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MSFT
Microsoft
393.11
2.2739%
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Apple
258.83
-0.1427%
GOOGL
Google
332.91
3.6102%
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Amazon
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240.1
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Market Update: Cautious Start For Footsie Amid Hopes For Fresh Iran Talks
FTSE 100 opens slightly higher as oil prices retreat. Brent crude hovers around $98 a barrel, falling back amid hopes for new talks. BP forecasts an exceptional period for its trading division in the first quarter. UK shoppers show signs of resilience after March retail sales beat expectations.
P.ublished 14th April 2026
‘Always On’ Culture Leaves Self-Employed Workers At Risk Of Burnout
Image by Alltechbuzz_net from Pixabay
Stress Awareness Month in April is a timely reminder that while self-employment offers benefits such as flexibility, it can also carry a growing psychological cost. A recent study by Markel Direct, small business insurance specialists, asked 1,000 UK small business owners and sole traders to share their experience on work-life balance and the hidden costs of being their own boss.
P.ublished 15th April 2026
Speed Networking Event Gives Yorkshire Small Businesses A Seat At The Table With Journalists
(L-R) Andrew Palmer, Kathryn Armstrong, Linda Harrison, Jo Leatham, Elly Fiorentini & Darren Greenwood Photo provided by the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub
Business owners got a rare chance to share their stories with top regional journalists at a recent sell-out speed networking event in Yorkshire. Organised by York PR experts Jo Leatham and Linda Harrison, Meet The Media brought together a diverse range of businesses to help demystify PR.
P.ublished 15th April 2026
LCM Environmental Strengthens Growth With Acquisition
LCM Environmental has announced the acquisition of Octane Holding Group Limited and Octane Draincare Limited, further strengthening its service capability and wider market presence.
P.ublished 15th April 2026
Covéa Insurance More Than Doubles Annual Profit In 2025
Covéa Insurance has reported a significant surge in profitability for the 2025 financial year, with profit after tax reaching £72.4m compared to £32.9m the previous year. The results demonstrate a sharp rise in operational efficiency despite a slight dip in gross written premiums, which moved from £641.5m to £616.8m over the twelve-month period.
P.ublished 15th April 2026
Pannone Corporate Advises The Sleep Group On Acquisition Of Wow Sleep
Pannone Corporate has advised on the acquisition of Wow Sleep by H.I.G Capital-backed bed and mattress company, The Sleep Group. The Manchester law firm acted as legal adviser to The Sleep Group, which owns brands Silentnight Group and Sleepeezee. It is estimated that one in five beds sold in the UK is a Sleep Group brand.
P.ublished 15th April 2026
Freeths Advises Twenty20 Capital On Sale Of Halian Group To NES Fircroft
Freeths has advised Twenty20 Capital and Stuart Fry, the sellers of Halian Group, on its sale to global workforce solutions specialist NES Fircroft. Halian Group is a specialist provider of IT and digital transformation services, workforce solutions and managed services, with operations across Europe, the Middle East and the US.
P.ublished 15th April 2026
Five Cashflow Management Tips For SMEs: Monitor And Manage Work In Progress
Businesses are being urged to meticulously track the heartbeat of work in progress throughout its lifecycle. Monitoring, managing and making changes to reduce mission creep, improve efficiencies and maximise cashflow are critical steps which can improve a business’ health and growth prospects, according to a senior finance professional.
P.ublished 14th April 2026
Yorkshire Supply Specialist Secures Seven-Figure Contract With Bolton Council
Following a competitive tendering process, York-based supply specialist PPS has been awarded a seven-figure contract with Bolton Council for the supply and delivery of chemicals and consumable goods for services across schools. The three-year agreement will see PPS responsible for supplying a comprehensive range of cleaning and hygiene products to approximately 90 schools across the borough.
P.ublished 14th April 2026
Tunley Environmental To Mark Earth Day With CPD-Certified Webinar
To coincide with Earth Day 2026, sustainability consultancy Tunley Environmental is hosting a free CPD-certified webinar titled “Climate Risk Assessments and Resilience Planning for Business”, designed to help organisations move from climate awareness to meaningful, strategic action.
P.ublished 14th April 2026
DJH Boosts Its Growing Presence In Liverpool With SB&P Acquisition
L-R: Scott Heath, James Beardmore (both DJH), Suzanne Draper, Rob Young and Wendy McNulty (all SB&P)
DJH has reinforced its commitment to Liverpool’s thriving business community by acquiring a well-respected local practice. The top 30 UK accountancy firm has acquired SB&P in Bootle, increasing its presence to six offices across the city centre, Ellesmere Port and the Wirral.
