Category Archives: News

Finance and Banking, Investment, Investment News, News

Fewer than a third of women feel confident about investing: HSBC UK

HSBC UK has unveiled research shedding light on the differences in financial attitudes and behaviours between men and women, particularly in the realms of saving and investing.

The study, conducted by HSBC UK, unveils concerning statistics, with two in three women (69%) admitting to lacking confidence when it comes to investing money. One in four women (27%) abstain from investing altogether due to a perceived lack of knowledge in the field.

Two in five people in the UK invest but around two thirds (67%) of women don’t invest their money, compared to 56% of men. In fact, 3.3 million fewer women hold investments in the UK compared to men – a population three times the size of Birmingham.

The main reasons include not having enough money (45%), limited knowledge on investing (27%) and thinking it is too risky (19%). Two thirds (60%) of women believe they will lose out on money if they invest.

Recognising the urgency of addressing this confidence gap, HSBC UK has launched a series of ‘inspiring money confidence’ webinars, tailored to empower women to enhance their financial wellbeing. These webinars, open to both customers and non-customers, aim to equip women with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the complex landscape of personal finance effectively.

Rebecca Owers, Director of Wealth Distribution at HSBC UK, underscores the importance of financial education in empowering women to seize control of their financial futures.

“Women are facing significant barriers when it comes to money. We are living longer but can earn less than our male counterparts. We take more career breaks, but we need to work an extra 19 years to retire on the same pension savings as a man.

“We need to make our money work harder, so it’s important to consider options like investing. Financial education is key here – by talking openly about money and learning the different options available, women can gain the confidence needed to take control of their financial futures.”

Charity, Charity & CSR, News

Peoplesafe partners with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Safety technology provider, Peoplesafe, has extended its partnership with the UK’s pioneering personal safety charity and leading stalking authority, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Combining a wealth of expertise, the partnership will offer an ongoing holistic service to organisations, combining expert advice on personal safety strategy – including policy creation and training – with industry-leading personal safety technology that protects people in every situation.

Working together, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust will undertake a full audit for Peoplesafe’s existing and new clients, providing them with implementation plans to help upskill and empower workforces to effectively assess, mitigate, and manage personal safety risks, while Peoplesafe will work on executing plans to ensure the right technology is used for the right situations and rolling them out at scale.

Established in 1986, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust was founded following the disappearance of 25-year-old Suzy Lamplugh, an estate agent and lone worker who went to meet a client and never returned. Suzy was never found and was legally declared dead in 1993. The Trust is widely regarded as a field expert in lone-working and personal safety training and endorses the selection and use of lone-worker technologies in line with requirements of the workforce to safeguard employees.

Working together, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust will undertake a full audit for businesses, providing them with implementation plans to help upskill and empower workforces to effectively assess, mitigate, and manage personal safety risks, while Peoplesafe will work on executing plans to ensure the right technology is used for the right situations and rolling them out at scale.

“For more than 37 years, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust has worked tirelessly to raise greater awareness of personal safety and stalking issues. Through the introduction of pioneering technology, we are excited to join forces in order to drive our shared vision, to demand systemic change and promote a society in which people are better supported and feel safer” says Naz Dossa, CEO, Peoplesafe.

“The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is delighted to continue its collaboration with Peoplesafe to support organisations in addressing lone-working and improving personal safety. We promote the use of lone worker safety technologies as part of Suzy’s Charter for Workplace Safety and look forward to working across all sectors to embed personal safety as a priority across all workplaces” says Emma Lingley-Clark, Interim CEO of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

To mark the partnership, Peoplesafe and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust will be hosting a joint webinar, hosted by the Women in Health & Safety group on 19th March.

News

Welsh finance firm targets North West expansion with new hires and client growth

AN ESTEEMED financial planning business is targeting the North West after further growth in past months.

Celtic Financial Planning, based in Mold, St Asaph, and London, has enjoyed a strong start to 2024.

In addition to a raft of new clients and having sold all the tickets to its upcoming charity event with Wales RFU coach Warren Gatland, the company welcomed respected Independent Financial Adviser and Chartered Financial Planner, Chris Lloyd.

With more than two decades experience in finance – including 15 years with one of the biggest names in the sector, AFH Wealth Management – he is proud to join the award-winning team.

The firm’s “personal touch” and customer-faced ethos is what attracted Chris, originally from Hawarden and now living in Wirral, to take this next step in his career.

“Celtic Financial Planning has a reputation for putting the client first, for its place in the community and social values,” said the 43 year-old, who lives with partner Sally, son Charlie and step-son Noah in Heswall.

“That is what drew me to the opportunity, and given my experience across Wirral, Cheshire and beyond – and their plans to extend their footprint in the North West – it was the perfect fit.”

Chris added: “The company has a refreshing outlook on the industry and commitment to being ethical and putting people before profits. I look forward to being a part of the team and helping to build our profile across the region and beyond.”

Now employing 11 people, Celtic Financial Planning is one of the leading companies in the sector, winning a series of accolades in recent years including the Micro Firm Financial Adviser of the Year title at the illustrious MoneyAge Awards.

Director Rob Lewis said the arrival of Chris comes as the business celebrates securing Chartered Corporate Status, a symbol of technical competence which signifies a public commitment to professional standards.

“Chris brings more than 20 years of invaluable experience and a wealth of knowledge to our practice, further solidifying our commitment to delivering unparalleled financial advice in Chester, the Wirral, and beyond,” he added.

“His expertise – particularly in pensions and retirement, high net worth clients, ethical investing, and wealth management – are second to none, so we are proud and privileged to have him on board.

