Monthly Archives: September 2024

Menopause, Menopause at work, News

Socitm Advisory awarded Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Socitm Advisory, a transformation partner which provides strategic advice and solutions for digital transformation and Enterprise Resource Planning, has been awarded the Menopause Friendly Accreditation. As a remote organisation, Socitm Advisory must work hard to engage and support its colleagues based in diverse locations right across the UK.

 Making menopause an inclusive subject that no-one is afraid or embarrassed to talk about was the main aim of Socitm Advisory drawing up a menopause policy and working towards the Menopause Friendly Accreditation.  By so doing they have given colleagues the confidence to ask for help and support as, when and if they need it.

“By getting the Menopause Friendly Accreditation we demonstrated our commitment to all colleagues,” says Emma Tickner, menopause lead at Socitm Advisory.

“Furthermore, being part of the Menopause Friendly community has given us access to a huge amount of valuable information and resources for our colleagues.

“The average age for a woman to reach menopause is 51, but symptoms can start years before,” explains Emma. “Many of our colleagues may be working with us through this transition or supporting someone who is. That’s why we have focused our efforts on achieving the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, to ensure colleagues receive and recognise our support.”

 

Helen Walker, Head of HR at Socitm Advisory added, “Research has shown that 10% of women leave their jobs and many more are reducing their hours or passing up promotions because of their menopause symptoms. Ensuring colleagues feel supported at work is key to the way we do things at Socitm Advisory which is why we embarked on our journey to be menopause friendly.”

 

The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, established by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace, recognises high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace. Industry-recognised, it is the only accreditation that sets clear standards which must be met. As such, it is truly meaningful and considered by many as a mark of excellence for menopause in the workplace.

In order to achieve The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, employers are assessed by an Independent Panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in five key areas, namely: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment.

Key to Socitm Advisory’s success was creating a bespoke Menopause Policy which offered ‘security’ for colleagues to refer to and understand what support is available to them. In addition, three important elements that Socitm has implemented as part of its journey towards accreditation are:

 

  1. Training for line managers and educational workshop for all colleagues across the business.
  2. Establishing a dedicated team of menopause champions and trainers to support colleagues.
  3. Having a journey which has been as much top down as bottom up.

 

“Our Executive Team has been fully supportive to achieve our accreditation, talking about it publicly on platforms such as LinkedIn,” says Emma. “Our colleagues have been keen to get involved with the training and engaged in the information we share. I know the differences we have now introduced will positively support colleagues for the future.”

By providing the right support, awareness training and signposting, Socitm Advisory firmly believes it will foster an age and gender-inclusive workplace which will help them tap into the valuable skills and talent that men and women of all ages have to offer.

“Recognising that everyone needs to know about menopause, whether they are experiencing it themselves or providing vital support, has been the bedrock of the Socitm Advisory’s approach,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO & Founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace. “It has been an ‘all-in experience’, educating everyone and implementing training workshops for all colleagues, including the Exec Team, illustrating that it is imperative for the continued success and growth of the organisation. As a SME, Socitm Advisory stands out for its achievements and is already inspiring other public sector professionals in technology and innovation to follow its lead.”

 

For more information about Socitm Advisory visit www.socitmadvisory.co.uk.

 

Business, Law

Myerson Solicitors becomes Manchester’s first 100% employee-owned law firm

Myerson Solicitors, a Top 200 UK law firm based in Altrincham, has announced its conversion to a 100% Employee-Owned Business (EOB), becoming the first law firm in Greater Manchester to do so. With 150 employees, Myerson now ranks among the largest employee-owned organisations in the UK.

Founded in 1982 by Neil Myerson, the firm serves both business and private clients nationally and locally, having achieved 15% organic growth for the financial year ending 31 August 2024, with revenues reaching £17.5 million.

Myerson is now 100% owned by its employees through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). A new Board of Trustees has been created, with the appointment of Steve Tudge, Joanne Evans, and James Birch — who are tasked with ensuring the organisation is managed in the best interests of all its employees. Meanwhile, the existing management board, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Carl Newton, will continue to oversee Myerson’s operations and strategy. Additionally, the board will now include Jordanna Reynolds, the People Director, to represent the HR function.

