search
date/time
Lancashire Times
A Voice of the Free Press
frontpagebusinessartscarslifestylefamilytravelsportsscitechnaturefictionCartoons
No cookies. No tracking. No advertising.
all articlesProperty & construction
This page has been kindly sponsored by:
Financial Services Report Slowing Growth And Profits Falling At Their Fastest Rate In 15 Years – CBI Financial Services Survey
Financial services business volumes growth slowed in the third quarter, after strong growth last quarter. That’s according to the latest CBI Financial Services Survey. Firms expect volumes to be broadly flat over the next three months.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Stocks & Shares:
MSFT
Microsoft
417.13
-0.8462%
AAPL
Apple
226.78
0.2520%
GOOGL
Google
165.86
-0.6767%
AMZN
Amazon
184.76
-0.1999%
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
161.17
-0.5062%
JPM
JP Morgan Chase
207.29
0.1207%
This page has been kindly sponsored by:
Insurance Group Axa Has Signed A New Deal With Gilbanks To Relocate Its Manchester Team
St Michael's Photo: Gilbanks
Insurance group AXA has signed a new deal with Gilbanks to relocate its Manchester team to No.1 St Michael's. AXA is the first company to join the new business community and will benefit from flexible office space for 81 people in the city's most prestigious building. Team members will benefit from cutting-edge technology and space designed to provide a dynamic and productive workspace.
3:11 PM 3rd October 2024
Hainsworth Brings Bespoke Tailoring Students' Designs To Life
James Rees, Student Tailor - Anastasia Inozemtseva Photo: London College of Fashion, BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring, Photography
British fabric manufacturer and woollen mill Hainsworth has teamed up with final-year BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring students at London College of Fashion, UAL on a project to create a unique jacquard cloth design.
12:00 AM 3rd October 2024
Pannone Corporate Welcomes Trio Of New Hires
(L-Rr) Emma Haymes, Burak Demir, Sophie Adshead
Pannone Corporate has welcomed a trio of new hires, as it continues to grow its Manchester team. Emma Haymes joins the law firm as a senior associate in the dispute resolution team, having previously spent seven years working in-house at a FTSE 100 telecoms company.
1:59 PM 2nd October 2024
High Growth 50 - MC2 Puts A Spotlight On The North
Strategic marketing communications agency MC2 has published its inaugural High Growth 50 report for 2024, in partnership with Beauhurst and the London Stock Exchange, shining a spotlight on some of the most ambitious businesses across the North.
12:00 AM 2nd October 2024
Offshore Wind Energy A £12 Billion A Year UK Investment Opportunity
The UK is sitting on a £12 billion a year investment opportunity to develop offshore wind, with a highly skilled domestic workforce and world-class engineering capability to win wind energy development work abroad.
12:00 AM 2nd October 2024
Five Areas Where Rachel Reeves Could Support SMEs Ahead Of The Autumn Statement
As signs of economic recovery were beginning to appear this year, it’s crucial to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the support they need to flourish. SMEs are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and stimulating local communities.
12:00 AM 2nd October 2024
Finance Recruitment Consultancy Strengthens Presence In The North West
Leeds-headquartered specialist finance recruitment consultancy Headstar has bolstered its presence in the North West with the appointment of a regional director, as it responds to growing demand for its services.
1:47 PM 1st October 2024
Private Sector Growth Expectations Soften – Growth Indicator CBI
Private sector firms expect no change in activity over the next three months (weighted balance of 0%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. This month’s findings end a run of seven consecutive surveys in which growth expectations had been positive. However, the headline number masks divergence between different sectors.
12:01 AM 1st October 2024
IoD: Business Confidence Falls Further In September
The IoD Directors’ Economic Confidence Index, which measures business leader optimism in prospects for the UK economy continued to fall in September to -38, from -12 in August 2024. This is the lowest result that the Index has registered since December 2022 (-58).
12:01 AM 1st October 2024
BDO North West Welcomes New UK Managing Partner
Mark Shaw
Angela Cross, Regional Managing Partner at BDO in the North West, has welcomed BDO UK’s new Managing Partner who begins his new role today restating the firm’s commitment to the mid market.
12:00 AM 1st October 2024
Tunley Environmental Releases Guide To Understanding The Green Claims Code
As part of its mission to educate people on sustainability, leading sustainability consultancy Tunley Environmental has released its latest guide on the Green Claims Code. This guide offers detailed insights into the Green Claims Code and provides actionable steps for ensuring transparency and accuracy in sustainability marketing.
