Cardiff-based FleetEV is celebrating after being awarded a place on the Halton Housing Fleet Procurement Framework, managed by MUFG Corporate Markets, a division of MUFG Pension & Market Services (formerly Link Group).
FleetEV is an electric vehicle (EV) services provider that focuses on helping organisations transition to electric vehicles through comprehensive leasing, salary sacrifice, and fleet solutions tailored to diverse client needs.
The company has been awarded a place on three lots of the national framework: passenger cars, light commercial vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes, and light commercial vehicle conversions. The framework is valued at £450 million and can be used by any public sector body in the UK, opening up significant growth opportunities for the Cardiff-based business.
Jarrad Morris, CEO and Founder FleetEV, said: “We’re so pleased to have been awarded a place on the Halton Housing Fleet Procurement Framework, managed by MUFG Corporate Markets, especially on three separate lots. We feel passionately about changing the face of EVs across the country and are so pleased to take our brand nationwide through this framework. We look forward to engaging with the public sector through the framework, helping them adapt to EVs in a simple way.”
Darrell Slevin, Director and Head of Asset Finance Advisory at MUFG Corporate Markets, a division of MUFG Pension & Market Services (formerly Link Group), said: “We are delighted to welcome FleetEV onto the Halton Housing Outright Purchase Framework. Being on three lots will enable them to deliver a wide range of vehicles covering the public sector’s electric light commercial vehicle requirements throughout the UK.
“We wish them every success and look forward to working alongside them to deliver best value into the public sector.”
Nearly 85% of small to medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs) are crying out for more Government funding to help them bridge the digitals skills divide.
A new report produced by Oxford Innovation Advice has today revealed that four fifths of companies are looking to ‘digitally upskill’ their staff but are finding the biggest barriers to achieving this are cost and a lack of in-house knowledge.
Over two thirds (68%) of the 239 businesses questioned are planning to invest in digital technologies, meaning there is a massive opportunity for the new Labour administration to deliver more specialised support to help boost skills and unlock the potential of UK industry.
Based on responses from the survey, Oxford Innovation Advice has developed a five-point policy action plan that it plans to submit to Government to build on successful programmes, such as Made Smarter Digital Adoption.
The recommendations focus on providing basic level training and advice to manufacturing SMEs to convert critical analogue data capture processes into digital ones. This is a critical first step for companies and gives them the ability to analyse processes and identify efficiency improvements.
Robot arm in a factory working for the humans
Training should also be tailored to include a strong problem-solving focus, which could feature mentoring and one-on-one practical support to help manufacturers trial solutions and digitalise processes.
Finally, Oxford Innovation Advice is urging Government to involve companies in the design of businesses support, whilst also ensuring that programmes are available nationally and connect SMEs to their peers to sustain their digital journey.
“Nearly half (49%) of the manufacturers we surveyed are predicting growth in the next six months and this is great news. However, as the report clearly shows, how many more could be increasing sales and creating jobs if they had more help to improve their digital skills?” explained Jane Galsworthy, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Advice (pictured above).
“The digital revolution is no longer the preserve of the larger companies, it’s here and needs to be embedded on the shopfloors, in the design hubs and in the offices of our smaller manufacturers.”
She continued: “What is clear is that SMEs need more Government funding to help make this happen, with two thirds admitting they would accelerate their journey if the right specialist support was in place.
“80% also said they want to upskill their staff, so the appetite is there – we just need to create the right business support environment to make it happen using a combination of more financial grants and practical assistance that ensures firms can embrace digital technologies.”
Oxford Innovation Advice surveyed 229 manufacturing SMEs during August for its Skills and Digital Adoption report, one of the largest compiled this year for manufacturers.
Other findings included:
46% of companies are looking to hire new employees with the necessary skills for growth
SME leaders feel that the Industrial Internet of Things is the most important digital tool for their business, followed by big data/analytics and Enterprise Resource Planning systems
83% of firms want to embrace digital transformation to improve operational efficiency, with over half wanting to utilise it to reduce costs
Nearly three quarters (72%) of manufacturers believe cost is the biggest barrier holding back their digital journey
The top three training approaches preferred by small to medium-sized enterprises are peer-to-peer learning, workshops/seminars and mentoring.