A Commitment to Independence

Myerson has always had a ‘people-first’ culture with the ethos to remain independent and only grow organically. Becoming 100% employee-owned reaffirms Myerson’s commitment to this and aligns with its core values of innovation, creativity, and being forward-thinking.

Myerson’s CEO, Carl Newton, who joined the firm in 1995 and has witnessed its continuous growth, comments: “We’ve always been bold and entrepreneurial. Becoming the first 100% employee-owned law firm in Manchester marks an exciting milestone for Myerson and for me personally, it’s a very proud moment.

Becoming an Employee-Owned Business allows us to give every single employee a stake in our firm’s financial success; it empowers our people, attracts top talent, and reinforces our people-centric culture. In a market where we see numerous mergers & acquisitions by private equity houses and large national law firms, I am delighted that Myerson is making a strong statement, championing stability and independence.”

Myerson Staff photos – 10/06/2024
Picture by Dave Thompson/Route One Photography

Increased Employee Engagement

Myerson employees will now benefit from tax-free bonuses, greater stability and continuity, and increased investment in learning & development. A newly established Employee Engagement Committee will safeguard the firm’s culture and uphold Myerson as a great place to work.

Carl continues: “Our clients will experience the same exceptional service they have come to expect, with the added assurance that all our employees are more engaged and committed than ever to ensuring the firm’s continued success.”

The legal sector: a late adopter of the EOT model

Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) have seen remarkable growth in the UK since their introduction in 2014. The EOT model was designed to promote employee ownership by providing a tax-efficient mechanism for business owners to transfer ownership to their employees. This policy intervention has generated a significant increase in the number of employee-owned businesses. As of October 2023, the UK proudly boasts a thriving sector of over 1,650 employee-owned businesses, reflecting a strong movement towards inclusive and sustainable business practices. However, the legal sector has been a late adopter: out of the 9,500 solicitors’ firms in the UK, only about 20 are employee-owned.

The legal work has been internally led by Corporate Partners Terry Moore and Akeel Latif. Terry Moore is an expert in the field of Employee Ownership Trusts, having acted for many clients, including other law firms.

If you would like to find out more about Myerson’s expertise in advising employee-owned businesses, you can contact the Myerson Corporate Team on 0161 941 4000, or email lawyers@myerson.co.uk.

Driving, Employee Benefits, EVs and Automotive News

Employer salary sacrifice schemes boost electric vehicle take-up: 40% employees say their next car will be electric, according to Tusker’s 2024 Survey

Cost-savings top of mind for 62% of drivers who next plan to drive an Electric Vehicle via their employer’s salary sacrifice scheme

Tusker, the UK’s leading salary sacrifice car provider, says its annual Driver Survey shows 62% of employees who plan to get an Electric Vehicle (EV) as their next car said a key incentive is the significant benefits available through a salary sacrifice scheme. In fact, 40% of the survey’s respondents said they plan to get an EV next time they change cars, with just 10% intending to drive a petrol car.

 

The Tusker EV Driver Survey 2024 was carried out in April 2024 with 5,942 UK employees taking part. The respondents were made up of 4,331 employed driving licence holders, 1,316 electric vehicle drivers with a Tusker scheme and 295 petrol vehicle drivers with a Tusker scheme.

 

Kit Wisdom, Managing Director, Tusker, said: “It’s undeniable that company car and salary sacrifice schemes are playing a major part in supporting EV take up. Industry data shows that recent growth in EV market share could not have been achieved without the significant benefits linked to salary sacrifice. These results underline that incentives have played a critical role in supporting the uptake of EVs to date – and it’s vital that the Government ensures that the incentives remain stable and strong enough to encourage more consumers and businesses to switch.

“The research in our report bears this out – drivers say the schemes’ tax advantages are one of the main reasons they plan to go electric or have already done so. We’ve also found that one of the biggest barriers to adoption of EVs is the perceived high purchase cost. This does not concern employees who choose an EV through a workplace salary sacrifice scheme as they aren’t required to pay for their car upfront.”

 

The data, published earlier this year by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), found that take up of salary sacrifice car schemes rose by 47% in the final three months of 2023 compared with the same period in 2022, with 84% of employees opting for an EV. However, when motorists don’t have access to the tax advantages of a salary sacrifice scheme, the picture is different. The BVRLA found that 66% of private contract hire agreements in the same period of last year were for petrol vehicles, with EVs representing only 16%.

