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Tadweld Warns 2026 Business Rates Revaluation Will “Cripple” UK Manufacturing And Force Small Firms To The Brink
April 2026 revaluation delivers another crushing blow to industrial businesses already under severe cost pressure, says Tadweld Managing Director Chris Houston Tadweld, a UK steel fabrication and engineering company, has warned that the upcoming 2026 Business Rates Revaluation risks crippling UK manufacturers, pushing many smaller firms towards downsizing or outright cl…
Chris Houston, Managing Director of Tadweld
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Leeds Tech Leader Backs Apprenticeship Drive As UK Confronts AI Talent Shortfall
Sam Hameed
Technology expert Sam Hameed from Leeds-based Solution Performance Group has welcomed the government’s new apprenticeships, saying the move will help to ease the chronic shortage of AI talent across Yorkshire and the wider UK.
P.ublished 7th January 2026
New Year Set For A Sharp Rise In Business Break Ups
Image courtesy Primas Law
As 2026 gets underway, legal experts are warning business owners across Greater Manchester that January represents a critical flashpoint for shareholder disputes, with the turn of the year a time when people decide to confront deteriorating relationships.
P.ublished 7th January 2026
Smartsearch Completes Acquisition Of Credas To Enhance Digital Compliance Solutions
Phil Cotter
Ilkley-based digital compliance specialist SmartSearch has completed the acquisition of Credas Technologies Ltd. The combined business will deliver enhanced flexibility and innovation, helping regulated firms across sectors such as financial services, legal, accountancy, property, and insurance to manage risk and meet evolving KYC and AML requirements.
P.ublished 7th January 2026
Comedian Helen Lederer Special Guest At Cumbrian Networking Event
Helen Lederer
Attendees at a Cumbrian business networking event this month will be joined by comedian and actor Helen Lederer. She will be appearing at The Gather’s opening evening of 2026 in Kendal on 22 January - which will take the form of a book club discussion.
P.ublished 6th January 2026
IoD: Confidence Improves In December, But Hiring And Investment Remain Under Pressure
The IoD Directors’ Economic Confidence Index, which measures business leader optimism in prospects for the UK economy, ticked up to -66 in December 2025 from the (pre-Budget) November level of -73.
P.ublished 6th January 2026
Get Ready For New Employment Rights Enforcement Agency, Azets Warns
The clock is ticking for firms to get ready for the introduction of the Fair Work Agency (FWA), according to experts from business and advisory group Azets. Hannah-Jane (HJ) Dobbie and Julie Gunnell have warned that employers in the county could face a number of consequences, including fines, if they don’t comply with the employment rights the FWA will enforce.
P.ublished 5th January 2026
Opinion
The Future Of Venezuela’s Oil Industry
Output recovery will require at least a decade of massive investment due to a lack of infrastructure; there is no immediate impact on crude oil prices.
P.ublished 5th January 2026
Starting A Business In 2026, So What’s Different Now?
Starting a business has never been easy, but in 2026, it can be a real challenge. With economic uncertainty, fast-moving technologies, and evolving consumer expectations, today’s entrepreneurs are steering through a changed environment. Yet, despite these challenges, the opportunity for innovation and success is possibly greater than ever, particularly for those who adapt early.
P.ublished 3rd January 2026
‘Inspiring’ Preston teen secures dream job in construction
Max Dodds, Dennis Lawrenson - yard and transport manager at Enigma & Paul Smith - Operations Director at Enigma.
A Preston teenager living with learning difficulties has spoken about how his life has ‘changed forever’ after securing his first job as a trainee scaffolder. Max Dodds, 19, has been offered his dream role with Enigma Industrial Services following months of paid work experience supported by top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat.
P.ublished 3rd January 2026
Accu Managing Director Named As One Of Britain’s Most Impactful Manufacturers
Alastair Morris
Alastair Morris, Managing Director of Huddersfield-based precision engineering component distributor Accu, has been named as one of Britain’s most impactful manufacturers, part of The Great 100 recently revealed by Made in Group, the organisation behind Made in the Midlands, Made in Yorkshire and Made Futures!
