Monthly Archives: September 2024

News

SAMY Alliance eyes growth in US with hire of ex-Dentsu C suite executive for M&A drive

SAMY Alliance, the fast-growing social-first agency group has appointed former Dentsu C suite executive, John Santiago as Chief Corporate Development Americas, based in New York and with a specific focus on M&A.

 

The newly created role is a show of ambition for the 500-person-strong tech and data enabled group, as it looks to expand further in the US region and build its range of services, in tandem with an ongoing acquisition drive across Europe and in the UK.

 

Santiago will report to Juan Andrés Elhazaz, CEO at SAMY Alliance. He will work closely alongside a six-strong M&A team, led out of Madrid by Rocío Lama, Head of Strategy & Corporate Development, tasked with delivering on a target revenue of €100m ($107m) by the end of 2024 via acquisitions and organic growth. Santiago is the second US-based hire working to an M&A remit.

 

Earlier in his career, Santiago founded and grew M8, a digital marketing agency which became a globally recognized partner for the world’s biggest brands including General Mills, Sony, Marriott Hotels and global Fortune 500 companies. He cut his M&A teeth at M8, identifying targets and closing deals to grow the agency.

 

After the acquisition of M8 by Dentsu in 2018, Santiago continued to serve as its CEO, whilst also assuming the role of chief client officer, Dentsu Creative Americas. He also held a M&A remit focused on identifying targets throughout the Americas. At this time, he decided to build on his practical experience by studying for an executive MBA at Columbia in M&A, Venture Capital and Private Equity.

 

Juan Andrés Elhazaz, CEO at SAMY Alliance commented on John Santiago’s appointment: “The US is a key element in our global expansion plans.  Our growth trajectory in Europe has been extremely fast-paced and we have been recognized in the Financial Times Fastest Growing Companies list for the fifth consecutive year. Now is the time to approach the US with a similar drive and ambition, identifying a substantial anchor transaction in the States to round out our global strategy.

 

“We have a laser focus on becoming a leading social-first agency group, partnering with the world’s most recognizable brands who are seeking a modern social-first marketing group. With John leading our growth and M&A efforts in the States, we are in a good position to deliver on this.”

 

SAMY Alliance started its international expansion in 2019 with the acquisition of UK based SHARE Creative, an agency combining creativity and intelligence, which it placed alongside SamyRoad, the group’s founding agency, launched in Madrid in 2013. Since then, SAMY Alliance has acquired AnyGivenDay and Nobox, US based creative social agencies, with a blue chip client base including Netflix, Reebok, Microsoft, Diageo, and The North Face. Most recently it acquired Kurio, an award-winning Finnish social media and creative agency and the social media and performance portfolio of MDS, an award-winning digital agency headquartered in Colombia . Today, three-quarters of SAMY Alliance revenue comes from international markets.

 

Speaking about his strategic role with SAMY Alliance, Santiago remarked: “What impressed me most about the group is its approach to the modern marketing brief. Because it was born social first, it is unencumbered by legacy brands and services, allowing it to be agile and innovative in its offering.

 

“Years ago, when I founded my previous agency, I witnessed how legacy agencies clung to outdated mindsets and rested on their current revenue structures, convinced that digital would remain a niche. Yet, agencies like mine began capturing a growing share of marketing budgets by embracing an approach focusing on where to capture the most consumer attention. Our industry is constantly evolving, and now, it’s the moment for social-first agencies to step up as the leading partners for ambitious brands, driving modern marketing strategies at the forefront.”

 

Elhazaz concludes: “Until now, we have been operating largely under the radar despite our significant growth, and the appointment of John is a firm statement of intent. We want the world to know that SAMY Alliance is a natural home for fast-growing entrepreneurial agencies looking for the next stage in their journey. It’s a place where ambitious founders can be part of an exciting group and play a significant role in their and its growth journeys.”

 

ENDS

News

Open University Upskilling Students in their Future Finance Careers with Zoho Books

The Open University is helping to upskill students aspiring to be finance professionals this academic year, partnering with Zoho to train using industry-standard accounting software.