 

Wisdom continued: “Beyond this, however, EV drivers are incredibly happy with their vehicle choices. This year’s survey showed the high – and rising higher – levels of satisfaction EV drivers have about their cars – just 3.5% of EV driver respondents said they’d go back to a petrol or diesel car.”

 

When it comes to customer views on their EV’s, 93% of Tusker drivers said they are either satisfied or very satisfied with their car, while 96% said their cars are reliable or very reliable.

 

The survey also found that alongside tax savings benefits, employees said that cheaper running costs are a key consideration in choosing an EV, with 60% saying this. Fifty two percent also said that environmental benefits are a key reason to switch from a petrol or diesel car.

Of the drivers who don’t have a car on the Tusker scheme and don’t currently own an EV, 69% said they plan to switch in the next four years.

Non-EV drivers still have concerns, however. The most common is the range of electric cars – how far a car can travel on a single charge – as well as the public charging infrastructure and initial vehicle cost. However, 86% of EV drivers said their cars range is sufficient for everyday use, and 78% only need to use the public charging network once a month or less. Indeed, data shows that almost 6000 new public charge points have been installed in the UK in the first three months of 2024, increasing to 60,000 across Britain to date – 12,000 of which are rapid or ultra rapid chargers. Three-hundred thousand public chargers are due to be implemented by 2030.

Tusker’s Car Benefit Scheme gives employees access to affordable, fully maintained and insured cars for a fixed monthly amount delivered through a salary sacrifice employee benefit arrangement.

—

About Tusker

Tusker is the UK’s leader in salary sacrifice cars. Part of Lloyds Banking Group, it has more than 15 years’ experience in offering an affordable way for employees to drive a new fully insured and maintained car. Its scheme, which is offered to over 1.8m UK employees, offers a range of options, from pure electric cars to hybrids and even traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. It provides a tailored scheme for organisations’ individual needs.

Brexit, Export, Logistics, News

Road Transport Businesses Urged to Prepare For GB Safety And Security Import Controls To Avoid Supply Chain Disruption

Cross-border road transport businesses need to be ready for the latest customs change for cargo coming from the EU or face significant delays and disruption according to Colin Robb, Head of Operations & Sales at Derry Bros. From 31 October 2024, Safety and Security (S&S) declarations will be required for all EU imports, so operators need to work closely with customers to ensure the processes are in place for the updated requirements.

Colin Robb

Robb explains:

“These changes represent a significant shift in the import process, which is aimed at boosting the UK’s security while ensuring efficient trade flows,” explains Robb. “While the new rules add some complexity to importing from the EU, they also support a safer and more streamlined trading environment. By taking the necessary steps now, importers and their supply chain partners can mitigate potential risk and continue to operate smoothly.”

The new S&S rule is part of the UK government’s plan to strengthen border controls and ensure that imported goods meet the country’s safety and security standards. Failure to comply with the declaration requirement will likely result in significant delays as well as potential penalties and rejection of goods at the border.

“To avoid any issues, road transport operators need to familiarise themselves with the declaration process and ensure technology systems are set up to handle the sharing of required information with customers. If they have any concerns they should liaise with their internal customs team or engage with a third-party customs agent to gain valuable guidance on how best to streamline processes and ensure compliance,” adds Robb.

 

Derry Bros has more than 60 years of experience in the freight and logistics industry, serving the UK, EU and beyond. With a comprehensive range of managed booking, customs and consultancy services, it is helping businesses to navigate some of the most complex challenges facing cross-border trade and transport. The company’s success and proven track record is underpinned by award-winning technology systems, developed in-house, including the all-in-one digital customs solution, Digicom.

Business Advice

How Business Leaders Can Control Expense Claims Across All Departments

Expense claims are an unavoidable aspect of business operations and are an everyday task in most businesses. Despite it being a common practice in most businesses, managing business expenses effectively can be a challenging task.

From travel and meals to client entertainment and office supplies, costs can quickly spiral if left unchecked. For business leaders, especially those overseeing large organizations with multiple departments, the need for a structured approach to expense management is crucial. By implementing clear policies, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of accountability, leaders can take control of expense claims and reduce unnecessary expenditures across their entire business.