P.ublished 14th April 2026
Permanent Placements Rise For Second Month In A Row Across The North Of England
Image by Adrian from Pixabay
The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England survey continued to show divergent hiring trends in March, as sustained growth in permanent placements contrasted with a further fall in temp billings. Vacancies meanwhile increased for both types of roles, with rates of growth also improving from February.
P.ublished 14th April 2026
HARIBO Joins Yorkshire Business Leaders For Martin House Partnerships Event
A panel of Yorkshire’s business leaders will join Martin House Children’s Hospice this month to talk about the benefits of charity partnerships. The Power of Partnerships business breakfast takes place at the historic York Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Thursday 23 April.
P.ublished 13th April 2026
10 In 10: John Dunnill
John Dunnill, chief technology officer and co-founder at Workprove, is the latest regional business professional in the hot seat as we give him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions. 1. What does a typical working day for you involve? Coffee first, always. Then more coffee. I usually listen to audiobooks on the drive in.
P.ublished 13th April 2026
Yorkshire Engineering Firm To Launch Combat Robotics At NEC Summit
Accu, the Huddersfield-based precision engineering supplier, is to headline a major combat robotics tournament at Smart Manufacturing Week this June. The event, titled FightFest, will see high-intensity, one-on-one robotic battles take place at Birmingham’s NEC.
P.ublished 13th April 2026
Opinion
New UK Steel Tariff Will ‘Jeopardise Manufacturing’ And Make Domestic Fabrication Unsustainable’ Says Tadweld MD
The Managing Director of Tadweld, a Yorkshire-based steelwork manufacturer, has issued a warning that new UK steel tariff measures risk devastating the UK steelwork sector, threatening jobs, businesses and the long-term future of British industry.
P.ublished 11th April 2026
Sheffield Forgemasters Celebrates 90 Years Of Spitfire
Vickers-Armstrong’s Supermarine Spitfire marks 90 years since its maiden flight
Historic steel giant, Sheffield Forgemasters, is celebrating 90 years since the first Spitfire aircraft took to the skies thanks to its predecessor, Vickers-Armstrong Ltd.
P.ublished 11th April 2026
Why Most Stress Advice Doesn’t Work And What Actually Does
As April marks Stress Awareness Month, Dr Claire Kaye offers insight into why so many capable, high-functioning women are drowning in stress advice yet still struggling, and shares what actually makes a difference.
P.ublished 11th April 2026
Wilkin Chapman Rollits Launches AI-Driven HR Platform
Wilkin Chapman Rollits' Rob McLeary, AI consultant, and Oliver Tasker, partner and head of employment
Law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has launched a new HR platform combining artificial intelligence with advice from the firm’s employment lawyers. The service, named Adaptive HR, is among the first in the UK to integrate AI case management with solicitor validation and insurance-backed protection.
P.ublished 11th April 2026
How To Make A Strong Case For A Promotion Or Pay Rise
Ian Garner
Business Writer
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Career advancement seldom happens by chance. Although working diligently is crucial, promotions and pay rises are most often achieved by employees who can clearly showcase their worth and initiate strategic, well-prepared discussions with their managers.
P.ublished 11th April 2026
Pontefract Ice Manufacturer Named Among UK’s Best Workplaces
The Ice Co, the Pontefract-based manufacturer, has been named one of the UK’s Best Workplaces 2026 by the global authority Great Place To Work. The family-run business, which operates one of the largest ice production facilities in Europe, ranked 98th in the medium-sized category.
P.ublished 10th April 2026
Northern Talent Tracker: This Week's Key Appointments
The Yorkshire-headquartered law firm Switalskis has strengthened its leadership board with three director promotions, underscoring its transition into a national legal player. Georgina Peckett, Katrina Elsey, and Julie Guest have been elevated to the board, reflecting the firm’s investment in specialist areas such as medical negligence and serious injury.
P.ublished 10th April 2026
Lancashire's Business Leaders Unite As Ambassadors To Champion The County On National Stage
A powerful coalition of Lancashire's most influential business leaders - Lancashire Ambassadors – has renewed its commitment to championing the county's strengths on the national and international stage.
P.ublished 10th April 2026
World Cup-Winning Coach To Headline Cumbria’s Premier Business Conference
Sir Clive Woodward, the architect of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for Cumbria’s largest annual business gathering. Conference Cumbria 2026, hosted by the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, will return to The Pencil Factory in Keswick on Thursday, 1 October.
P.ublished 10th April 2026
IoD: Little Evidence Of Government Taking Heed Of Business Concerns On Trade Union Access
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
The government's response to the ‘Make Work Pay: Trade Union Right of Access’ consultation represents a missed opportunity for the government to make the Employment Rights Act more workable for employers.