 

In partnership with Zoho, a global technology company, the Open University will provide students with access to Zoho Books, a VAT-compliant, cloud-based accounting software recognised by HMRC, as part of the university’s accounting and finance degree. This collaboration ensures that students, whether returning to education to upskill or change careers, will gain hands-on experience with the tools to help prepare them for their future profession.

 

This partnership is designed to prepare aspiring finance professionals for the challenges of today’s financial landscape, offering them practical experience that will make them more competitive in the job market.

 

Qualification lead Kevin Amor, a Lecturer in Accounting and Financial Management, Open University said, “We want to equip our students with the best skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-more complex world of accounting and finance.

 

We’re committed to helping students become highly competitive in the market following graduation. Partnering with Zoho helps our students apply their learning and explore what it is like to use a best-in-class accounting software solution, as they would in their future careers. This will add huge value to their employability.”

 

Prashant Ganti, Head of Product Management, Zoho Finance and Operations Suite, commented, “At Zoho, one of our goals is to help future finance professionals equip themselves with the practical know-how to succeed in the finance and accounting professions.

 

Partnering with the UK’s educational institutions is a significant step towards achieving that goal. With Zoho Books, modern accounting software, students will not only be able to practice and prepare to handle their clients’ day-to-day operations but also their own firm’s operations, helping them succeed in their professions.”

 

Students enrolled in the Intermediate Financial Accounting (B250) module in the BSc (Honours) Accounting and Finance degree will have free access to Zoho Books, and can practice core functions that finance professionals and accountants use on a day-to-day basis, such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliation, project billing, manual journals, financial reporting, and chart of accounts.

 

Additionally, the students can also practice tax and regulatory compliance, such as generating VAT returns and reports on VAT MOSS (Mini One Stop Shop), OSS (One Stop Shop), and CIS (Construction Industry Scheme). They will also be able to download the Zoho Books app for iOS, Android, and Windows devices to practice accounting on the go.

 

Zoho Books is HMRC-recognised, comprehensive, cloud-based accounting software that helps businesses take care of their finances, perform core accounting functions, track product stock levels, automate bank reconciliation, generate Bankers Automated Clearing System (BACS) files to pay vendors in bulk, manage projects, and stay VAT-compliant.

 

Businesses can also file VAT directly to the HMRC. Additionally, they can connect to popular payment gateways like Square, Stripe, and Gocardless to receive online payments from customers and get paid faster, thereby increasing their cash flow. The software also comes with other advanced capabilities like built-in order management, budgeting, workflow automation, customisations, advanced business analytics, and more. It is compatible in seventeen countries around the world.

News

Apprentify Group Expands Apprenticeship and Professional Development Opportunities with ioda Acquisition

UK-based digital and technical apprenticeship provider, Apprentify Group, has announced the acquisition of ioda, a management and leadership training and coaching firm that is centred around Inclusive Leadership, combining leadership with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) as well as developing professional coaches. This strategic acquisition will unite Apprentify’s Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeship programmes with ioda’s decades-long expertise in leadership, equality, diversity, and inclusion training.

ioda, known for its impactful learning experiences and high success rates in management apprenticeships, will enhance Apprentify’s current offerings by adding its horizontal and vertical development approach to the already comprehensive range of digital and technical training programmes. The combination will empower organisations to cultivate the next generation of leaders, equipping them with both the technical skills and the leadership capabilities needed in today’s dynamic business environment.

“This acquisition marks a significant step in our journey to deliver holistic professional development opportunities,” said Jonathan Fitchew, CEO of Apprentify. “By integrating ioda’s leadership and coaching strengths with our digital and technical focus, we are primed to offer unrivalled growth paths for individuals and businesses alike.”

Lisa Reynolds Managing Director ioda: “It’s really important to us all here at ioda that organisations develop their leaders with all the skills required to make a positive impact on the people they lead and the environments they lead in. This includes the digital and technical skills that Apprentify are renowned for. So being acquired by Apprentify Group is the perfect match for us and our clients, and one that the whole team at ioda are excited to be part of.”

Apprentify Group, which consists of Apprentify, Netcom Training, Juice Academy and Upskilla, have acquired ioda as part of their own ambitious growth plans, which will see them take over new offices in Wilmslow and expand their workforce to meet the growing demand for their courses. Any organisation wishing to discuss one of the new apprenticeships, or any person wishing to find out more information, should contact Apprentify via the website.