10:39 AM 30th September 2024
Law Firms Join Forces To Create Team Of Mental Health & Capacity Lawyers
(L-R) is Philippa Curran, Neil Cronin, Rachel Eastham
Southerns Solicitors, which was founded in 1792, has acquired O'Donnells Solicitors, a long standingfirm based in Lancashire. The deal will consolidate Southerns’ position In the field of Mental Health, Court of Protection, and Community Care.
7:23 AM 30th September 2024
North West Business Confidence Rises To Remain Above UK Average
Business confidence in the North West rose by two points to 55% in September. Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects fell by two points to 58%, while optimism in the economy climbed five points to 51%. Overall UK business confidence also dipped slightly, to 47% down from August’s 50%
12:02 AM 30th September 2024
Bagnalls Does Its Bit For Sustainability
National decorating contractor Bagnalls has been doing its bit to protect our planet in recent months. Small actions can have a big impact and Bagnalls is proud to reveal that it has been able to recycle 44.5 tonnes of plastic and metal through Crown Trade’s Can Back scheme. The scheme enables painters and decorators to recycle empty paint cans, completely free of charge.
12:00 AM 30th September 2024
The Number Of ‘Green’ SMEs Has Tripled Since The Beginning Of 2023 – But Leaders Are Spending Less On Sustainability
Aldermore’s ‘Green’ SME Index – which tracks businesses’ transition to net zero found that 13% of UK SMEs have now ‘gone green’, with the number tripling in the last 18 months. 3.5 million SMEs (65%) are on their ‘green’ journey, but many are struggling to implement and understand formal commitments and measurements The amount businesses are able to invest in their ‘green’ transition has fallen by 42% in a tough economic environment
12:00 AM 30th September 2024
Retailers Report Marginal Sales Growth As Online Sales Rise
Retailers reported marginal growth in sales volumes in the year to September, following a three-month-long downturn. That’s according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. Firms in the retail sector anticipate annual sales to continue growing next month, at a broadly similar pace.
12:01 AM 28th September 2024
Don’t Let Negativity Distract You
Ian Garner
Business Writer
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Life can seem difficult at times. Often, it’s because we tend to focus on negative things and ignore the good. Looking back on sporting events, such as football tournaments or the Olympics, usually attracts more focus on what went wrong at the expense of what went right.
12:00 AM 28th September 2024
Warm Homes And Green Jobs Set To Boost The North’s Economy
(L-R) Managing Director RE:GEN Academy Tom Lamb; NHC Policy Manager Tom Kennedy; NHC Chief Executive Tracy Harrison; Executive Director Property Livv Housing Group Tony Cahill and Managing Director of Communities that Work Lynsey Sweeney.
New research from the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) sets out how the social housing sector can take the lead in delivering warmer, greener homes across the North. This has the potential to create up to 77,000 good green jobs for northerners. The report Warm Homes, Green Jobs: Meeting the Net Zero challenge in the North launches later today at the Labour Party conference.
11:00 PM 27th September 2024
Planning Reform Must ‘Move Ahead At Pace’
Image by Tom from Pixabay
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling for swift action by the Government to reform planning in England, to help stimulate business investment and unlock growth. In a submission to the consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) the BCC is urging ministers to ‘move at pace’ to avoid ‘creating uncertainty and inertia in the system’.
7:25 AM 27th September 2024
Northern Employers Stuck In A ‘Ghosting Spiral’
Image: CIPD
New research by the CIPD and Omni RMS highlights importance of engaging and effective recruitment processes
12:00 AM 27th September 2024
What Is A Performance Director And Why Does Your Business Need One?
Performance Directors aim to ensure businesses achieve the highest level of accomplishment and deliver optimal success, whilst keeping businesses on track to overcome unforeseen issues. With major brands such as Tupperware and Ted Baker recently falling into administration, does your business need a Performance Director to avoid a similar fate?
12:00 AM 27th September 2024
Opinion
National Insurance Surcharge Could Stifle Economic Growth And Business Investment, Says NCUB
A National Insurance surcharge on employers hiring graduates, as proposed in HEPI’s Undergraduate fees revisited report, could hinder both economic growth and business investment in the UK, says NCUB.
12:00 AM 27th September 2024
North West Manufacturers Thriving On National Manufacturing Day
On National Manufacturing Day (26 September), two reports reveal how North West manufacturers are currently thriving, putting them in a strong position to grow and drive economic activity in the region.
