the West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards for their achievements in adult learning. Hosted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority at Leeds Civic Hall, the event welcomed over 100 adult learners, learning providers and Mayor Tracy Brabin. Recognising her commitment to education over the past decade whilst working in a nursery and as a childminder, BA (Hons) Early Years student Leanne Garner won the West Yorkshire Sector Focus Award. Leanne began her journey in 2008 with a Caring for Children course at the College before later returning in 2016 and again in 2021, working towards her degree at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. Three other learners also attended the awards ceremony as finalists, including Sidra Riaz for the English Language Learner Award, Tyler Dupree for the Higher Education Learner Award and Faye Earley for the Inspirational Adult Learner Award. Laurent Berges, Group Director of Adult Skills at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “I’m a strong believer in that it’s never too late to learn and there shouldn’t be any barriers for adults wanting to return to education. Our students truly demonstrate this and are the perfect example of how rewarding adult learning can be. That’s why I’m incredibly proud their hard work has been recognised and I hope this can inspire more adults in Wakefield to consider enrolling on a course - whether that be to develop a new skill, progress to higher education or change career paths.” Leanne Garner (far right) with her West Yorkshire Sector Focus Award with the runners up. Sidra, who has progressed from Entry 1 to Entry 3 in English for Speakers of Other Languages whilst studying Level 1 Maths, said about her journey: “Wakefield College has given me everything - I now have much more confidence speaking English. Life is so different after studying this course and I’m excited to continue my studies next year.” After 15 years out of education, Faye Earley took on an Access to Higher Education Humanities course and is now on track to start a degree in Social Work at Leeds Beckett University in September. Stephen Jones, Curriculum Development Manager for Distance Learning, said: "Faye not only balances her studies with various childcare responsibilities but is also a self-employed hairdresser and volunteer at a local care home, showing that age, family responsibilities and work do not have to be barriers to learning. She is a truly inspirational adult learner.” Whilst studying for his BSc (Hons) Applied Sports Performance at the University Centre, Tyler Dupree helped Wigan Warriors secure all four trophies on offer within the 2024 season – making Super League history. Tyler credits his degree for sharpening his rugby performance through skills in nutrition, strength and conditioning and coaching. The Group, consisting of Castleford College, Wakefield College and Selby College offers a vast range of online, part-time and professional courses for adults in subjects such as Art, Healthcare, Business, Construction and more – ensuring learners can fit their studies around other commitments.

The most expensive Kia ever produced has been launched in the UK this month, and Nottingham car enthusiasts can buy one at luxury vehicle dealership, NK Motors.  Kia hit the motoring press headlines this month after launching its most expensive UK car ever – The Kia EV9 GT - priced at £82,185. Chilwell based NK Motors is now selling the seven-seater headline grabber at its showroom at Eldon Road Business Park.  Group managing director of NK Motors, Sanj Kumar, said: “The excitement around the launch of this top end SUV has been tremendous and the Kia EV9 GT hasn’t disappointed. The versatile 501bhp electric SUV grabbed the headlines for all the right reasons. It combines style, power and performance.”   While this may be headlining as the brand’s most expensive vehicle, it is also the most powerful three-row Kia ever. The car can accelerate from 0-to-62mph in just 4.6 seconds, on to a top speed of 136mph thanks to the dual motor powertrain which produces 502bhp and 740Nm torque.    As well as offering an enhanced driving experience with performance and tech upgrades, including Virtual Gear Shift and electronically controlled suspension, it also boasts an ultra-fast 800V charging and driving range of up to 280 miles. Sanj Kumar said: “This is a powerful performance vehicle that ticks all the boxes. The SUV has seven seats so it’s a perfect family car but that doesn’t stop it being fun, fast to charge and with plenty of tech and performance under the bonnet." "Discerning Nottingham buyers have been quick to spot the attraction of this high-performance vehicle – as an official Kia franchise dealership we have already had numerous enquiries.”     The Kia dealership has established itself as a trusted dealership in the East Midlands. It celebrated its 20th anniversary at its Derby site earlier this year and marked the anniversary with the completion of a £1m showroom refurbishment. Its Chilwell site is currently in the process of being upgraded with state-of-the-art upgrades and is due for completion by the end of this year, Sanj said: “Kia is constantly evolving its product range based on customer demand and feedback. It is an ethos that aligns with our own business strategy. As a trusted family business, we are always focused on customer service and on maintaining and evolving our businesses.”   NK Motors will also be selling the new Kia at its site on Pride Park.     NK Motors has sold over 35,000 cars since moving to its Pride Park home in April 2005. It sells around 200 used cars every month from its network of showrooms across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The NK Group employs 120 staff across all businesses.