P.ublished 10th April 2026
Markets Update: Crude Rises Amid Iran Ceasefire Concerns, Causing Jitters
Brent crude has headed back above $97 a barrel. Israel’s strikes on Lebanon have sparked accusations of a violation of ceasefire terms. Jitters hit equity markets, with London’s FTSE 100 struggling to hang onto gains. Diesel prices hit £1.90 a litre and £2 a litre at some motorway service stations.
P.ublished 9th April 2026
Sedbergh Inn Shortlisted For National Pub And Bar Award
Helen Kitchen
Deputy Business Editor
Black Bull, Sedbergh. Photo: Amanda Farnese-Heath Photography
A historic Cumbrian inn is in the running for a major industry accolade after being named a county finalist in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2026. The Black Bull in Sedbergh was this week confirmed as one of 252 businesses shortlisted across the UK.
P.ublished 9th April 2026
Leeds Secures Status As UK’s Third-Largest Regional Rental Market
Helen Kitchen
Deputy Business Editor
Leeds recorded £281m of investment into its build-to-rent (BTR) sector in 2025, cementing its position as the UK’s third-largest regional market outside London.
P.ublished 9th April 2026
Businesses Brace For Tougher Trading As Cost Pressures Drive Price Rises
More than half of businesses expect trading conditions to worsen in 2026/27, while rising employment costs and wider uncertainty continue to weigh on confidence, according to Armstrong Watson’s latest Client Business Confidence Survey.
P.ublished 9th April 2026
Celerity Acquires Ibm AI & Automation Software Specialist
BGF-backed Celerity, a provider of hybrid cloud and IT managed services, has acquired Ranger4 as it continues to deliver strong growth and expansion. Since 2011, Ranger4 has built a solid reputation for delivering enterprise class solutions based on measurable outcomes that help organisations reduce cost and guarantee customer service levels and performance.
P.ublished 9th April 2026
Haydock Finance In Blackburn Achieves Record Q1 Results With 30% Increase In Lending Vol
Haydock has reported a record Q1 after a 30% YoY increase in lending volume, underscoring the success of its organic growth and market-leadership strategy. New business levels have outperformed expectations, fuelled by strong partner-network collaboration and the consistent service levels.
P.ublished 8th April 2026
Accu Components Power Round-The-World Sailor
Huddersfield-based precision engineering component company Accu is celebrating the success of Northumbrian adventurer and sailor Adam Waugh, who recently completed a 28,000-nautical-mile journey across some of the world’s most formidable oceans in a 19-foot yacht he built in his garden shed.
P.ublished 8th April 2026
New Climate Risk & Resilience Service Helps Businesses Navigate Climate Uncertainty
Sustainability consultancy Tunley Environmental has launched its new Climate Risk and Resilience Strategy service, supporting organisations in understanding and managing the operational, financial and strategic risks posed by climate change.
P.ublished 8th April 2026
Financial Services Saw Improved Activity In Q1 2026
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Business volumes in the financial services sector rebounded in the first quarter of 2026 at the fastest rate since December 1996, according to the latest CBI Financial Services Survey. The improvement in activity supported a pick-up in sentiment for the first time since June 2024, alongside a recovery in profitability.
P.ublished 7th April 2026
£1.5 Million Recovered For Small Businesses By Small Business Commissioner
Image by Wilfried Pohnke from Pixabay
The Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) has supported small businesses to recover over £1.5 million in overdue late payments after they engaged with the OSBC through the enquiry service. Through the service, small businesses who have an unresolved payment dispute with a larger customer, which they have been unable to resolve, can reach out to the OSBC for support.
P.ublished 7th April 2026
Mind Your Manners, A British Traveller’s Guide To Etiquette Abroad
Ian Garner
Business Writer
Photo by Magic K: Pexels
Travelling abroad is a wonderful opportunity for cultural enrichment and adventure, but it’s easy to forget that each destination comes with its own set of customs and expectations. For British travellers renowned for politeness, orderly queuing and frequent apologies, stepping outside the UK can bring challenges that require a little adaptation.
P.ublished 4th April 2026
The Best Time To List A Rental Property Revealed
Lettings experts at Linley & Simpson reveal the best time to list a rental property to get twice as many enquiries Spring is a natural reset for our homes with a light refresh going a long way to help us feel rejuvenated.
P.ublished 4th April 2026
New Employment Laws Come Into Force In Biggest Overhaul Of Workers’ Rights In A Generation
New employment laws come into force today [Monday, 6 April], as part the ‘biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation’. From today, North West businesses will face a raft of new reforms intended to bring the world of work into the 21st century, transforming workplace law.