Jane concluded: “Made Smarter Digital Adoption is a fantastic programme for helping SMEs who have already made headway in developing their digital capabilities. However, we feel that there is still a significant number of companies who need support to develop lower-level processes before they can start to apply Industry 4.0 technologies.”
She concluded: “We’ll be taking this report to Whitehall to ensure SME manufacturers can get access to the digitalisation support they require to drive up productivity and growth.
Oxford Innovation Advice is the UKs leading provider of SME business support programmes and has been delivering coaching and advisory services for over 35 years.
It assists the leaders of over 500 manufacturing companies every year and has a detailed understanding of the challenges they face.
Voice of a manufacturer
Sheffield-based Oakworth Timber Engineering is one of the SMEs who echo the sentiments of the Digital Adoption report.
The company, which designs, manufactures and erects timber frame structures for the residential marketplace, has invested in a cloud-based server and ‘Clearview’ open-source software to create a data-rich ERP system that ensures the smooth transfer of information between designers, production and staff on site.
Managing Director John Capper has received fantastic support from the Made Smarter Digital Adoption programme but is still urging the Government to provide even more financial support for smaller companies looking to embrace digital manufacturing.
He said: “Some of the initial measures we’ve taken have really benefited the business, from optimising processes and boosting efficiency to reducing lead times on projects.
“We’d love to do more, we really would and already have one eye on specialised production software and embedding our Site Audit Pro app into our EPS system. Cost is definitely a barrier, and our decision could be accelerated if there were easier-to-access grants.”
He continued: “There’s another big piece of work to do around digital skills as we’ll need to upskill pretty much all our 47-strong workforce to make sure we maximise any investment.
“Manufacturers thrive on practical training so any new programmes should really look to embed on-the-job learning into their digital skills approach.”
Tech creative company Fourth Wall has moved into a new office in a landmark Liverpool city centre development; Vanilla Factory on Fleet Street.
The tech-led fan engagement firm has taken 2,295 square feet of the building, which combines gorgeous original Victorian features with smart 21st century architecture, and has capacity for approximately 50 people.
The move to Liverpool city centre represents a significant financial investment by Fourth Wall who wanted a space that offers its staff something different. The office at Vanilla Factory is a relaxed open-plan layout, promoting team collaboration and idea sharing.
It complements the company’s larger HQ in Bromborough, Wirral, which also comes with a number of warehouses for Fourth Wall’s fulfilment and distribution centre. The multiple working spaces fit in with Fourth Wall’s hybrid culture, allowing staff the opportunity to split their time between the two offices and home.
Steve Hartley, Creative Director at Fourth Wall, comments: “The new city centre office is a superb collaborative space which supports our hybrid working set-up for staff. It’s easily accessible for our teams, clients and partners, and is a true creative environment which ultimately aids in the recruitment of top talent, whether that be in a full-time or freelance capacity.
“We’ve designed our new office with a real Fourth Wall feel. We are a sports specialist tech agency that is led by creativity and future thinking, and this is represented in the look and feel of our new space. There is a relaxed yet tech-led spin to it all, which includes several big-screen TVs visible from every part of the office and a 5m wide floor-to-ceiling LED screen hooked up to a wireless sound system to create an instant immersive experience.
“Our aim was to build a relaxing and inspiring environment that our teams and clients will appreciate and enjoy. The mini bar and PlayStation 5 taps into our ethos of being a fun place to work, and the collaboration spaces are perfect for exploring future ideas as a team.”
Vanilla Factory is renowned for its design with communal and informal spaces, as well as dedicated breakout areas. There are formal boardrooms and meeting rooms, as well as contemporary kitchens, a small rooftop terrace, bike store, showers.
Steve adds: “Vanilla Factory is the right space for our city centre office; it’s advanced in terms of design, brilliantly located on Fleet Street close to restaurants, cafes and bars, and perfectly showcases Liverpool’s regeneration. It is a contemporary commercial environment which perfectly suits our needs, and with a busy Q4 ahead we will continue to help our clients grow and monetise their customer base by providing a deeper brand experience.”
Working with more than 50 sports Clubs and federations across the UK and worldwide, Fourth Wall and its sister companies, alloc8 and Pack Track, provide a full suite of services and systems to maximise fan engagement and reduce administration, delivered by a team with huge experience in the world of sports, and all underpinned by technology.