A British aerospace business has confirmed two major deals that it shook on at the recent Paris Air Show. Flitetec has now signed a distribution agreement with Sliding Systems, a global leader in high-performance telescopic slides and linear motion solutions. It has also become an authorised distributor of Ancra International products across the UK and Europe. Ancra is a world leader in cargo loading systems and aerospace components, trusted by original equipment manufacturers and conversion programmes globally. Both deals will add to the growing turnover of the long-established company that is eying rapid expansion and increased staffing levels. Headquartered in Amersham, Bucks, Flitetec operates in 100 countries and provides an aerospace distribution service as well as designing, manufacturing and repairing aircraft interior products. Managing Director Trevor Lea said: “The Paris Air Show was a huge success for us, with two major deals signed and plenty of leads generated. I had a great meeting with Steve Moon, Operations Director of Sliding Systems, and we shook on a deal then. It will allow us to expand our distributed product portfolio across the UK and Europe, offering engineered solutions tailored to the aerospace, defence and transportation sectors." “The agreement reinforces our ongoing commitment to align with trusted partners that share a focus on quality and technical excellence. It marks a milestone for both companies; Sliding Systems’ reputation for durability and engineering excellence is a natural fit with Flitetec’s mission to deliver complete, integrated solutions to our customers." “Our other deal was signed with Ancra International, to become an authorised distributor of their products across the UK and Europe. This partnership significantly strengthens our distribution product portfolio, underlining our continued growth and strategic expansion in aircraft components." “Ancra’s reputation for innovation and reliability is second to none. The deal allows us to offer our customers even greater access to high-quality, proven solutions in cargo loading and aircraft interior components. It’s an exciting step forward for Flitetec as we continue to grow our presence across the UK and Europe.” Photo: Steve Moon, operations director of Sliding Systems, with Trevor Lea, managing director of Flitetec

With the help of their amazing distributor network, Robert Scott’s P-Wave® brand has now placed over one million of its NHS England branded urinal mats in men’s washrooms across the country, from pubs, offices and restaurants, to shopping malls and stadiums. “According to the Office for National Statistics there are over 25 million men in England and we estimate that at least a quarter use a urinal once a day, so our 30 day urinal screens are taking this essential health message – “Blood in your pee? Contact your GP practice” – to many millions of men every day,” says P-Wave Brand Manager Mark Wintle at Robert Scott, the family business celebrating its centenary this year. “Our unique partnership with NHS England began 18 months ago – as part of a major earlier cancer diagnosis drive. Diagnosing cancer early means it is easier to treat and can save lives, which is why NHS England chose to collaborate with P-Wave, urging men to be aware of changes in their bodies and to contact their GP practice if they notice symptoms that could be a sign of cancer. We are proud to have played such an important role in encouraging men to consult their GPs if they see blood in their urine, with our specially branded Slant6 urinal and trough screens." “The campaign has gained huge momentum as many large businesses have come on board to support this important and potentially life-saving initiative. We are thrilled that this ever-growing group of partners includes Sodexo, phs Group, Balfour Beatty. Mitchells & Butlers, and even Manchester United football club. The more men see the message, the more effective the campaign becomes.” “It is time to put an increasing focus on the washroom as a centre for wellbeing and men’s health, and there have already been many success stories as result of this unique NHS partnership initiative.” Cancer survivor Berry Mulder (pictured) credits the NHS England message seen on a P-Wave urinal mat in a Marks and Spencer store in Bristol with helping to save his life. After reading the prompt, he sought medical advice and was later diagnosed and successfully treated for testicular cancer. Now more than six months cancer-free, Berry