Set Clear Expense Policies

The first step in managing expense claims is to establish clear and concise policies that define what constitutes an acceptable business expense. These policies should outline allowable spending limits, approval workflows, and documentation requirements for all departments. For example, a defined policy on travel expenses can limit the class of airline tickets employees can book, or set a maximum daily allowance for meals. Ensuring that all employees are aware of these policies is critical for compliance. Regular training sessions and a company-wide distribution of expense guidelines help keep everyone on the same page.

Leverage Expense Management Tools

With technological advancements, there is no longer a need to manually process expense claims or rely on outdated systems. Implementing automated expense management tools can streamline the process and reduce human error. These systems allow employees to submit claims online, attach receipts digitally, and provide managers with a real-time overview of departmental spending. Expense management software also integrates with accounting systems, ensuring that approved expenses are automatically reflected in the company’s financials. By automating the tracking and approval of expenses, business leaders can ensure transparency and quickly identify any discrepancies or areas where costs can be reduced.

Foster a Culture of Accountability

Expense control is not just about implementing policies or using the right software; it’s also about fostering a culture of accountability. Employees should feel responsible for their spending and understand how it impacts the company’s financial health. Encouraging departments to track their own expenses and promoting transparency can lead to better spending habits. Leaders should regularly review expense reports, holding managers and departments accountable for overages or patterns of unnecessary spending. By creating a culture where everyone is conscious of their spending, companies can mitigate excessive or fraudulent claims.

The Role of Fuel Cards in Managing Transportation Costs

For companies with employees frequently on the road, fuel expenses can constitute a significant portion of departmental costs. One effective way to manage and control fuel-related expenses is by utilizing fuel cards. These cards allow businesses to track fuel purchases in real-time, prevent unauthorized spending, and streamline the process of filing fuel-related claims. Moreover, fuel cards typically come with additional reporting tools, making it easier for businesses to monitor fuel consumption and identify any irregularities. Companies like Radius offer tailored fuel card solutions that can be a vital part of an overall expense management strategy, especially for businesses with a mobile workforce. By using fuel cards, companies can gain better visibility and control over transportation costs, ensuring that they align with budgetary expectations.

Regular Audits and Reviews

Another important step in controlling expenses is the regular auditing and review of all claims. By auditing a sample of expense claims from each department on a regular basis, businesses can identify patterns of overspending, duplicate claims, or misuse of company resources. These audits provide valuable insights and allow for adjustments in policy or the implementation of new controls where needed. Regular reviews also ensure that expense policies remain relevant and adapt to changes in the business environment, such as new regulations or economic conditions.

Conclusion

Controlling expense claims is vital for any business leader looking to maintain a healthy bottom line. With the right policies, tools, and cultural mindset in place, businesses can not only manage expenses effectively but also identify opportunities for cost savings. From leveraging automated expense management systems to utilizing fuel cards like those offered by Radius, leaders can take actionable steps to ensure expense claims are controlled across all departments, keeping budgets in check and supporting the company’s financial health.

Data, News, Tech, Technology

Nearly Half of Data Engineers Say Data Quality Issues are ‘Biggest Frustration’

A poll of data engineers has found data quality is still their biggest frustration and a showstopper for delivering impact and value quickly – with almost half ranking it above other common pipeline challenges.

Over 100 data engineers responded to the poll that was published by recently launched data transformation and infrastructure management tool, Pipeliner.

The poll found that almost 1 in 5 engineers find integrations with other systems to be their biggest challenge, while just less than 20 per cent point to performance bottlenecks. Engineers who took part also stated GDPR compliance, poor team cooperation and lack of access and permissions are high on their list of frustrations when carrying out their role.

Speaking on the results of the poll, Xavi Forde, founding engineer of Pipeliner and a data engineer himself, said:

“It’s no secret that data quality continues to be a root of major frustration for many data engineers. Couple this with an increasing number of organisations looking into adopting AI to support enterprise growth – and data engineers are under increasing pressure to ensure data is insight and AI ready.

“We know data is never perfect – but there are absolutely ways engineers can reduce the chances of data being compromised as it moves through the pipeline, and it all starts from having a well-documented pipeline with a complete traceability between your intended data transformation rules and your data transformation code so that no engineer has to spend hours and hours trying to untangle someone else’s badly written sql.”