Business Tech

Blackline Safety Boosts Detection of Gas, Gamma Radiation with Launch of Next-Gen Safety Monitor

Blackline Safety Corp. (TSX: BLN), a global leader in connected safety technology, today announced the launch of a next generation connected area monitor that advances gas detection and early hazard identification for companies and first-responders, providing organizations and communities with unprecedented protection.

The new EXO 8 portable area monitor—to be unveiled September 16 at the National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo in Orlando, Florida—is the only direct-to-cloud area monitor capable of detecting up to eight gases and gamma radiation.

Ideally suited to large industrial organizations in the oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, water and wastewater sectors—alongside fire-hazmat and homeland security associations—EXO 8 helps teams rapidly respond to incidents involving hazardous substances and ensure the safety of workers, first responders, the public and the environment during these events. Real-time connectivity provides situational awareness that can be shared amongst all responders. Automated analytics provide insights into incidents after the event, enabling teams to understand what happened and take proactive measures to improve safety.

Building on the feature set of Blackline’s award-winning G7 EXO—including drop-and-go setup, direct-to-cloud connectivity, up to 100-day battery life and comprehensive analytics—the new EXO 8 includes:

  1. Gas expansion module– the ability to add up to four additional sensors for a total of eight gases.
  2. Integrated gamma radiation sensor – with a range that’s three times the distance of competitors and that operates continuously without cycling on or off.
  3. Higher resolution full color dual display– with live readings screen for real time gas and gamma levels and dashboard screen to quickly see alarms and device status.
  4. Improved durability– enhanced ruggedness and reliability in even the harshest environmental conditions.

Chris Johnson, Hazmat Technician for the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services in New York State, sees the value EXO 8 with gamma detection brings to hazmat response.

“Blackline Safety’s G7 EXO was already my preferred area monitor in the field. The ability to quickly swap out gas sensors to adapt to whatever threat we’re facing during response is invaluable. The data you get from the device—in real-time, from anywhere in the world, and easily understandable—has been critical to successful incident response,” Johnson said.

“EXO 8 with gamma detection will help us in even more scenarios, including behind-the-scenes monitoring. Gamma allows us to use the device for public safety as part of event protection. It will also keep our people more protected because we can detect more gases,” Johnson continued.

Event protection is crucial to public safety, as mass gatherings are vulnerable to attacks and are considered soft targets because they can inflict high numbers of casualties.

Though there has never been a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD, aka dirty bomb) detonated in a public setting, in 2002, U.S. officials stated they detained an American citizen who intended to detonate a dirty bomb. Since then, several governments in Europe have stopped similar plots by terrorist groups. According to the Global Terrorism Database, 68% of attacks on concerts and festivals involve explosives, including the Bataclan bombing in 2015 in France, the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 in the UK, and the threats of mass casualties that canceled Taylor Swift’s Eras tour shows this year in Vienna.

“Four years ago, we introduced the G7 EXO with Blackline’s industry-leading real-time connectivity, which quickly became the gold standard for area monitoring. With EXO 8, we’ve significantly expanded our customers’ ability to protect people and communities across a wider range of situations,” said Cody Slater, Blackline Safety CEO and Chair. “We’re responding to a direct need in the market by providing organizations with more robust technology that helps them address a broader spectrum of risks, faster.”

EXO 8 comes with a full warranty and flexible purchase options that include the ability to own or lease to maximize CAPEX or OPEX budgets. First product shipments are scheduled for November 2024.

About Blackline Safety
Blackline Safety is a technology leader driving innovation in the industrial workforce through IoT (Internet of Things). With connected safety devices and predictive analytics, Blackline enables companies to drive towards zero safety incidents and improved operational performance. Blackline provides wearable devices, personal and area gas monitoring, cloud-connected software and data analytics to meet demanding safety challenges and enhance overall productivity for organizations with coverage in more than 100 countries. Armed with cellular and satellite connectivity, Blackline provides a lifeline to tens of thousands of people, having reported over 250 billion data-points and initiated over eight million emergency alerts.  For more information, visit BlacklineSafety.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Sport