reached out to the P-Wave team to express his gratitude, saying: “Dear P-Wave, I’d like to thank you and the NHS from the bottom of my heart – because you probably saved my life”. Part of delivering on an ESG strategy While the health and wellbeing benefits of P-Wave’s NHS partnership are obvious, there is another positive aspect to the company’s biodegradable urinal screens – making them a must for facilities managers who need to tick as many ESG boxes as possible. “Sustainability is important to us, and our Slant6 and Trough urinal mats are made from recyclable plastic, which is a good start,” says Mark Wintle. “But here’s the inconvenient truth: after a month in a busy public loo, no one wants to recycle a urinal mat. The intention is there, but where is the reality? Unless incinerated, they will likely end up in landfill. It’s not glamorous – but it is the reason we had to think beyond the recycling bin." “For several years we have been incorporating EcoPure® into our urinal mats during manufacturing. It is a clever organic additive which does not change the way they perform while in use, and doesn’t affect their shelf. But once they’re in landfill? That’s when the magic happens." “EcoPure attracts microbes and accelerates natural biodegradation. Unlike oxo-degradable plastics (which break into harmful microplastics), EcoPure-treated plastics fully biodegrade – safely and responsibly. No toxins, no microplastic soup – just CO2, methane, and finally, nutrient-rich soil biomass." “Since 2019, we have been independently testing our mats at Eden Research Laboratory in the United States, under ASTM D5511 – a test designed to simulate landfill conditions. The latest results show that after six years, our urinal mats are 85% biodegraded and are still breaking down. That’s not just clever chemistry, it’s proof that even the dirtiest of products (literally) can be part of a cleaner future." “We chose to use EcoPure not because it was the easy option, but because it was the right one. Our urinal mats already led the market in design and fragrance performance, so adding sustainability to the mix was the natural next step.” Award-winning campaign P-Wave’s body awareness partnership with NHS England won the Marketing Campaign of the Year category at the 24th European Office Product Awards in Amsterdam in March 2025.

Manchester based Northbuild Recruitment Limited will be able to enhance its rapidly growing business following receipt of a £1 million Confidential Invoice Discounting (CID) facility from Cynergy Business Finance. The facility will enable Northbuild to achieve its significant growth ambitions, as it continues to expand its client base to respond effectively to needs across the construction, house building, and civil engineering sectors. Established in March 2024, Northbuild Recruitment is a specialist recruitment firm, offering both temporary and contract staffing services across the Northwest. Based outside Salford Quays, Northbuild’s expert consultants place candidates into roles across the engineering and construction sectors, always striving to understand specific business needs to source the best talent. The CID facility provided by Cynergy Business Finance will allow Northbuild to grow and focus on enhancing the flexibility of its services. The facility provides a cost-effective solution whilst further supporting Northbuild’s short term cashflow requirements. Richard Pogmore at Northbuild Recruitment, said: “As Northbuild Recruitment continues its expansion, collaborating with a financial partner that understands the nuances of our industry has been critical. Our relationship with Cynergy Business Finance has been instrumental in helping us take the next step in our growth journey. This partnership ensures we’re well-positioned to meet increasing client demand and continue delivering exceptional service.” Nicole Wadmore at Cynergy Business Finance, said: “Northbuild Recruitment is a well-managed business with a strong leadership team and a clear growth strategy. We’re excited to support Northbuild as they enter the next phase by providing a flexible and agile facility. This will in turn support further growth and allow them to scale up more confidently.” Karl Hutchinson at Compare Your Funding said: “It has been great to have worked with Northbuild Recruitment and secure a facility with Cynergy Business Finance that not only supports their growth ambitions but also offers the flexibility needed to adapt to future opportunities.”