A leading manufacturer of PCB assemblies is enjoying the fruits of employee-ownership after it reshored a significant product range.
Cope Technology, which employs 40 people at its facility on the Pensnett Trading Estate, has successfully won back a contract that had left the UK for production in China after demonstrating world class quality and speed of response that couldn’t be matched in the Far East.
It’s a significant victory for the 40-year-old firm, who supplies low and medium volume electrical assemblies for use in CCTV monitoring, traffic management, emergency vehicles, vending machines and automotive accessories.
The Black Country-based manufacturer was recently sold by the company founders to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), giving staff the opportunity to gain a share and voice in its future direction.
This pivotal transformation has been supported by the Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley Programme (BGWM), who has provided the new management team with strategic planning advice and support in employee engagement.
“We have a very strong history and track record in providing world class contract electronic manufacturing, with all of our attention, capital investment and supply chain management dedicated to building assemblies for our customers,” explained Production Director Adam Holmes, who has been with the company for more than two decades.
“These core values will continue under the Employee Ownership Trust, but there is also a focus on how we modernise the business and continue to digitise our operations so we can become even more efficient and potentially take our PCB knowledge into new markets.”
Adam continued: “When you are taking steps into the unknown for some of us, that’s when you need a good sounding board and Business Growth West Midlands has been a fantastic resource for us.
“Our Business Growth Adviser has been with us on the entire journey, providing strategic advice around planning, structure, forecasting and, importantly, building a strong employee engagement strategy. The transition has certainly been smoother with their involvement!”
Cope Technology tapped into the GROWTHmapper® tool, a free business diagnostic which SMEs benefit from when participating in the Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley programme.
This helped the new management team identify strengths and weaknesses within its operations and prompted honest discussions among the team. The insights grained have been instrumental in taking the business forward, securing the recent reshoring win and accessing additional support and grants.
Adam also attended a workshop on digital manufacturing and a factory tour hosted by Thomas Dudley, who is one of its clients.
This event not only provided practical insights into automation and digitalisation, but also enhanced the firm’s understanding of the end-product assembly process, bridging the gap between different stages of production.
Donna Watkins, Business Growth Adviser for the BGWM in Dudley Programme, went on to add:
“It has been a pleasure to work with the senior management team at Cope Technology, who has built upon the honest communication they were having, taking our recommendations onboard and moving the business to the next level.
“What is really pleasing is the determination to get even better at what it does, and we’ll be helping them to achieve this through one-on-one support and identifying potential grants for new equipment and technology.”
Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley, which is funded by Dudley Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is supporting more than 600 companies based in the borough with advice from local Business Growth Advisers.
Run by Oxford Innovation Advice, the initiative delivers an information, diagnostic, brokerage, and account management service to support local businesses to thrive, innovate, and grow, whilst also supporting entrepreneurs to progress their ideas.
A special focus is placed on helping firms in key local sectors and engaging with harder to reach groups, such as women-led and ethnic minority-led businesses.
Adam concluded: “I can’t praise the support we’ve had enough and would recommend other growing SMEs in Dudley to tap into what is on offer. The external expertise has been instrumental in helping us through a period of significant transformation and laying down the foundations for the next forty years in our history.”
For further information, please visit www.cope-technology.co.uk or www.businessgrowthwestmidlands.org
A rare 411-year-old bible valued at up to £8,000 will be going under the hammer at a leading Shropshire fine art auction house next week.
The Great She Bible of 1613, a second folio edition of the King James Bible by royal printer Robert Barker, is one of the potential stars of Halls Fine Art’s books, coins and stamps auction in Shrewsbury on Wednesday, November 6.
The bible has been consigned by its North Wales owner and has been in the same family for several generations. It’s called ‘Great’ because of its size and ‘She’ to distinguish it from some copies of the 1611 edition which have the reading in Ruth 3 verse 15 – ‘…and he went into the citie’ instead of ‘..and she..’.
This auction bible also contains the remarkable error in Matthew 26 verse 36 where ‘Judas’ is used instead of ‘Jesus’, In this copy, the verse reads: ‘Then cometh Judas with them unto a place called Gethsemane’.
Chris Moore, Halls Fine Art’s books specialist, explained: “Early bibles are nearly always defective and this one is missing the general title, which would have been dated 1613, as well as some leaves at the end.”