12:03 AM 26th September 2024
Logistics Sector Sees ‘Remarkable Recovery’, As Confidence Bounces Back – New Study Finds
The UK logistics sector has seen a ‘remarkable recovery’, as confidence for the future bounces back following near record lows in 2023. According to the Barclays-BDO UK Logistics Confidence Index 2024, which assesses confidence and expectations in the UK logistics sector, this year’s score is 57.6, up from 47.3 in 2023 – the second lowest score ever recorded.
12:00 AM 26th September 2024
CBI Adds Two Senior Figures From Business To Its Board
The UK’s largest cross-sector business body, the CBI, is making two new appointments to its Board. Ruth Cairnie, Chair of Babcock International Group plc and the Senior Independent Director at BT Group plc, and Lesley Ann Nash, Non-Executive Director at St James’s Place plc, Workspace Group plc and Homes England join the CBI Board as Non-Executive Directors.
11:06 AM 25th September 2024
Fred Aldous - Future-Proofing A Fifth-Generation Family Business In The Digital Era
Paul Walker
After more than 138 years in business, UK arts & craft store Fred Aldous has been through its fair share of ups and downs, including two world wars and a global pandemic. For Paul Walker, a fifth-generation co-owner and operator of the store, there’s one lesson that continues to ring true: treat your suppliers well.
12:00 AM 25th September 2024
15 Trainees Join Ward Hadaway
Ward Hadaway trainees
Law firm Ward Hadaway has welcomed 14 new trainee solicitors and one solicitor apprentice. The appointments form an ongoing part of the firm's ambitious growth strategy, spearheaded by new managing partner Steven Petrie, who stepped into the role in May 2024.
2:38 PM 24th September 2024
The STADA EXPO European Tour Lands In The UK
Huddersfield-based pharmaceutical giant, STADA Thornton & Ross has brought the fascinating STADA EXPO to Huddersfield University on its European tour, as part of a week of events showcasing the leading role the town is now playing in the future of healthcare and wellbeing in the UK.
10:14 AM 24th September 2024
Caddick Appoints Group Head Of ESG To Drive Forward Its Sustainability Agenda
Developer and contractor Caddick has recently appointed Jessica Herman as its new Head of ESG and Sustainability. This marks Caddick’s commitment to protect the environment, support local communities and drive forward sustainable development and construction practices.
8:59 AM 24th September 2024
Health Sector Specialist Digital Agency Reveals Growth Plans
A Leeds digital agency that specialises in making websites more accessible for the NHS is marking 20 years in business with new growth plans. Mixd was founded by Phil Shackleton and Mike Danford to provide user-centred digital design and services. It has become a national leader in accessibility design for the NHS and the wider public sector.
12:00 AM 24th September 2024
Manufacturing Output Falls Over Q3 – CBI Industrial Trends Survey
Manufacturing output volumes fell sharply in the three months to September, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Manufacturers expect output to decline again in the three months to December, the first-time expectations have been negative since November 2023.
12:00 AM 24th September 2024
Business Reaction To Chancellor's Speech
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:  “It was encouraging to hear the Chancellor recognising the huge potential of British business to grow the economy and her ambition to make that happen. “Today’s speech has set the scene for her first budget which will be a huge moment to shape the expectations of business and the public for the years ahead.
1:19 PM 23rd September 2024
Freeths Announces 13% Growth Following Another Year Of Strong Revenues
Karl Jansen
National law firm Freeths continues its consistent revenue growth as it publishes its financial results for 2023/24, delivering another year of double-digit growth with turnover up by 13% to £145.5m.
12:30 PM 23rd September 2024
RCIS Supports UK Government Plans With New Infrastructure Paper And Compulsory Purchase Order Guidance
Image by Pexels from Pixabay
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a new edition of its compulsory purchase (CPO) standard alongside an infrastructure policy paper to be briefed at the Labour Party Conference.
7:01 AM 23rd September 2024
Rural Economy: A Sleeping Giant Worth £19 Billion
Image by Siggy Nowak from Pixabay
As the new government prioritises economic growth, a landmark report published today reveals the enormous potential of the rural economy, which could generate billions of pounds annually in additional tax revenues.
12:00 AM 23rd September 2024
It’s A Hat-Trick! York Handmade Secures Three National Trust Commissions
Little Moreton Hall Site
York Handmade Brick Company has landed a hat-trick of commissions from the National Trust. York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, is suppling bricks for Little Moreton Hall in Congleton, Cheshire, Dunham Massey in Altrincham and Goddards in Tadcaster Road, York. The three Trust properties are currently being renovated.