Hintsa, the high-performance coaching firm behind 19 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championships, has published a landmark report revealing that many sponsors are missing out on the full potential of their involvement in the sport. Titled “The Hidden Value of Formula 1”, the report features insights from two-time World Champion Mika Häkkinen and leading sponsors to track the evolution of F1 sponsorship from branding on cars to boardroom transformation. More than a sport, Formula 1 is now a masterclass in team performance, resilience, and mental agility. Leading companies like Bang & Olufsen, Charlotte Tilbury, Maaden and others are applying the same high-performance strategies seen in the paddock to drive employee engagement, leadership development, and cultural transformation within their own organisations. However, the report from Hintsa argues that many sponsors fail to grasp this deeper opportunity. Formula 1 is one of the most demanding performance ecosystems on the planet, mirroring many of the same pressures businesses face. From navigating rapid change to managing global operations and sustaining performance under pressure, Formula 1 offers brands more than visibility: it offers a working model for organisational excellence. Rather than simply watching drivers and teams perform under pressure, brands can learn how they do it - and apply those lessons internally. Two-time World Champion Mika Häkkinen puts it simply in the report: “F1 is not just a sport. I truly believe F1 is a masterclass in leadership, culture, team building and sustained high performance.” The report outlines five areas where businesses can adopt lessons from the paddock: 1. Embrace Seasonality: Follow F1’s performance cycle of intensity and recovery. 2. Optimise Travel & Jet Lag Recovery: Apply chronobiology and performance-based travel protocols. 3. Apply Performance Psychology: Use mental mode-switching and pressure simulation techniques. 4. Team Performance Psychology: Strengthen team dynamics with structured debriefs and emotional regulation. 5. Brain Health: Build cognitive longevity through Hintsa’s 3S model – Stimulus, Supply, Support. Some sponsors have begun implementing this approach. As Kristian Teär, CEO of Bang & Olufsen said: “We came into Formula 1 through passion, alignment and performance. F1’s unique value is not just in brand visibility, but in technical innovation and human performance behind the scenes. Beyond brand value, the partnership gives us insight into human performance mindset, and real-time learnings from working closely with a high-performance partner.” Annastiina Hintsa, CEO of Hintsa, said: “Formula 1 has always been about pushing the limits of human performance. At Hintsa, we help business leaders apply those same principles to their organisations - building stronger cultures, more resilient teams, and lasting success. If you’re investing in F1, you’re investing in a blueprint for high performance - and we’d love to help you unlock it.” About Hintsa Hintsa Performance is a global leader in high-performance coaching and wellbeing services. For over 30 years, the company has repeatedly proven its science-based coaching methods in the most challenging business and sports environments. Clients from Formula 1 champions to Fortune 500 CEOs and world-leading companies trust Hintsa’s performance coaches and specialists to help them succeed. Hintsa-supported drivers have won 19 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championships, and 8 World Constructors’ Championships have been secured by teams working with Hintsa experts. To date, Hintsa has supported 500+ organisations — from leading expert institutions to global Fortune 500 companies — achieve sustainable high performance.

Five years on from the disruption of lockdown, young readers are engaging with more challenging books—and understanding them better – according to a new study authored by a University of Dundee education expert. The 2025 What Kids Are Reading report, published by leading edtech provider Renaissance, includes data from over 40,000 pupils in Scotland and reveals how children’s reading habits are evolving. The study assessed the reading habits of nearly 1.3 million pupils across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Although the number of books read has declined slightly year-on-year, pupils still read on average 20.7 books a year—far more than the median UK adult, who reads just three. The data was analysed by Keith Topping, Professor of Educational and Social Research at the University. In schools using Accelerated Reader, a structured programme that supports reading practice and comprehension, quiz scores have improved since last year. Primary pupils are now achieving 80% accuracy on reading quizzes (up from 77% last year), while secondary pupils have reached 72% (up from 69%). Pupils are also scoring highest on their favourite books, many of which are more challenging than their most-read titles. In Year 5, for example, favourite books had a reading level nearly two years above the average for that age group, with quiz accuracy reaching 94%. These patterns suggest that when pupils are given the freedom to choose books they love, they rise to the challenge—and understand them deeply. Professor Topping said: “This year’s findings are encouraging. The narrowing of the enjoyment gap, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, suggests that structured reading time and access to tools like Accelerated Reader are making a real difference. When pupils enjoy reading, they read more—and when they read more, they achieve more.” Additional insights from the National Literacy Trust’s Annual Literacy Survey, included in the report, show that while overall reading enjoyment has declined to 35%, its lowest level since 2005, Accelerated Reader users buck the trend. Among pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), 37% of those using Accelerated Reader say they enjoy reading, compared to 32% of their peers. A similar pattern appears among boys, with 31% of Accelerated Reader participants reporting enjoyment, versus 27% of non-participants—suggesting structured support may be helping to close the enjoyment gap. This year’s What Kids Are Reading report also shows how children’s reading habits are changing. Jeff Kinney remains the most-read author across UK schools, with Diary of a Wimpy Kid still topping the charts. But newer voices are gaining ground, with titles by Marcus Rashford, Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and Matt Oldfield now among the most-read books in schools. Books such as The Breakfast Club Adventures, Little People, BIG DREAMS, and Black Men in Science mean more pupils are seeing their experiences reflected in the stories they read—supporting not only literacy development but also helping pupils see themselves in the stories they read—fostering confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of reading. Crispin Chatterton, Director of Education at Renaissance, said: “This year’s What Kids Are Reading report highlights the real progress schools are making in helping children read with greater understanding." “It’s especially encouraging to see disadvantaged pupils reporting higher enjoyment of reading in school—showing how targeted support can help more children build confidence and enjoyment in reading. At Renaissance, we’re proud to work alongside schools to create inclusive, engaging reading experiences that help all pupils succeed.”