P.ublished 2nd January 2026
£10 Million Of Late Payments Got Back By Small Business Commissioner
The Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) receives enquiries from small businesses who are experiencing unpaid invoices or unfair payment practices from larger organisations. The OSBC acts on behalf of the small businesses to address the reasons behind the payment dispute and seek a resolution. So far the OSBC has got £10 million of overdue invoices paid to small businesses.
P.ublished 31st December 2025
The Cumberland Looks Forward To A Strong 2026
Breamish Valley Cottages in Northumberland launched a new luxury spa
The Cumberland Building Society is looking forward to continuing its support for businesses in 2026 following a successful year of helping organisations over the past year.
P.ublished 31st December 2025
North West Businesses To Focus On Growth Through Investment In Team Training In 2026
Staff training (36%) is the most commonly held investment priority for North West’s businesses in 2026. Almost a third (30%) of North West firms plan to invest in technology, while just over a quarter (27%) plan to invest in expanding into new UK markets. Two in five (42%) are looking to improve their productivity.
P.ublished 30th December 2025
BWS Predicts Five Defining Business Trends Of 2026
Michael Baron, Managing Director of BWS, is breaking down the FIVE must-know business trends expected to dominate in 2026.
P.ublished 30th December 2025
Under Pressure: How Collaboration Can Make Or Break Your Supply Chain
Cost pressures are shaping how clients approach partnerships, and businesses are prioritising balancing the books over recruitment and expansion. Matt Chapman, CEO at Leeds-based cleaning services provider SBFM, advises that rather than race to the bottom, businesses should use pressure as a catalyst to renegotiate contracts and redeploy staff.
P.ublished 30th December 2025
Durham’s Into The Light Programme Celebrates Major Success
The arts & culture programme drives growth, creativity, and community pride across County Durham
P.ublished 29th December 2025
What Employees Really Want From Their Leaders In 2026
Image by Daniel Mena from Pixabay
The workplace has changed faster than most leadership teams have adapted. Employees are expecting more clarity, more honesty, and a leadership presence they can actually read. Gen Z’s growing influence is speeding this up. Their standards around communication are reshaping what good leadership looks like inside UK businesses. Recent data backs this shift.
P.ublished 29th December 2025
7 Procurement And Supply Chain Trends To Watch In 2026
As supply chains continue to evolve under economic, regulatory, and technological pressure, 2026 is shaping up to be a watershed year for the procurement sector.
P.ublished 27th December 2025
Christmas Spotlight: Jesper With-Fogstrup CEO Moneypenny
It's Christmas Day, and we have come to the end of this year's Christmas Spotlight. It proved very popular, and so today we have two extra spotlights to bring you.
P.ublished 25th December 2025
Christmas Spotlight: Cat & Oliver Barker
It's Christmas Day, and we have come to the end of this year's Christmas Spotlight. It proved very popular, and so today we have two extra spotlights to bring you.
P.ublished 25th December 2025
Christmas Spotlight: Neil Brown
It's Christmas Eve and as we come towards the end of this annual feature, it's the turn of Neil Brown, managing director of Yorkshire architects brown + company to continue our 2025 popular festive spotlight—featuring regional businesspeople from across the north answering 12 quickfire questions.…
P.ublished 24th December 2025
Trailblazer Helps Ceinen Shine As Young People Spread Their Wings Into Employment
From being a shy young man when he first started college, Ceinen Stark is proof of how a new jobs initiative is helping young people to shine on Teesside. Ceinen, 20, is one of eight trainees who have been given paid work opportunities by charitable leisure trust, Tees Active, as part of the Tees Valley Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme.
P.ublished 24th December 2025
Cyber Security: It’s The Most Vulnerable Time Of The Year
Cyber criminals are relying on Christmas-distracted staff to open the digital front door to critical business data theft. The stay-alert warning to local firms has been sounded by Paul Kelly, head of cyber services at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets, with offices in Durham, Newcastle and Teesside.
P.ublished 24th December 2025
Whitehaven Robotics Startup Raises $1m To Tackle Shipping’s $100bn Fuel Problem
ScrubMarine, a maritime robotics startup headquartered in Whitehaven, Cumbria, has raised just over $1 million in pre-seed funding to develop an autonomous system designed to clean and inspect ship hulls, helping operators reduce fuel use, cut emissions and improve safety.