12:00 AM 23rd September 2024
Opinion
Market Analysis: PZ Cussons, Kingfisher, Asda & Next
PZ Cussons: Carex Faces Rising Competition, Falling Behind in Innovation, and Reasons for Selling St Tropez and African Operations. Kingfisher: Home improvement market is stabikiszing but won't see abig rebound soon; Profitability target in the French market is a quick winbut long-term sales growth is difficult. Asda's CEO Search: Focus on Efficiency, Strategy Clarity, and Regaining Market Share Under New Ownership. Next plc: International Growth Opportunities Amid Competitive and Shipping cost Challenges.
12:00 AM 21st September 2024
Opinion
Can Employers Expect Announcements In The Upcoming Budget That Increase Employee Costs?
Susan Ball and Charlie Barnes from Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM write that the Chancellor Rachel Reeves has issued warnings about a £22bn “black hole” in public finances, suggesting that further measures may be necessary. Whilst rumours circulate about changes to capital gains tax and inheritance tax, could we see employers potentially facing increasing costs following the Budget announcement?
12:00 AM 21st September 2024
Metro Bank Warns UK SMEs Against Rise In Impersonation Scams
Metro Bank is warning its personal and business customers against a rise in impersonation scams as part of its Scam of the Month awareness campaign.
12:00 AM 21st September 2024
Strong Levels Of M&A Activity Expected In UK Manufacturing, As Range Of Market Drivers Motivate Dealmakers
Strong levels of M&A activity are expected across UK manufacturing for the remainder of 2024, as dealmakers see a rise in business confidence. According to accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, M&A activity looks set to gain momentum in the final quarter of the year, as long as the political and tax backdrop remains conducive to dealmaking.
12:00 AM 20th September 2024
Chancellor Must Deliver Growth Focused Budget
Image: Gov.UK
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to use her first Budget to seize the moment to boost business and grow the UK economy. The BCC’s budget submission focuses on policy recommendations to encourage investment, strengthen the workforce and develop our local economies.
12:00 AM 20th September 2024
IoD: Late Payments Proposals Will Spur Change In Poorly Performing Firms
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
Responding to the UK Government’s announcement of a New Fair Payment Code and package of measures to tackle late payments, Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “For small businesses in particular, the time taken to pay an invoice matters.
2:51 PM 19th September 2024
Confidence In Construction Is Rising But Businesses Need To Manage Risk While Mobilising Investment
Picture: Turner Townsend
Turner & Townsend is urging clients to remain vigilant to risk as the industry prepares to ease into a period of more confident construction spending.
7:00 AM 19th September 2024
North West Businesses Brace For Autumn Budget Amidst Connectivity Challenges, Says RSM UK
Image by Wayne Harrison from Pixabay
Kevin Duffy, regional managing partner in the North West at audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK, said: “With a new government in place, a reported £22bn financial black hole and pending increased regulatory and tax pressures, businesses in the North West are bracing for a potentially painful Autumn Budget.
12:03 AM 19th September 2024
Half Of University Graduates WHO Have Completed Their Course Within The Past 5 Years Have Senior Level Jobs
The UK is facing a critical skills gap that is threatening national growth and future competitiveness. Two-thirds of large businesses are struggling to recruit employees with the necessary skills, directly impacting productivity and performance.
12:00 AM 19th September 2024
August Inflation Data Should Support At Least One More Rate Cut This Year
Today’s data from the Office for National Statistics, that showed the annual rate of CPI inflation holding at 2.2% in August 2024, here's what business commentators say:
8:14 AM 18th September 2024
‘Hard Drives & Hard Hats’: Give Services A Starring Role In The Industrial Strategy – CBI CEO
Last night the CBI launched a new report on services trade – Serving Up Success - which sets out how government and business can partner together on the UK’s services economy to deliver sustainable growth and take full advantage of new industrial and trade strategies on the horizon.
12:00 AM 18th September 2024
DSW Ventures Launches Venture Capital Graduate Programme And Expands Team With Two New Hires
Manchester-based DSW Ventures, the venture capital (VC) investment arm of DSW Capital, has launched a new VC specialist graduate trainee scheme, which will allow young talent to work and train as investors from the start of their career.
12:00 AM 18th September 2024
Expense Management Fintech Expend Reports Surging Demand For Card Connect
Expend Card Connect
Expend, the business expense management digital platform, has announced record take-up of its industry-first product ‘Card Connect™’. The first UK platform to process business expense data instantly, from Mastercard and Visa transaction feeds, directly into an expense capability.
3:08 PM 17th September 2024
more