Another interesting lot, which is likely to attract bidders from America, comprises signed photographs of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), President of the United States from 1933-45 and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), which were presented to noted British violinist Margaret Harrison.
Estimated at £800 to £1,200, the framed photograph of the President shows him seated at his desk with the inscription ‘For Miss Margaret Harrison from Franklin D Roosevelt’. In the bottom right corner, there is a medallion with the words ‘The seal of the President of the United States’.
The framed, signed photograph of First Lady standing at the foot of a flight of stairs carries the inscription ‘To Miss Margaret Harrison with good wishes, Eleanor Roosevelt’.
The frames of both photographs have a brass plaque which states: ‘This wood was part of the White House roof erected about 1817 and removed in 1927′.
Margaret (1899-1995) was the youngest of four sisters, the others being May, Beatrice and Monica. All talented and pioneering female musicians, the Harrisons were leading figures in the British classical music scene during the first half of the 20th century.
The photographs were presented to Margaret during one of her tours of the United States with her sister Beatrice, a cellist. Their circle of friends included famous composers, artists, writers politicians and even royalty, notably Princess Victoria, daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandria.
Margaret was for 50 years a leading breeder of Irish Wolfhounds and donated one of her dogs to the Irish Guards whenever they needed a new regimental mascot.
The autographs section includes the signatures of Jimi Hendrix (1942-‘70) and his band, which is expected to fetch up to £300. The famous guitarist signed ‘Best of success Jimi Hendrix’ on a piece of paper pasted to the half title of Sharon Lawrence’s book ‘Jimi Hendrix: the Man, the Music, the Truth’ published in 2005.
The paper is also signed by Mitch Mitchell (1946-2008) drums, Noel Redding (1945-2003) bass and road manager Neville Chesters (1945-2023). In addition, the book itself is signed on the front free endpaper by Mitchell and Billy Cox, bassist and only surviving musician who played regularly with Hendrix.
Also valued at up to £300 is an autograph of King Louis XIII of France on a letter, dated August 1628, to Captain Laugiron concerning military matters. Louis XIII (1601-43) was King of France from 1610-’43.
The auction also includes a full set of Collins New Naturalist series, four lots of early Wisden Cricketers’ Almanacks and several lots of Shropshire books.
Housebuilder Bellway has made a £500 donation to Wigan & Leigh Hospice.
With two new residential developments, Trilogy in Mosley Common and Moss Bank Gardens in Leigh, located close to the hospice, the housebuilder is aware of the vital role that the hospice plays for those living in Wigan Borough and wanted to help.
Providing palliative and end-of-life care to more than 1200 people with life-limiting illnesses in Wigan every year, Wigan & Leigh Hospice relies on the support and generosity of local businesses and the local community to deliver its services free of charge.
Bellway’s donation will go towards the ongoing daily running costs of the hospice that delivers exceptional round-the-clock care addressing the physical, emotional, social, practical and spiritual needs of its patients and their families and friends.
Corporate and major donor fundraiser, Amy Jones, welcomed Bellway’s sales director, Grace Yarlett, to the hospice to learn more about its vital work and mark the start of a partnership that will last for the duration of the development builds which is approximately two to three years.
Amy said: “We are so grateful to Bellway for this generous donation and will ensure that it is put to good use continuing the essential daily work of the hospice locally in Wigan. We really do rely on these types of contributions from individuals and businesses, and one hundred percent of every single penny goes towards helping our patients.
“It’s great to know that this is just the start of our partnership with Bellway and that the team is keen to support our different fundraisers. I’m delighted to add that they’ve also sponsored one of our Christmas trees that will be unveiled in due course in the run-up to the festive season.”
Grace added: “Wigan & Leigh Hospice is an amazing organisation on the doorstep of our two new developments and one that we are proud to support. The team works tirelessly delivering its invaluable service across Wigan and we will do all that we can over the next few years to support them.”
Bellway is soon to launch two beautiful new developments in the area; Moss Bank Gardens on Hooten Lane in Leigh and Trilogy on Mosley Common Road in Mosley Common. Both developments will offer a range of two, three and four bedroom homes. For more information, please contact Bellway on 01925 846700 or visit www.bellway.co.uk.