P.ublished 24th December 2025
Tower Insurance Brokers secures major growth funding from TDC
Jon Petty, Investment Director at TDC
Tower Insurance Brokers, the specialist broker reshaping how non-standard commercial risks are underwritten in the UK, has secured a multi-million pound growth funding facility from TDC, marking the next chapter in the company’s rapid expansion. The deal follows a period of exceptional organic growth for Tower.
P.ublished 23rd December 2025
Christmas Spotlight: Andy Taylor, Sales Director Haydock Finance
It's just two more nights before Christmas and as we come to the end of this annual feature, it's the turn of Andy Taylor, Sales Director at Haydock Finance to continue our 2025 popular festive spotlight—featuring regional businesspeople from across the north answering 12 quickfire questions.
P.ublished 23rd December 2025
North West Law: 2025 Verdict And The Road To 2026
Paul Jonson
2025 has continued to present challenges to the legal profession in the North West, particularly when it comes to recruitment and retention. A recurring theme is how to get the most out of the next generation of lawyers, with a disconnect between the things that motivate them and the drivers current partners may have had at the same stage in their career.
P.ublished 23rd December 2025
Adderstone Living’s Sustainable Growth Aligns With Homes England’s Long-Term Housing Vision
Adderstone Living’s Stephen McCoy (right) and Peter Galbraith
Adderstone Living, one of the UK’s fastest growing affordable housing developers, has expanded across the UK with new regional offices and a year of strong and sustainable growth. The company has moved beyond its Newcastle headquarters to establish a wider national presence with new offices now open in Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North West.
P.ublished 23rd December 2025
Sheffield Forgemasters Awards Main Works Contract
Ministry of Defence-owned Sheffield Forgemasters has awarded a major Machine Shop construction project to McLaughlin & Harvey valued at 210 million GBP.
P.ublished 23rd December 2025
Christmas Spotlight: Chris Granger, Architect, Co-Founder Crosby Granger Architects
As we approach the final days before Christmas, it's the turn of Chris Granger co-founder Crosby Granger Architects, to continue our 2025 popular festive spotlight—featuring regional businesspeople from across the north answering 12 quickfire questions. 1.
P.ublished 22nd December 2025
Private Sector Activity Rounds Off A Tough Year – CBI Growth Indicator
Firms across the private sector once again expect activity to fall in the next three months (weighted balance of -30%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. This extends a run of negative predictions that began in late 2024.
P.ublished 22nd December 2025
New Sustainability Report Signals A Critical Year For Climate, Nature And Compliance
Sustainability consultancy Tunley Environmental has published the 2025 edition of its annual Sustainability Report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the year’s most significant developments in climate action, biodiversity, regulatory change and corporate sustainability performance.
P.ublished 22nd December 2025
Surviving the Holidays Without Losing Yourself with Dr Claire Kaye
For many women, the holidays are painted as a season of joy, yet behind the scenes it can feel like a pressure cooker of expectations: hosting, organising, juggling work and family, and holding everything and everyone together.
P.ublished 22nd December 2025
Hedgehog Lab Acquires Label Sessions To Create ‘One-Of-a-kind’ Innovation Consultancy
Malcolm Seagrave, Managing Director at hedgehog lab
BGF-backed digital product consultancy hedgehog lab has acquired Label Sessions – the Edinburgh-based global innovation network. The deal creates a unique full-stack innovation consultancy and combines the strength of hedgehog lab’s expertise in AI delivery and product design and development with Label Sessions’ methodology and network of more than 500 experts.
P.ublished 22nd December 2025
Retailers Report Bleak Holiday Trading As Sales Outlook Darkens
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Retail sales volumes fell at an accelerated rate in the year to December, extending a period of weakness that began in mid-2023 – according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. The new year is expected to start on a gloomy note for the retail sector. Retailers anticipate that annual sales will fall sharply next month, with expectations at their weakest since March 2021.
P.ublished 22nd December 2025
Christmas Spotlight: Faresh Maisuria, Blueberry Marketing Solutions Managing Director
As we approach the final days before Christmas, it's the turn of Faresh Maisuria, Blueberry Marketing Solutions Managing Director to continue our 2025 popular festive spotlight—featuring regional businesspeople from across the north answering 12 quickfire questions. 1.
