Sadiq Khan has expanded the grant scheme for London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) to cover any household with a heavily polluting car or motorbike, spending an extra £50m after intense pressure over the political fallout of the plan. The revised proposals, announced on Thursday, also notably increase the scrappage payments available for non-compliant vans owned…
The retail landscape in the UK is facing another blow as budget retailer Wilko teeters on the brink of collapse with over 400 stores and approximately 12,000 jobs at stake. The company has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators due to mounting cash pressures and the inability to secure a rescue deal. This…
Ethical investing has gained significant traction in recent years as investors increasingly seek to align their financial goals with their personal values. However, a recent snapshot of fund-buying behavior reveals a concerning trend – British investors are pulling money from funds badged as sustainable or ethical at an unprecedented rate as ESG (Environmental, Social, and…
Etsy has said it is “substantially decreasing” the amount of sellers’ funds held in reserve globally after UK vendors began boycotting the online craft marketplace over a hold-up in payments. Sellers have been putting their Etsy shops in “holiday mode” and switching to rivals including Folksy, Shopify and Facebook Marketplace after the US-based website began…
Google’s AI training programme has been labelled a “vote of confidence” in ambitions to make the UK the “Home of AI”, according to Michelle Donelan, head of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Donelan praised the tech giant’s new AI training programme to equip its staff with AI skills, streamed via video at Google’s…
Getting free trial users to convert into paying customers is a common challenge faced by businesses across various industries. While offering free trials can attract potential customers, converting them into loyal subscribers requires a strategic approach. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to boost the conversion rate of free trial users and turn…
Small businesses are increasingly reliant on technology to streamline operations, connect with customers, and stay competitive. However, these technological advancements also expose businesses to various cyber threats. Therefore, it is crucial for small business owners to understand the significance of IT security and take proactive measures to future-proof their enterprises against potential cyber risks. In…
Business confidence remains rocky among start-ups and SMEs ahead of the Bank of England’s projected 14th straight interest rate rise, according to a survey from the Institute of Directors (IoD). The bout of rising interest rates and higher prices has led to business confidence remaining at minus 30 points, a one-point rise from June’s measure…
The duty paid on drinks on tap in pubs will be up to 11p lower than at the supermarket. The changes are designed to help pubs compete on a level playing field with supermarkets, so they can continue to thrive at the heart of communities across the UK. The Brexit Pubs Guarantee announced in the…
As a UK entrepreneur, you understand the challenges of growing a small business in a competitive market. To stand out and succeed, you need to embrace creativity and innovation. One effective tool that can help you achieve this is the creative mood board. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how mood boards can significantly impact…
Running a small business can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to managing finances and ensuring steady cash flow. One of the most common problems faced by small businesses is dealing with unpaid invoices and late-paying customers, leading to cash flow disruptions and financial strain. In 2023, the economic landscape is evolving…
By now, you’ve likely heard of ‘quiet quitting’, when employees commit to doing the bare minimum that their job description demands. The term gained traction in March 2022 after an employment influencer, Brian Creely, used it on social media to describe ‘coasting’ at work – and the phenomenon has only grown in strength thanks to…
New data from the Institute of Directors shows the drop in business confidence that was picked up in June has been sustained into July. The monthly IoD Directors’ Economic Confidence Index, which is the most-timely indicator of UK business sentiment, fell from -6 in May to -31 in June, suggesting a significant deterioration in the…