The NSPCC made 390 referrals to agencies in London between April 2024 and March 2025 where children being left home alone or unsupervised was believed to be the main risk factor for the child. This summer holiday, the children’s charity is encouraging parents and carers to reach out to the NSPCC Helpline or website for advice on leaving children home alone. East Midlands agencies including the police and children’s services were alerted to concerns about children being left home alone or unsupervised almost 400 times by the NSPCC Helpline last year. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the service – which provides help and advice for adults with concerns about the wellbeing of a child – made 390 referrals to local agencies, following contacts from adults who were concerned for the safety of a child because of this issue. More than 4,000 referrals were made to agencies across the UK. When concerns are raised through the Helpline, the NSPCC refers the matter to a local agency if additional support or intervention is deemed necessary. A contact can result in multiple referrals. The NSPCC Helpline is anticipating an increase in contacts across the UK this summer from adults with concerns about children being left home alone. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the service received 6,719 contacts on the subject. This is an average of 560 a month. In July and August, there was a particularly high number of contacts made to the Helpline about this issue, with a total of 1,276 across the two months. The summer holidays can be a particularly challenging time for parents as they try to balance the competing demands of work and childcare. To cope, some adults might consider leaving their children home alone. A parent, who contacted the Helpline, said: “I’m after some advice. I have a situation where I will have to either leave my two kids (aged 12 and 8) at home by themselves or make alternative care arrangements over summer. I am separated and, for the next two weeks, I have to travel to another part of the country for work. I have asked my neighbour for help but she can only be there in the afternoons. I am aware that kids above 12 can be by themselves if they are comfortable with it. But what if there are younger kids with them in the same house? Is it okay to leave them home alone too?” Also, as more children are left alone, there might be increased concerns from neighbours, friends, family, and the public who notice problems when parents are not home. Another adult who contacted the NSPCC Helpline, said: “I am worried about three girls who are 4, 6 and 8 years old. It's the school holidays, and I believe both parents have left to go to work. There are no cars on the drive or other cars that would show a babysitter is around. I can hear the children arguing since the mum left. This sort of thing has happened before, but not for this long.” There is no legal age limit for leaving children, but the NSPCC recommends never letting a child aged under 12 years old be home alone. Equally, if a child has expressed concerns about being left without a parent or carer, those worries should be respected. For those young people who are ready to remain at home unsupervised, the children’s charity has prepared advice to parents and carers. Tips for parents and carers considering leaving their child alone Being home alone for the first time is probably going to be as worrying for the young person as it is for you. Try to prepare them by talking about scenarios that might take place and solutions, such as would they know what to do if someone came to the door? Ensure they have the emergency services and relevant contact numbers written down in case they can’t contact you, for instance family members or friends. Agree what they’ll be doing while you are out, equally agree what they cannot do, for instance cooking can be dangerous and should only be done by an older child. Adults should be clear about what time they’ll be returning and let their child know if their plans change, as well as checking in regularly. Depending on the child, being left home alone can be a big change to get used to. It's better to leave them for a short time at first, no more than 20 minutes, then build this up over time. Further advice on leaving children home alone can be found on the NSPCC website, as well as a quiz to assess if a child is ready to be left unsupervised. Kam Thandi, Head of the NSPCC's Helpline, said: "The long summer holidays present many parents and carers with a major headache about how they ensure their children are safe and looked after while also holding down a job." “Trying to juggle these competing commitments can lead some to consider whether leaving their child home alone is a viable option." “Even if the child is aged 12 or over it is still essential to check they are comfortable at being left unsupervised and to also map out together what they will be doing while you are away and what they should do if something goes wrong." “For additional support and guidance, the NSPCC Helpline and website has a wealth of information and expertise which parents and carers can also draw on.” Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk. Childline is available for young people via phone on 0800 1111 and online, offering a 1-2-1 chat on the website.