P.ublished 4th April 2026
Northwest Bakery Is Named One Of The Best By The Good Food Guide
Cumbria and Manchester’s Lovingly Artisan Bakery has once again been named among the UK’s top bakeries in The Good Food Guide’s annual Top 50 Bakeries list. First introduced in 2025, the list showcases the very best artisan bakeries in Britain, handpicked by The Good Food Guide’s expert judges from among the country’s finest producers of bread, pastries and baked goods.
P.ublished 3rd April 2026
Small Businesses Say Rising Energy Bills Will Cost Them More Than £2,000 A Month
UK small businesses say that the hike in energy prices following the war in the Middle East will cost them an average of £2,273.90 extra a month –according to new research conducted this week for Novuna Business Finance. Whilst many consumers have noticed prices soaring at the pumps, small businesses need energy in various other ways.
P.ublished 3rd April 2026
DJH Completes Cross-Border Sale As IPEC Joins ABB’s Global Electrification Network
L-R: Charlotte Mills (Bermans), Carl Eastham, Dr Colin Smith, Andy Robinson (all IPEC), Natasha Milward (DJH), Saj Mynampati (IPEC) and Lewis Pearson (DJH)
A North West accounting and professional services group has completed its involvement in a high profile cross-border deal, which has seen IPEC Limited become part of a world leader in electrification and automation.
P.ublished 3rd April 2026
Tool Theft Surges 16% Despite National Campaign
Image by Irina Savchishina from Pixabay
A fresh warning has been issued to UK tradespeople as tool theft continues to rise, with 30,848 offences recorded in 2025, valued at almost £19 million. That equates to around 85 incidents every single day, with some areas of the country being hit significantly harder than others.
P.ublished 2nd April 2026
Leeds To Host Major Infrastructure Summit As £725bn Funding Gap Looms
Helen Kitchen
Deputy Business Editor
Image by Dave Noonan from Pixabay
The future of UK infrastructure and the rise of AI-driven data centres will take centre stage in Leeds this May, as thousands of investors descend on the city for the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF).
P.ublished 2nd April 2026
Three Quarters Of UK Firms Impacted By Middle East Conflict But Confidence In Own Prospects Remains Resilient
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
Barclays Business Prosperity research among over 500 UK business leaders assessing the impact of the Middle East conflict shows: 66 per cent of businesses say they are already experiencing pressures from fuel and energy prices, while 50 per cent report moderate or significant supply chain disruptions 37 per cent have taken steps to reduce energy usage or improve efficiency in response,…
P.ublished 2nd April 2026
Northern Talent Tracker: This Week's Key Appointments
Cleckheaton-based people consultancy Howarths has promoted Tracey Hopkins to Managing Director as the firm enters its 23rd year of operation. Previously the Chief Financial Officer, Ms Hopkins becomes the first person outside of the founding family to lead the West Yorkshire business.
P.ublished 2nd April 2026
Paxon Strengthens Sales Capability With Second BDM Appointment In 2026
Newly formed Blackburn-based logistics brand Paxon, created by bringing together Active Ants, Staci and Radial, has appointed Anthony Heath as Business Development Manager (BDM), continuing the expansion of its commercial team.
P.ublished 2nd April 2026
Businesses Urged To Embrace "Real-Time" Tax Revolution
A major shift in how the UK handles tax is just around the corner, offering hundreds of thousands of sole traders and landlords a chance to modernise their finances. From 6 April, the Government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative becomes mandatory for those with a gross income above £50,000.
P.ublished 2nd April 2026
Market Update: Roar Of Recovery Amid Iran Hopes And Openai’s Mega Fundraising Round
A relief wave hits equity markets amid Trump’s claims the war with Iran will end in weeks. Brent crude falls to below $100 a barrel, but worries remain about supplies going forward. OpenAI’s mega valuation following a funding round highlights private markets opportunities. Shares in Topps Tiles fall 8% as 23 stores are set to close.
P.ublished 1st April 2026
IoD: Middle East Conflict Drives Economic Confidence To New Record Low
The IoD Directors’ Economic Confidence Index, which measures business leader optimism over prospects for the UK economy, fell to its lowest ever reading of -76 in March 2026, from -63 in February. Business leader confidence in their own organisations also fell, to -2 in March from +1 in February.
P.ublished 1st April 2026
Lancashire Manufacturers Set For £2.5m Digital Leap Forward
Photo: Made Smarter
Hundreds of manufacturers across Lancashire are set to accelerate their digital transformation after the Government confirmed fresh funding for the Made Smarter programme from April.
P.ublished 1st April 2026
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