To support data engineers in tackling some of their most common obstacles, Pipeliner launched its meta-data driven data transformation and infrastructure management tool in July. It takes mapping specification as an input and delivers data pipeline and infrastructure code directly to a data engineers’ GitHub repository, accelerating the development of data lakes, all while enforcing data governance.

With the Pipeliner, an engineer can go from a mapping specification to a live pipeline in a few minutes as opposed to hours if not days. It specialises in bespoke data pipeline design and implementation, enabling organisations to streamline data integration, optimise workflows, and uphold data quality through automated end-to-end pipeline creation.

Talking about the innovation behind Pipeliner, founder, Svetlana Tarnagurskaja, who will be hosting a panel of Great British Data Founders at Big Data LDN, says: “Pipeliner can help you build production-grade complex data transformation pipelines significantly faster – it’s a tool built by engineers for engineers, with users retaining a full control and ownership of their code, which was of paramount importance to us.

“The mission of Pipeliner is to make the build and maintenance of high-quality bespoke data lakes more affordable and accessible for the industry, whether it’s a small team in a charity sector or an established engineering team under a pressure of unlocking cost-savings in a large enterprise. Pipeliner automates the most-time consuming part of infrastructure and data transformation code  creation to remove bottlenecks, increases productivity and reduces cloud costs. It could save engineers days, even weeks of time.”

Pipeliner works through a typical three stage process:

  • Define – analysts or engineers define source to target transformation logic and data structures that need to be created, it is captured in a mapping specification
  • Generate –  Pipeliner takes the mapping specification as an input and generates the ETL jobs and infrastructure code.
  • Deploy –  Pipeliner delivers fully editable code straight to the Git repo of your choice, ready to be deployed, allowing the engineering team to retain full control of their code.

Backed by a team of experienced data engineers and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Pipeliner empowers businesses to extract actionable insights, make informed decisions, and foster growth through efficient data management.

News, Remote Working

13% Brits want a four day working week and 1 in 4 want to be fully remote

With the Labour government interested in introducing a four-day working week, many are speculative about this whilst others seem very optimistic about the idea. In light of this, TonerGiant conducted a survey to discover Brits’ views on the prospect and to see how often people are currently working this routine.

The survey of 1,000 correspondents found that:

  • Despite 13% of Brits stating they would like to have a four-day working week, 9% currently do.
  • In-person working is currently the most popular work routine, making up 30% of the workforce, yet the majority (24%) of Brits would like to work fully remote.
  • 13% of British workers aged 45-54 currently have a four day working week, making them the age group who so the most, as opposed to Millennials (aged 25-34) who do so the least. 
  • Leeds has the highest percentage of four-day week workers, with 19% of workers currently adopting the routine, whereas only 4% of Edinburgh and Norwich have a four day work week. 
  • 18% of those working in the legal sector currently have a four day working week, making it the industry most lenient to this proposed change.

They also explored Brits’ views on hybrid working and the current working climate in the UK. The survey continued to discover that:

  • 22% of Brits work from home for two days each week, making it the most common hybrid working routine. 
  • 81% of Brits work from home at least one day during the week, and it seems to be the more popular approach. 25% of those surveyed said they would like to take up fully remote working as opposed to just 7% who wanted to return to working in the office full time. 
  • 44% of Brits would consider leaving their job should they be asked to come into the office full time. 
  • 48% of Brits wouldn’t bother applying for a job if it required them to come into the office full time. 
  • 59% of Brits feel like they are more productive at home, whereas 17% feel more productive working in the office. 
  • 40% of Brits feel more anxious when attending in-person meetings rather than video calls.
  • 41% of Brits feel that employees are less likely to get a promotion or pay rise if they don’t spend enough time in the office. 
  • 52% of Brits feel like their diet is better when working from home.
  • 48% of Brits feel like they exercise more when working from home.
  • 50% of Brits miss the social aspect of being in an office with their coworkers.
  • 62% of Brits feel like the cost of commuting has made them not want to go into the office. 
  • Brits’ view on COVID-19 is largely split, with 39% still having concerns whilst 41% don’t consider it to be a threat in the workplace.
  • 64% of Brits feel like their overall quality of life has improved since working from home. 

The data suggests that, overall, women are more in favour of working from home than men, as 52% would avoid applying for a full-time office role, compared to 43% of men. 