Great Britain Rugby Sevens Announce Giselle Mather as Women’s Head Coach 

Great Britain Rugby Sevens (GB7s) has announced the appointment of Giselle Mather as its new women’s team head coach for the upcoming season.
Mather is a distinguished figure in the world of rugby and brings her experience as a former player and a coach. She also received 34 caps for England, where she became a World Cup winner in 1994.
Mather has held numerous coaching roles in both the men’s and women’s games, including time with Wasps Women and London Irish men and was also the first woman to earn a Level 4 RFU coaching qualification.
Stepping into her new role, Mather said: “I am incredibly excited to take on this role with the Great Britain Rugby Sevens women’s team. Women’s rugby is on the rise globally, and to be a part of that trajectory and development at an international level is a fantastic opportunity.
“I look forward to working with the talented group of players that we have and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve as a team.”
Ciaran Beattie, GB7s director of rugby added: “We are thrilled to welcome Giselle as the head coach of the women’s team. Her vast experience, vision, and passion for the sport make her the perfect fit for our programme.
“We have no doubt that she will bring fresh energy and perspective to the team, helping to elevate our performance on the world stage.”
Mather joins GB7s from her previous role as director of rugby at Ealing Trailfinders, where she played a key part in the club securing a place in premiership women’s rugby last season, where the team finished sixth in their first season in the top tier.
To find out more about GB7s and their upcoming season you can find out more here. You can also follow the team on Instagram @gbrugbysevens and X @GBRugbySevens.
Business Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships, Tech, Technology

Silobreaker expands US reseller programme with ThreatQuotient

Strengthened collaboration to deliver ​unique ​threat insight​,​ ​leveraging​​ ​contextualisation and analysis of unstructured threat data at scale.

London, UK – Security and threat intelligence technology company, Silobreaker, has announced the expansion of its US reseller programme through a strengthened partnership with threat intelligence platform innovator, ThreatQuotient. This collaboration leverages Silobreaker’s vast datasets from open, deep and dark web sources to enrich the ​​ThreatQ Platform, providing organisations with advanced capabilities to contextualise technical threat indicators and analyse unstructured threat information at scale. 

Silobreaker reseller programme expansion 

Building on the success of its existing reseller programme, Silobreaker’s expanded partnership with ThreatQuotient aims to extend its reach and enhance service offerings in the US market. This strategic move underscores Silobreaker’s commitment to working closely with resellers to deliver cutting-edge threat intelligence solutions. 

By integrating Silobreaker’s rich data sources, ThreatQuotient is strengthening the partnership between the two companies, ensuring that users benefit from a seamless and powerful threat intelligence experience. 

Utilising enrichment for enhanced threat intelligence 

The integration ​brings in​ several new features that significantly boost threat intelligence capabilities. On-demand querying allows users to easily access and query Silobreaker’s unequalled dataset of sources using intuitive search terms from the ThreatQ ​​Platform. 

Silobreaker provides powerful insights on threat indicators, drawn from a customisable pool of relevant data, as well as advanced correlation of high-relevance entities from Silobreaker documents, such as malware, threat actors, attack types and more. 

Integration use cases 

The integration supports a variety of key use cases, including threat monitoring across open sources and the deep and dark web, including novel attack methods and campaigns targeting various industries. It also facilitates vulnerability tracking and offers enhanced credential monitoring and indicator enrichment for IPs, domains and subdomains.  

“Our expanded reseller programme with ThreatQuotient underscores our commitment to providing top-tier threat intelligence solutions,” said Kristofer Mansson, CEO of Silobreaker. “The integration of Silobreaker’s capabilities with the ThreatQ ​P​latform not only enhances our collective offerings but also provides organisations with a sharper, more holistic view of potential threats. Together, we enable our partners and customers to detect, analyse, and mitigate risks before they escalate into critical incidents, ensuring they have the crucial insights needed to make proactive, informed decisions to protect their organisations.” 

John Czupak, CEO, ThreatQuotient comments: “Today’s threats are constantly evolving and if we are to remain one step ahead of adversaries we need to share, involve, collaborate, respond, learn and take swift action. Our partnership with Silobreaker enables us to deliver even deeper insights into real world threats in open and dark web sources, so customers can accelerate understanding and harden their defences. These critical insights enable customers to ensure that incident handlers, malware researchers, SOC analysts and investigation leads gain more control, and are able to take the right steps at the right time to better manage risks.” 