About Bellway Homes
Bellway Homes is a FTSE 250 Index listed residential housebuilder based in Newcastle upon Tyne, employing almost 3,000 staff across 21 Divisions across England, Scotland and Wales.
Bellway began as a small family business in the North East in 1946 – with a passion for building exceptional quality homes in carefully selected locations, inspired by the needs of real families. We are proud of our heritage in the North East, and remain one of the region’s largest employers, with our Head Office still being located in Newcastle upon Tyne.
To this day, we maintain these same core values, combining our decades of expertise with the level of personalised care that Bellway is known for.
We are delighted to have been awarded 5 star builder status by the Home Builders Federation for the eighth year running, with 9 out of 10 customers saying they would recommend us to a friend. Bellway has also been awarded ‘Large Housebuilder of the Year for 2023’ at the Housebuilder Awards and it received several awards for its ‘Better with Bellway’ sustainability strategy as it looks to deliver industry leading carbon reductions targets.
You can find out more about Bellway here and its ‘Better with Bellway’ sustainability strategy here.
Expanding your business to the UK can be an exciting and profitable venture, but navigating this complex market requires thorough planning and understanding. With a robust economy, diverse consumer base, and strong global connections, the UK offers plenty of opportunities for businesses ready to take the plunge. Here are ten essential steps to help guide your expansion and set you up for success.
Conduct Thorough Market Research
Before entering the UK market, it’s crucial to understand the local landscape, including your target audience, competitors, and market trends. Conduct detailed research on the industry sector, consumer behavior, and specific regional preferences within the UK. This insight will help you tailor your product or service to meet local demand effectively, enhancing your chances of a successful market entry.
Choose the Right Business Structure
The next step is determining the best legal structure for your business in the UK. Common options include setting up a Limited Company (Ltd), a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or a branch office. Each structure has its advantages and tax implications. For example, a Ltd company offers limited liability protection and is a separate legal entity, which may be beneficial for reducing personal risk. Consulting with legal experts can help you choose the structure that aligns with your business goals.
Register Your Business
Once you’ve chosen a business structure, the next step is to register your business with Companies House, the UK’s official registrar. This process involves providing details about the company’s name, address, and directors and requires a small registration fee. It’s essential to decide on your registered office address in the UK. For example, if you decide to set up a business in London, having a local address can establish credibility. Many London Accountants offer registered address services at their offices, allowing you to use a reputable London address without needing a full physical presence. This can be particularly advantageous for creating a strong foothold in the UK market from the start.
Understand the UK Tax System
Navigating the UK’s tax system is a critical part of setting up a business. Key taxes include corporation tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), income tax for employees, and National Insurance Contributions (NICs). If your business is VAT-eligible, you’ll need to register and file VAT returns regularly. Working with Startup Accountants can be beneficial here, as they often specialize in helping new and international businesses stay compliant with tax obligations and leverage any available tax reliefs.
Open a UK Business Bank Account
To manage your finances efficiently, you’ll need a UK business bank account. This will enable you to process local payments, manage expenses, and handle payroll for any UK-based employees. Most banks will require proof of business registration, identity documents, and a UK address. Several digital banks also offer streamlined services for international businesses, which can simplify the setup process.
Secure Your Intellectual Property (IP)
Protecting your intellectual property is vital when entering a new market. Register trademarks, patents, or copyrights specific to the UK to safeguard your brand and products. The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) handles IP registration, and it’s advisable to consult a local IP lawyer to ensure your assets are fully protected. Registering your IP will give you the legal backing to address any potential infringement issues and build consumer trust.
Hire and Comply with Employment Laws
Hiring in the UK opens up opportunities to tap into a talented workforce, but it also requires compliance with local employment laws. Ensure that your hiring process aligns with UK regulations, including minimum wage standards, workplace safety, and anti-discrimination laws. Familiarize yourself with key employment documents, like employment contracts and employee handbooks, and consider working with a local HR consultant if needed.
Adapt Your Marketing Strategy
Your marketing strategy may need to be adapted to resonate with UK consumers. This could involve rebranding, localizing content, or adjusting pricing to fit the competitive landscape. Using UK-specific social media platforms, influencers, and search engine optimization (SEO) can help build brand awareness. Conducting focus groups or customer surveys can also provide valuable feedback on how your brand is perceived in the new market.