New research by driver training and compliance expert, TTC , reveals 49% of employees who use their private car for business-related journeys don’t recall having had their driving licence checked by their employer. With a fifth of all validation checks on grey fleet drivers and vehicles carried out by TTC on behalf of its clients failing, the findings should raise road safety alarm bells. Despite 14 million drivers in the UK regularly using their own car for work-related trips, the TTC survey of grey fleet drivers also showed that some employers are falling short on the most fundamental vehicle validation checks. Less than a third (31%) of employees surveyed by TTC said they haven’t been asked to show a valid MOT certificate and just 35% have been asked to show evidence of motor insurance. While it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure they have valid documents, including business car insurance, it is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act for any grey fleet vehicle to be verified roadworthy and legal by the driver’s employer. David Marsh, CEO, TTC Group comments, “The fact that so few employees are ever asked to provide driver and vehicle validation is truly alarming. Especially coupled with the fact that a fifth of all the 70,000 driver validation checks we carried out on behalf of clients resulted in failure. The current economic climate is placing untold pressures on UK businesses and time is money. As more deaths occur from at-work road trips than at the workplace itself, however, prioritising time to carry out necessary checks to ensure the legality of drivers and their vehicles could make a huge difference. Businesses who take control of their grey fleets can also minimise the financial and operational risks associated with collisions, convictions and driving bans.” TTC’s research also revealed that just 22% of employees were provided with a Driving for Work policy. This essential policy is designed to educate grey fleet drivers on what confirmations they must provide before driving for work, what is expected of them when on the road, and what their responsibilities are going forward. Having a robust Driving for Work policy is a legal requirement, so as well as placing grey fleet drivers at risk, companies who do not have one also risk reputational damage, fines and even prosecution. As well as a lack of policy and validation checks the research also revealed less than a fifth (18%) of employees said they have ever been offered driver training by their employers. Meanwhile only 11% had been asked to install a company-supplied telematics device to monitor driver behaviour. Driver training is essential to help motorists reduce their own risk, make informed driving decisions and stay safe on the road. Businesses who invest in telematics technology can aggregate all driver risk and compliance data, then use algorithms and automation to extract insight for personalised training recommendations. David Marsh concludes, “Whilst there are many businesses proactively validating drivers, monitoring their on-road behaviours and providing personalised training to improve safety, it’s clear many businesses are putting employees and other road users at risk." "By raising awareness of driver safety and compliance for employees at all levels, businesses can reduce their risk profile while protecting their employees and other road users.”

Around one in five SMEs believe it will become more difficult to pay tax bills in the year ahead as business tax rises come into effect, new research from Premium Credit shows. The study by the leading provider of finance for businesses found worries about paying tax bills are a long-standing issue for SMEs but the introduction of higher Employers’ National Insurance from April is ratcheting concerns higher. Around 20% of SMEs – the equivalent of a million companies – worry paying tax bills will become more difficult in the year ahead due to tax rises while 28% believe that it is very or quite likely their firm will struggle to pay a tax bill in the next five years. More than one in five (21%) say it has become more difficult paying tax bills since the start of the cost of living crisis. Currently one in 12 (8%) of the UK’s 5.487 million SMEs say they are struggling to pay tax bills unchanged from research last year which also found 8% were struggling. Around 47% of them say they are struggling to pay a VAT bill and 44% a Corporation Tax bill. More than a third (35%) of those struggling say they will try to agree with HMRC to pay the bill over a longer period of time while 29% say they will take on more work to pay the bill and 27% will take out a loan. The research found 15% of SMEs have struggled to pay tax bills in the past 10 years with 25% of them owing more than £50,000. A third (32%) said they agreed payment deals with HMRC while one in five (19%) laid off staff to afford the payment. Jennie Hill, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium Credit (Specialist Finance) said: “Paying tax bills is a long-running issue for SMEs and the latest tax increases are expected to add further pressure." “Of course firms should plan ahead and ensure they have money set aside to meet bills when they are due but cashflow issues can be a problem and owners will be focused on running their business effectively." “Any company which is struggling should consider spreading the cost into convenient monthly payments to help them pay their tax on time and improve vital cashflow.” Premium Credit’s Tax and VAT funding proposition, which allows companies and business owners to spread the cost of their VAT, corporation tax and self-assessment tax payments for up to a year, has seen the number of clients using its service more than double in the past two years. More than one in three (34%) SMEs say they would consider such a scheme regardless of whether they struggle to pay their tax bills or not with a further 30% undecided. Research last year found 31% of SMEs would consider spreading tax bills over a year.