For more information, please visit Silobreaker and ThreatQuotient. 

About Silobreaker
Silobreaker is a leading security and threat intelligence technology company, that provides powerful insights on emerging risks and opportunities in near-real time. It automates the collection, aggregation and analysis of data from open and dark web sources in a single platform, allowing intelligence teams to produce and disseminate high-quality, actionable reports in line with priority intelligence requirements (PIRs). This enables global enterprises to make intelligence-led decisions to safeguard their business from cyber, physical and geopolitical threats, mitigate risks and maximise business value.  

Learn more at www.silobreaker.com 

About ThreatQuotientTM  

ThreatQuotient improves security operations by fusing together disparate data sources, tools and teams to accelerate threat detection, investigation and response (TDIR). ThreatQ is the first purpose-built, data-driven threat intelligence platform that helps teams prioritise, automate and collaborate on security incidents; enables more focused decision making; and maximizes limited resources by integrating existing processes and technologies into a unified workspace. The result is reduced noise, clear priority threats, and the ability to automate processes with high fidelity data. ThreatQuotient’s industry leading integration marketplace, data management, orchestration and automation capabilities support multiple use cases including threat intelligence management and sharing, incident response, threat hunting, spear phishing, alert triage and vulnerability management.  

For more information, visit www.threatquotient.com 

 

Media Contact 

Michelle Edge, Eleven Hundred Agency 

T: +44 (0) 20 7688 5202 

E: silobreaker@elevenhundredagency.com 

 

 

Sport

Athletics legend who created one of the most iconic moments in olympic history returns to pro sport at age of 59

An Athletics legend responsible for one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history is returning to professional sport – aged 59.
Derek Redmond is remembered by many for the moment in the 1992 Olympics when his father, Jim, helped him over the finish line during the Men’s 400m after tearing his hamstring.
Now, the 59-year-old has been selected to play in the 2025 World Basketball Championships for GB Men’s Over-55s side.
A former Birmingham Bullets and England professional basketballer, Redmond will be linking up with The Federation of Masters Basketball Association (FIMBA) GB side, which provides the opportunity to continue performing on the international stage for all age groups 35+.
Speaking with high performance training providers Champions (UK) plc, Redmond said: “I’m obviously really excited. It rolls back the years of preparing for a major competition like the World Championships.
“It all comes with new challenges, a bit of excitement, a little bit of apprehension, a little bit of going slightly into the unknown. I guess my advantage is I’ve competed at the highest level, so I won’t be getting stage fright and that sort of stuff.
“I think my biggest concern or worry is that I can still perform at that sort of level, and I’m not going to make a complete fool of myself.”
A multifaceted athlete, Redmond has also competed in rugby 7s, boxing, martial arts and motorcycle racing post-athletics career. The former Olympian has revealed that he wants to continue to perform professionally for as long as possible.
“Even at the age of 59 I’m not giving up,” he explained. “People always think, ‘why do you still box at your age?’ Well, why not? You know when am I going to stop? When I can’t climb in a ring or run up and down a basketball court.
“I don’t have a time limit on those sorts of things. It’s pretty cool to do anyway. It’s great because it kind of shows I practice what I preach with my work. And I love challenges. I just can’t seem to stop trying. I wish I could.
“I woke up after basketball training with sore knees and thought what the hell am I doing? But I’ll go back next week! I’m like that person who gets drunk, has a horrible hangover, says I’m never going to get drunk again, and then does it again the next week!”
Nowadays, Redmond is also a renowned keynote speaker and business training provider, utilising his own learnings to help motivate organisations’ teams.
He continued: “It means a lot to me, because of what I do now for a living, talking about resilience, talking about never giving up, being brave, trying new things. I think this is an example of that, and I’m pretty much practicing what I preach.
“So it’s nice to be able to not only talk about it on stage, but actually live it. I live what I talk about. And that’s something that hopefully comes across when I speak. I’m talking not just about random things, I’m talking from the heart. I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve, and I’m speaking from my own experiences.”
The 2025 World Championships will be taking place in Ticino, Switzerland between June 27 – July 6, 2025.
FIMBA GB M55 Head Coach Des Williams also commented: “I’m over the moon that Derek is joining the team and preparing with us for the World Championships, he adds that extra dimension and competitive edge and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
AI, Awards, News, Tech

Engine recognised for advanced AI solution by prestigious UK Business Tech Awards

Fast-growing AI company, Engine, has been recognised for its advanced and growing suite of AI solutions by the prestigious UK Business Tech Awards, after being shortlisted for ‘Best AI Innovation’.