Millennials seem to be the most against full-time office roles, with 51% saying that they would leave their current role if forced back in full time, compared to just 31% of those aged 55 and over. 

Commenting on the findings, Stuart Deavall from TonerGiant said:

“Since the pandemic, working from home has become a staple of our work culture in the UK and it’s clear to see that it’s favoured by Brits across the board. Most noticeably, it’s intriguing to see that working from home is almost a requirement for many employees. Despite studies showing that employers struggle to trust their employees when they work from home, the majority of employees now expect a hybrid working model, so perhaps it’s time to adapt to this shift. 

Working from home has its very obvious benefits. Long are the days where you need to be in the office to use your equipment. Essential office supplies, like a laptop and printing facilities, can be used from practically anywhere with a plug socket and wifi connection. This convenience seems to be a driving force as to why Brits favour the working from home lifestyle.”

TonerGiant has released the findings to find out how Brits feel about working from home. A data hub containing the full findings can be found here. 

Food & Drink, News

Historic pub, The Magpie, reopens with a fresh new look and is available for hire!

The Magpie in Bishopsgate has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment, giving the iconic pub an exciting new look.

The Magpie has been given a facelift while keeping its traditional look and feel inside. Guests can expect to see a revamped 1st Floor Nest Bar with a more relaxed vibe, which is available for hire making it the perfect venue for private parties and festive bookings. Alternatively hire a table in the Nest Bar and enjoy the 65 inch TV whilst the team waits on you and your guests.

The main bar has also been improved with the addition of foldable tables, ideal for going from day to night and making more space for friends and family to enjoy themselves on the ever popular Thursday evenings.

For those that enjoy watching sport the news that The Magpie has also invested in 4 brand new TVs across the pub will be very welcomed. You will be able to enjoy a range of great sporting events like, 6 Nations Rugby and Football’s FA Cup, EUROs and World Cups. 

The Magpie has always been renowned for being a traditional pub full of unique character, revered for its eclectic range of real ales and craft beers, and popular for being the only pub in Bishopsgate to offer Street Food. It is a fabulous drink establishment frequented by the local office workers and often used as an ideal meeting point for friends and family due to its close location to Liverpool Street Station.

 In the evening the real magic happens when the office crowd descends after work, the vibe is electric, it’s lively, but comfortable, as if you’ve walked into the best sort of house party.

 This refurbishment has savoured all of the pub’s charm and extended its already impressive drinks menu making it a must-visit for those in the area.

The Magpie prides itself in offering Nicholson’s Pale Ale and Nicholson Gin, you’ll only find these in Nicholson’s Establishments. Alongside these real ales, guests can also enjoy cocktails, spritz and an extensive gin menu with over 30 to choose from.  

Guests can also tuck into all the pub classics, like the British Steak and Nicholson’s Pale Ale Pie, classic cheese and bacon beef burgers and the Nicholson’s fish and chips, battered in Nicholson’s Pale Ale.

 Speaking about the refurbishment, General Manager, David Stark, said: “We are really pleased to be opening our doors once again to all our guests. We have always prided ourselves on being a great pub in the heart of the City and we are looking forward to showing everybody not only our new and improved main bar but also our brand new 1st-floor Nest Bar, which will have a more casual drink vibe with a larger range of drinks available. In a city full of distractions, The Magpie is a great reason to make the trip into London worthwhile, whether you’re after a quick drink before catching your train or you’re planning to settle in for the evening, this is the place that’ll have you looking at your watch, wondering where the time went. It’s a proper London pub, and you’d be mad to miss it. Following the extensive refurbishment and significant investment made at the pub, our team have been fully trained and will offer all our guests a wonderful pub experience and as always fantastic service.”