New research from Uswitch business savings experts reveals that small business owners are either optimistic (34%) or supportive (37%) about AI, yet employee responses suggest a more mixed picture. Employers and employees are divided when it comes to artificial intelligence. While there is interest and curiosity, 20% of SME employees say they feel frightened about their career’s future due to AI developments. 17% feel directly threatened by AI’s potential, and 33% are concerned about its long-term impact on their working lives. This suggests that while employers see enthusiasm, many staff still feel unprepared, highlighting a need for better support, communication and training. Employers aren’t without concerns, either. While many see AI as a valuable tool, over half (51%) of those already using it say they view it as a way to support their workforce, not replace it. At the same time, nearly a third acknowledge potential risks, from data security and job disruption to changing market expectations. What workers really think about AI As AI rapidly reshapes job roles and workflows, employees are caught between optimism and anxiety. While 42% recognise both the risks and opportunities of AI, nearly one in five (18%) believe the next five years will bring more harm than good. It’s a complicated picture. Businesses may be racing ahead with AI adoption to boost efficiency, but many workers are still unsure where they fit in. According to the research: 30% of employees want more reassurance about job security 42% say they need more training to use AI tools confidently 30% are calling for clearer communication from leadership Taken together, these responses paint a clear message: without support, transparency and upskilling, AI risks becoming a source of workplace stress, not empowerment. What about employers? Employers, meanwhile, appear more confident about the role of AI in their businesses. In fact, 41% of SME owners say they are eager to learn more about the technology, and 35% describe themselves as excited about its potential, a sign that business leaders are beginning to view digital tools as essential for long-term competitiveness in a challenging economic climate. This optimism, however, is not without its blind spots. While many SME owners are forging ahead with AI trials or adoption, 17% believe their employees don’t fully understand how AI works, raising concerns that staff may not be adequately supported through this transition, or that AI tools will not be used effectively. As UK businesses grapple with rising costs, skills shortages, and fast-moving technological change, aligning leadership enthusiasm with practical workforce training will be key to making AI work in real-world settings. Bridging the gap: What employers can do next According to Andy Elder, Uswitch business savings expert, closing the perception gap is critical for building trust and fostering innovation. He shares practical tips for business owners to better align with their employees’ AI concerns: 1. Prioritise transparency and communication Make sure staff understand why and how AI is being used in your business. Provide regular updates, involve them in decision-making, and create space for feedback and questions. 2. Offer practical training and support Help employees build confidence by offering accessible training sessions, demos, and real-life use cases. Show how AI tools are designed to assist, not replace, their roles. 3. Address job security concerns head-on Be open about what AI means for different job roles. Explain which tasks might evolve and provide a clear long-term vision that includes your people. 4. Lead by example When leaders actively and responsibly use AI tools, it signals that the technology is there to support, not displace, the workforce. Visibility matters. 5. Focus on tools that enhance human creativity Whether it’s generating ideas or speeding up research, choose AI tools that complement rather than compromise human input, especially for creative teams. Andy Elder, Uswitch business savings accounts expert, said: “Employers and employees don’t always see eye to eye on AI, and that’s understandable. But to unlock the real value of these tools, businesses need open dialogue and mutual understanding." “Keeping staff informed and involved is essential. AI adoption shouldn’t be about imposing change from the top. Leaders still need to make decisions, but involving employees early on, and giving them the right training, builds trust and leads to better outcomes for everyone." “In most cases, AI is here to streamline and enhance workflows, freeing people from repetitive tasks so they can focus on more creative, meaningful work. Being clear about that is key to building confidence and driving successful adoption.”