Ensure Compliance with UK Regulations
Each industry has specific regulations to adhere to, such as health and safety standards, environmental regulations, and GDPR data protection laws. Non-compliance can lead to fines and damage your reputation. For example, if your business collects personal data, you must comply with GDPR by implementing strict data handling and privacy practices. Consulting with a compliance specialist can help you navigate sector-specific regulations and avoid any costly mistakes.
Plan for Financial Management and Currency Fluctuations
Finally, managing finances effectively is essential for successful expansion. UK operating costs, from property rentals to employee wages, may differ significantly from your home market. Additionally, if your business operates in multiple currencies, consider currency hedging strategies to protect against exchange rate fluctuations. Many financial advisors provide specialized services in financial planning and currency management, making it easier to budget accurately and reduce financial risks.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Expansion
Leverage Local Networks: Joining UK-based business networks or industry associations can provide valuable connections and insights. Networking can also help you find local partners, suppliers, or customers.
Consider Funding Options: The UK offers various grants and funding options for international businesses, especially those in innovative fields like technology and sustainability. Look into programs like Innovate UK or other government grants that support business expansion.
Evaluate Office Options: Consider whether a virtual office, coworking space, or traditional office suits your operational needs and budget. A physical presence can enhance credibility, but it’s essential to choose a cost-effective option that aligns with your business model.
Invest in Legal Support: Hiring local legal support can streamline compliance with UK laws, handle contract reviews, and ensure smooth interactions with stakeholders and regulators.
Expanding to the UK presents exciting opportunities, but it also requires careful planning and attention to detail. Following these ten steps can set your business up for success, helping you navigate the UK market confidently and position your brand for sustainable growth.
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Image credit: Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
The impact of the upcoming UK Budget and US election on pensions and investment markets was a key focal point at Quantum Advisory’s latest event.
Finance, HR and pension professionals came together on 22 October to hear exclusive industry insights and market updates at the firm’s pension and investment breakfast seminar at the Celtic Manor Twenty Ten Clubhouse.
Dan Redwood, a senior investment consultant and actuary at Quantum Advisory, opened the event with an overview of macroeconomics, gilts and equity markets in Q3 and considerations for investors amid the changeable global political landscape. Dan identified four short to medium term risks for markets including political risk, a hard landing following growth, equity markets and the potential for global conflicts to escalate.
Dan said: “Elections and the direction of government policy could disrupt markets. Ahead of the Budget, the chancellor has said that growth is the challenge and investment is the solution. The chancellor has three levers to try and achieve this while balancing the books: through tax rises, more borrowing and spending cuts, all of which seem likely. Fiscal rules may have to be changed to accomplish this goal and the country’s fiscal position is likely to get worse before it gets better.
“Meanwhile, the outcome of the US election will define its economic agenda. Trump’s plans include tariffs on imports, tax cuts and spending on immigration control, while Harris’ proposals feature increased spending on healthcare, childcare and housing in addition to tax increases focused on the wealthy. The plans of both candidates are set to increase the national ten-year debt and their ability to enact policy will depend on the balance of power in the Senate and Congress.”
James Bird, a consultant at Quantum Advisory, also touched upon the pension measures speculated to appear in the Budget such as tax relief, a reduction in the amount that can be taken as a tax-free lump sum, the introduction of national insurance on employer contributions to workplace pensions and the introduction of tax on some death benefits.
James said: “The government is continuing to explore reforms to help workplace pension schemes take advantage of consolidation and scale to give better value for members and boost growth, but there could be painful rises in taxes in the Budget next week to help fund the reported ‘black hole’ in the UK’s finances.
“In addition to exploring new options such as collective defined contribution schemes which have recently been introduced in the UK and reviewing pension outcomes, another exciting development in the pensions landscape is the new defined benefit funding code of practice. Fast track and bespoke approaches to scheme journey plans and strategies are valid in the new code as long as they can be justified to the Pension’s Regulator.”
Joining the two speakers from Quantum Advisory was Lawrence Davies, the Wales partnership manager at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), who provided an update on how MaPS can support employers.
As an arm’s-length-body, sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, MaPS’ vision is “everyone making the most of their money and pensions”.
Alongside its core five functions – pensions guidance, money guidance, debt advice commissioning, consumer protection and strategy – MaPS also coordinates the UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing, working with partners and stakeholders to help everyone find a way forward and build a better financial future.