Headquartered in London, Engine was created to help SMEs and public sector organisations to take advantage of the opportunities created by rapidly evolving AI technology.

 

Over the last 12 months, it has established a niche in building custom AI solutions known as ‘knowledge engines’, that enable businesses to instantly access the benefits of top-tier natural language AI without exposing their data or having to rely on online information.

Dedicated to celebrating the UK’s finest tech businesses which have added tangible benefits to customer experience, management systems, marketing and sales, data tracking and more, the UK Business Tech Awards was established by leading awards organisers, Don’t Panic Projects.

 

With the awards ceremony set to take place on 19th November 2024 at the Hilton London Bankside, the UK Business Tech Awards is one of the most anticipated events on the business and wider tech industry calendar and will celebrate over 100 finalists from 30+ different categories.

Being shortlisted for ‘Best AI Innovation’ comes at an exciting time for Engine, having recently unveiled is latest AI solution – Bid Writer – which enables businesses to create comprehensive, accurate, compelling responses to match project briefs or bid criteria within a matter of seconds.

 

Kieron White, co-founder and Director of Engine, confirmed: “We launched Engine in 2023 with a clear vision to really help businesses leverage the evolving power of AI –be that by improving operational efficiencies and staff productivity or helping to drive sales and business growth, with our latest solution – Bid Writer.

“We are incredibly proud that our growing suite of AI solutions have already been recognised by such a prestigious accolade as the UK Business Tech Awards and we now look forward to the finalists’ ceremony this November – fingers crossed!”

 

Launched in 2023, Engine is fast becoming the leading and must use AI tool for businesses both UK and worldwide and is on track to accelerate growth by 400% within the next 12 months alone.

 

For more information, visit:

https://www.engine-ai.co.uk/

https://businesstechawards.com/2024-shortlist/

Property

More people set to be dragged into inheritance tax trap, warns property expert

People inheriting property will find themselves paying out more in future as the Government is expected to rely on Inheritance Tax to raise more cash for public services, a leading property expert has warned.
Jonathan Rolande, the founder of House Buy Fast and lead spokesman for the National Association of Property Buyers, says ministers are looking to boost IHT receipts to shore up the nation’s finances.
More people inheriting property are set to be dragged into paying IHT if the tax-free threshold is left unchanged and the payable rate is increased in the impending Budget, he has warned.
Mr Rolande said: “When the tax-free threshold was set at its current level in 2009, the price of an average home was £157,000. It is now £285,000, close to double what it was.
“And yet the threshold remains at its 2009 level, dragging an ever higher number of homeowners into Inheritance Tax.
“This is another example of so-called fiscal drag, much like Income Tax thresholds that have failed to keep up with inflation.
“The issue is particularly acute in the South-East and in our city centres where average prices are highest.
“With further house price inflation likely this year, more and more people will find themselves subject to tax when they die.
“The October Budget, already slated to be ‘painful’, may add to the problem if the threshold is not increased but the payable rate is.
“But it can be argued that homeowners should accept the tax as a fact of life, or indeed death.
“Few would disagree that public finances and services are in a pretty dire state. Taxing the dead, or the beneficiaries, is seen as a relatively painless way to raise much-need revenue to
spend on essential services.
“It raised £7.5 billion last year – what would replace that?
“It is mostly property that drags people into paying, and in most cases house price growth is the epitome of unearned income. Tenants do not benefit from this.
“IHT redresses some of that inequality and raises enormous sums of money. Fair or not, it is here to stay.”
Mr Rolande’s comments come amid a welter of speculation about potential changes to a variety of taxes that could be made by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Budget.
She is expected to announce measures that will raise an additional £20 billion for the Treasury by introducing changes to IHT, Capital Gains Tax, and pension contribution reliefs.
One former Treasury official has suggested that the Government could increase the rate of IHT from 40% to 45%, raising £1 billion – and even reduce the threshold by £50,000 to raise another £1 billion.
Other options that have been floated are scrapping of IHT relief on agricultural property and business assets.
Business Advice