P.ublished 21st December 2025
Christmas Spotlight: Liz Taylor, Founder Of Taylor Lyn Corporation (TLC) & CEO Of Liz Taylor Consultancy
As we approach the final days before Christmas, it's the turn of Liz Taylor, founder of Taylor Lyn Corporation (TLC) and CEO of Liz Taylor Consultancy, to continue our 2025 popular festive spotlight—featuring regional busin…
P.ublished 20th December 2025
Business Lessons from the Final Countdown to Christmas Day
As the UK has reached the final weekend before Christmas Day, the nation’s streets and shops are shining with an air of expectation, and businesses across all sectors are bracing themselves for the year’s ultimate commercial crescendo.
P.ublished 20th December 2025
Christmas Spotlight: Jo Meyers The Swine Bistro
It's the turn of Jo Myers, from The Swine Bistro, as we continue our 2025 popular festive spotlight—featuring regional businesspeople from across the north answering 12 quickfire questions. 1.
P.ublished 19th December 2025
Leigh Cleaning Firm Eyes Service Expansion Following NPIF II Investment
Revive Clean, a Leigh-based cleaning business specialising in student accommodation, residential and commercial cleaning, has secured a £25,000 loan from the NPIF II – GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans, which is managed by GC Business Finance on behalf of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
P.ublished 19th December 2025
Investment Firm Saves Heritage Brickmaker York Handmade From Administration
4D Capital Partners LLP (4D) has completed the acquisition of York Handmade Brick Co Limited, a manufacturer of bespoke and premium bricks based in Alne, North Yorkshire. The transaction has prevented the company from entering administration and has secured the employment of 20 staff members. York Handmade specialises in traditional brickmaking for heritage and contemporary construction.
P.ublished 19th December 2025
Northern Talent Tracker: This Week's Key Appointments
Helen Kitchen
Deputy Business Editor
L-R: Lucy Reding and Laura Fahy
Wilkin Chapman Rollits, the largest legal practice operating across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, has announced a significant expansion of its senior leadership team with three partner appointments.
P.ublished 19th December 2025
Atherton Dentist Filling Growing Demand For Local Services
Mayfield Dental Care
A long-running Atherton dentist is relocating to a larger practice to help address the growing demand for local dental care services. For more than 40 years, Mayfield Dental Care has been supporting residents in the town with their oral health from its practice on Mayfield Street.
P.ublished 18th December 2025
Pre-Christmas Rate Cut Is Little To Cheer
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
Responding to the Bank of England's rate announcement, Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs said: "The Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates by 0.25% today was widely expected but still a close call, with four of the nine MPC members voting for no change.
P.ublished 18th December 2025
Lancashire Business Leader Calls For More Women To Join The ‘Hidden’ Building Materials Industry
A businesswoman from Leigh, Lancashire, is calling for more young people, especially women, to consider careers in the building materials industry, a sector worth billions of pounds to the UK economy and vital to delivering new homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.
P.ublished 18th December 2025
Sheffield Forgemasters reports financial improvement for 2025
Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd has posted accounts for the year ending 31 March 2025, showing improved financial performance over the previous year.
P.ublished 18th December 2025
Christmas Spotlight: Jonathan Wearing, Managing Director Of The Yorkshire Law Firm, Ison Harrison.
It's the turn of Jonathan Wearing, managing director of the Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison, as we continue our 2025 popular festive spotlight—featuring regional business people from across the north quizzing them with 12 quickfire questions. 1.
P.ublished 18th December 2025
Defending Your Business From Fake Online Reviews
Global searches for "fake business reviews" have surged by 1,026% in the past year, reflecting growing anxiety among consumers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide. New Google Search data reveals over 68,000 monthly searches, highlighting the severe risk posed by manipulated ratings and AI-generated feedback.
P.ublished 18th December 2025
Manufacturing Output Decline Eases In Three Months To December – CBI Industrial Trends Survey
Manufacturing output volumes fell in the three months to December, though at a slower pace than in November – according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Manufacturers expect volumes to decline at a similar pace in the three months to March. Total and export order books also improved relative to last month, though remain historically weak.
P.ublished 18th December 2025
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