A leading North West brewery and pub retailer has appointed an experienced general manager to run a popular community pub in Stockport.
Salford-based Hydes brewery has recruited Jordan Nolan to head up the team at The Nursery Inn, which has just reopened following a £250k refurbishment.
With over 12 years of hospitality experience across Greater Manchester and the North West, Jordan previously managed pubs in Chorlton and Manchester city centre for a rival pub company.
The refurbishment of the 1939-rebuilt Nursery Inn, a Grade II listed building which has been in the Hydes estate since 1911, includes a full interior overhaul including a respectful redecoration, new furniture and fixtures totally in keeping with the pub’s original 1930’s build.
The interior refurbishment has been carried out to fully complement the building’s Grade II listed status and heritage, enhancing its charming features and retaining all the character of its lounge, smoke room and vault, making The Nursery Inn a hugely popular community pub for decades.
An exterior makeover has also improved the outside drinking area with the addition of a pergola and new seating, opening up the space. The pub also boasts an immaculately maintained and well-used bowling green, and is home to several bowling teams.
The popular pub is of important cultural and historical significance, having been the first headquarters of Stockport County AFC, when the club’s ground was nearby in the late 1800s on the site of the pub’s bowling green.
New general manager Jordan, commented: “I know The Nursery Inn very well so the chance to run such a key hub for the local community is a major opportunity for me to further my career with Hydes. Working in busy community pubs for the past decade has served me well, including operating under the most challenging conditions the hospitality industry has ever faced. With some fresh ideas of my own and a real passion for quality cask ale, I’m hoping to replicate the success I’ve had in my previous pubs to ensure The Nursery Inn is equally successful.
“The recent £250k investment from Hydes will ensure it retains its reputation for providing customers with a memorable experience and continues to play an important role in the community. I intend to build on the strong community bond that the Nursery has established over the past 90 years or so. The entire team at Hydes have been very welcoming and supportive of my future plans. I’m looking forward to working closely with them to give a new lease of life to this great community pub.”
This latest refurbishment forms part of an ongoing multi-million investment programme across the Hydes’ estate over the next few years. Over the last two years, Hydes has committed over £10m to refurbishments of pubs across its estate and intends to continue with supporting and investing in its pubs throughout 2025.
Managing director of Hydes Brewery, Adam Mayers said: “Jordan is a first-class manager with lots of energy and enthusiasm and the perfect fit for The Nursery Inn. His experience and commitment is second to none and he possesses all the key customer service attributes that Hydes looks for in its employees. Alongside his dedicated team at The Nursery, Jordan will prove to be a huge success with both regular and new customers delivering a great experience for all within characterful surroundings, combined with Hydes’ quality range of beers and unrivalled standards of customer service.”
Hydes, with its brewery in Media City, Salford, was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of nearly 50 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales.
The ‘£5 minimum spend’ restriction imposed by thousands of corner shops could be on the way out after a study found that customers hate it.
Half of all shoppers say they are irritated by the practice because increasing numbers don’t carry cash nowadays. And one in five say they actively walk out of a shop that won’t take card or phone payments for under a fiver.
Many small stores have introduced the minimum spend because the high prices charged by firms who provide card payment machines and services – often upwards of 4% and sometimes with a minimum fee.
Now a new service has been launched by challenger firm Lopay which can process card payments for free, ending the reason for a minimum spend.
The irritating restriction has been a part of everyday life over the last decade since contactless became the primary form of payment in the UK. Most Brits have been left feeling the annoyance of approaching the till and having items scanned before being turned away as they try to pay with a card
The study of 2,000 adults in the UK also found one in three customers said they didn’t know traders lost money on each transaction.
Richard Carter, founder of Lopay, said: “It’s important for vendors to be earning their money and actually seeing all of it, not handing over a minimum of around 4% to card companies.
“The research shows how many customers go into shops and are left trying to bring their totals up to the notorious minimum spend price.
“With Lopay this isn’t required. Shopkeepers receive the full amount of money, leaving minimum spend as a thing of the past.”
Lopay typically charges just 0.8 per cent for processing each transaction – 4p on a fiver’s spend. But by signing up to the firm’s reward scheme, traders can end up paying nothing.
Business in the News – the latest UK Business news from NTSI