Best Ways To Celebrate UK National Inclusion Week 2024 In The Workplace

For any growing business celebrating and recognising inclusion is vital.
But although many companies pay lip-service to the issue, many can sometimes struggle to come up with strategies to best celebrate inclusion.
Yet doing so is of crucial importance.
Later this month the topic will come into even sharper-focus when the UK celebrates National Inclusion Week.
Running from September 23 – 29 the week is dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces
The theme for National Inclusion Week 2024 is ‘Impact Matters’, a call-to-action to everyone, from leaders, to inclusion professionals through to teams and individuals.
The subject is important as the latest data shows the UK is now more diverse than it has ever been, with 18% of people in England and Wales from ethnic groups.
That is up from 14% in the 2011 Census although there is variation across the regions with, for example, the proportion of ethnic groups doubling in Northern Ireland over the past ten years.
Integration is also increasing, as the mixed ethnicity population in England has risen by 40% over the past ten years: 2.4 million households are now multi-ethnic.
In combination with diversity, an inclusive workplace will benefit from a 60% improvement in decision-making and a 19% increase in revenue compared to their competitors, reflecting the power of united teams.
Jack Hayes, the founder of Champions Speakers, has helped support multiple businesses with strategies for the best ways to celebrate National Inclusion Week.
He said: “National Inclusion Week is an important time of the year for giving people the opportunity to pause and reflect on how others around them identify themselves, and exchange ideas on what they can do to value one another and make the workplace more inclusive.
“Celebrating National Inclusion Week is a great way for us all to admire our differences. The theme for National Inclusion Week this year is “impact matters”, which is a call-to-action to everyone in your organisation, from leaders, to inclusion professionals through to teams and individuals.
“It centres around understanding, identifying and measuring impacts on potentially marginalised groups and taking action that can result in genuine sustainable change.
“Each of us holds the potential to make a profound and positive impact and some top ideas for getting started include:
Sharing his nine tips for best driving inclusivity in the workplace, Jack said:
  • Start a conversation to create deeper understanding and connection
  • Share who you are – consider how how present yourself in terms of pronouns in email signatures
  • Introduce yourself and meet a neighbour
  • Expand your circle and meet with colleagues at work who you have not yet spent time with
  • Support businesses that are owned by a minority or diverse group
  • Be an ally and help others understand their own privilege
  • Invite someone new to lunch or to your child’s birthday party
  • Pledge your action and share your intentions publicly
  • Hire a speaker to host a talk on the issues affecting inclusivity
Data compiled by Champions Speakers, which is based on reviews and feedback from thousands of events shows the current top UK keynote speakers for National Inclusion Week events in 2024 to be:
Retired Team GB Swimmer Mark Foster;
Inga Beale, the first female CEO of Lloyd’s of London;
Asif Sadiq, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for Warner Bros;
Shola Kaye, a leading voice in diversity, inclusion and equality space;
Piers Linney, AI expert and former Dragons Den Star;
Akala, the BAFTA award-winning hip hop artist, poet, historian and diversity speaker;
Charlie Martin, the first transgender professional motorsports racer;
Martine Wright, a survivor of the 7/7 bombings  now Captain of the British Paralympic sitting volleyball team; .
Kate Richardson-Walsh former a Team GB hockey gold medalist;.
The actor and campaigner Simon Callow;
Rugby star and LGBT+ advocate, Gareth Thomas;.
Retired Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton;
John Amaechi, widely considered to be “one of the world’s most high-profile gay athletes”;
Belinda Parmar  best known as the CEO of The Empathy Business;
Perrine Farque a powerhouse crusader on how to cultivate a connective culture of belonging;
Gina Buckney is the mastermind behind ‘Your People Are Your Power’ campaign;
Ayo Sokale an environmental leader and inclusion expert.