For more information check out the website Nicholson’s Pub in London | The Magpie (nicholsonspubs.co.uk)

Appointments, News

Fox Agency appoints new Managing Director for UK & Europe

London, UK, (4th September, 2024) – Global B2B technology marketing & PR specialist, Fox Agency, has appointed Rachel Lofthouse as its Managing Director for UK & Europe, with co-founder Ben Fox assuming the role of Global CEO.
Rachel previously held the role of Head of Commercial & Operations at Fox Agency, joining the business in 2021. Prior to this, Rachel held various senior positions at a range of agencies such as Golley Slater, Blue Chip Marketing, and Cherry London and Sky UK.
In her new role, Rachel will oversee Fox Agency’s UK and European operations, which include offices in London, Leeds and Düsseldorf, a team of 60+ employees, and a rapidly expanding business footprint. Working closely with Global CEO Ben Fox and the UK Management Board, Rachel will drive business growth across the region and provide strategic consultancy to clients.
The agency, which opened its US operations in 2023, is on track to report a 30% increase in UK turnover compared to the previous financial year. With a strategic vision for growth, the company aims to reach £20 million revenues by 2027.
On her appointment, Rachel said: “I am extremely proud to be taking on the role as UK & Europe Managing Director at such an exciting time for the company. Our incredible growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our passionate and talented team. I look forward to leading our UK and European business, expanding our presence, and driving continued success. Together, we will achieve our ambitious targets and solidify our position as a leading B2B technology marketing agency.”
Ben Fox, the newly appointed Global CEO, added: “We are delighted to have Rachel step into this crucial role at such a pivotal time for the business. Her exceptional leadership skills and deep understanding of our business makes Rachel the perfect fit to lead our UK & European operations. I am looking forward to working closely with Rachel to achieve our ambitious goals, create opportunities for clients, and further establish Fox Agency as a leader in the industry.”
Fox Agency remains committed to delivering unparalleled marketing and PR services to its clients and driving innovation in the B2B tech sector. With Rachel at the helm for the UK & Europe, the agency is poised for continued success and expansion.
Logistics, News, North of England

Merseyside logistics specialists secure seven-figure investment from Irish freight experts

A Merseyside logistics specialist says a seven-figure investment from two Irish freight experts is about “taking the business to the next level.”

SSO Logistics, which is based in St Helens, has agreed a strategic partnership with Bolton-based Irish Freight Solutions (IFS) and Armagh-based Allied Fleet Services (AFS).

SSO already has a firm foothold in Ireland and CEO Peter Draper said the new investment aligns with all three firms’ strategic growth plans for the territory.

Founded in 2019 by Bolton native James Wood, IFS has rapidly established itself as a key player in logistics services to Ireland, growing from a start-up to achieve a turnover of £11 million in 2023.

AFS initially offered logistics solutions from its foundation in 2017 but following Brexit, it swiftly established itself as Ireland’s premier customs service provider, achieving an annual turnover of £4.5m through its expertise and adaptability in navigating new trade regulations.

Peter Draper, CEO of SSO Logistics, said: “This investment is about taking the business to the next level. We already move freight to Ireland and by sharing our contacts and business relationships, we can expand this even further.

“With IFS’ expertise in freight forwarding and AFS’ knowledge of customs clearance, we can ensure an even smoother transit of freight into Ireland.

“When James knew I was looking for investors he jumped at it. One of the things which attracted him to us was our ability to send loads into Ireland – he’d done a lot of due diligence on us.

“Stephen clears all our deliveries through Ireland, which is vital for traceability. You need a letter of authority signed at every delivery point and without Stephen it doesn’t happen. This expertise is vital for us.”

James Wood, managing director of Irish Freight Solutions, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time. I have known SSO and Peter personally for several years and we have a synergistic approach to customer service. Although we operate in different areas in the logistics sector, our views and visions are aligned.

“When Peter discussed the opportunity to be a part of the SSO family it was a no-brainer.

“Being the freeport for the North West and having a full in-house customs team means SSO can offer a one-stop solution for businesses across the UK, especially Merseyside and the North West.

“Our partnership with SSO Logistics demonstrates our commitment to growth and service excellence. By combining our expertise with SSO’s strengths in warehousing and distribution, we’re poised to offer unparalleled logistics solutions across the UK and mainland Europe.”

Stephen McAneney, managing director of Allied Fleet Services, said: “This investment marks a significant milestone for our business as we continue to strategically grow across the UK and Europe.

“Upon meeting Peter and the SSO team, we were impressed by their shared cultural values and ambitious growth plans. This alignment of goals and capabilities made the partnership too good to turn down.

“SSO has the unique proposition of freeport status in the North West, which combined with Allied Customs Services in Ireland will drastically reduce the import costs of goods. While both companies will operate independently, we will collaborate to further strengthen our positions as the go-to people in customs.”

For more information about SSO Logistics, visit www.ssologistics.co.uk.