“It has been a very busy and exciting period for us, and we are already growing organically into other locations UK-wide, so this was the natural next step for us.”

For more information on Celtic Financial Planning, visit www.celticfp.co.uk or follow @celtic_FP on social media.

The Celtic Financial Planning charity ball in aid of Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospice takes place at Deganwy Quay Hotel on April 25. Visit the website and follow them on social media for more information.

Engineering, News

Edwin James Group Accelerates Acquisition Trail to Drive Ambitious Growth

Engineering services provider Edwin James Group is accelerating its acquisition trail to fuel ambitious growth plans. Following the successful purchase of specialist control systems integration services provider ACS in January, the Group is actively seeking additional opportunities that will strengthen an already broad proposition.

By acquiring companies that strengthen its offerings in key strategic areas, including digital, process and sustainability, Edwin James aims to reinforce its position as a leader in the UK engineering services sector.

In 2023, Edwin James Group secured secondary investment from funds under management by Aliter Capital LLP (Aliter), providing a robust platform for its buy-and-build strategy. This capital has paved the way for the next phase of growth.

To execute its expansion plans, the Group has appointed Daniel Longden as its first head of corporate development. A qualified chartered accountant, Daniel brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at K3 Capital Group Plc and JLA Group.

Commenting on the Group’s plans, Christopher Kehoe, CEO of Edwin James Group, said: “Our recent successes, including a 22% increase in turnover last fiscal year and substantial additions to our forward order book, have positioned us well for accelerated growth. Daniel’s expertise in acquisitions will be instrumental in executing our buy-and-build strategy.”

Daniel Longden, head of corporate development, continued: “It’s great to be joining Edwin James Group at such a pivotal time. The market landscape is notably fragmented, and our vision of creating a cohesive service offering for customers is gaining traction. With the Group’s impressive history of organic growth, I am confident that strategic M&A initiatives will propel our expansion and generate substantial value for our stakeholders”.

 

Awards, Business, Healthcare, News

Human Data Sciences founder nominated for prestigious recognition award

HUMAN Data Sciences founder Professor Craig Currie has been shortlisted for the prestigious Data Saves Lives national award.

Sponsored by Health Data Research UK (HDRUK), the award recognises individuals for leveraging data to improve patient care, advance medical knowledge, and enhance health outcomes, highlighting the profound potential of data in saving and enhancing lives.

The Data Saves Lives award is part of Cambridge Spark’s Digital & AI Excellence Awards which celebrates critical digital transformation skills in the era of AI, and recognises the pioneers who have harnessed the power of digital and AI as catalysts for change. The winners recognised at a ceremony later this month (March).

The nomination is due to his innovative approach to healthcare analytics and in recognition of the significant impact of the groundbreaking healthcare analytical platform, Livingstone®.

Livingstone®, developed by Human Data Sciences, is a cutting-edge platform designed to empower users of real-world healthcare research by delivering instant analysis that would have otherwise taken months, or years, to deliver.

The platform utilises data science and artificial intelligence methods to analyse vast amounts of healthcare data, which then enables practitioners to make informed decisions, predict health trends, and provide proactive care.

This health analytics engine, being the first of its kind, has been instrumental in identifying at-risk populations, identifying optimised treatments, and ultimately, enhancing the quality of life and life expectancy for countless individuals.

Commenting on the recognition, Rhiannon Thomason, CEO of Human Data Sciences, said: “The nomination for the ‘Data Saves Lives’ award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of our talented team. Livingstone was born out of a commitment to revolutionise healthcare outcomes through the power of data. Being recognised on this platform underscores the impact our work has had and will continue to have in saving lives, and improving health outcomes.”

Professor Currie, Chief Scientific Officer of Human Data Sciences, added: “We are deeply committed to advancing healthcare through innovation. This nomination highlights the potential of data-driven solutions in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today.

“Looking forward, Human Data Sciences remains dedicated to its mission of transforming healthcare through data science and technology. We look forward to sharing our achievements and future plans with peers, industry leaders, and the wider community at the award ceremony.”

News, Retail, Retail & E-commerce

Facing shocking levels of violence at work – yet not paid enough to live on: 57% of UK retail staff say their wages barely cover basic expenses, despite many working more hours than ever

  • Study finds that UK shop workers are faring much worse financially than European counterparts
  • One in ten use food banks and nearly a third rely on friends and family to help with living expenses
  • 43% are clocking up more hours than they ever have – rising to 60% for those in wholesale roles

Following the release of the British Retail Consortium’s Crime Survey 2024 Report, revealing a 50% rise in abuse and violence aimed at shop staff, new data shows that more than half of UK retail workers say their wages barely meet even basic living costs – despite many putting in longer hours than ever to keep up with inflated expenses.

Frontline staff across several industries, including retail and wholesale, were polled in the pan-European study by workforce management experts Quinyx.  Four in ten UK retail employees (43%) said they’re working more hours than they ever have in order to meet increased living costs and support their families. For those in wholesale jobs, this rises to 60%.

Pointing to a significant financial disparity between retail staff in the UK and those in other parts of Europe, UK employees were much more likely to say their wages barely cover living costs (57%) than their counterparts in The Netherlands (31%), the Nordics (33%) and Germany (39%). For wholesale workers, the gap is even greater – 57% of UK staff, compared to 18% in The Netherlands, 22% in the Nordics and 27% in Germany say they can barely afford basic living expenses.

Despite a third (33%) of retail staff receiving a pay rise last year, 10% said they’d had to use food banks, while 29% had to accept financial support from friends and family to cover basic costs.

Toma Pagojute, chief HR officer at Quinyx, says: “The British Retail Consortium’s findings are shocking, and while no amount of pay would make the current situation acceptable, the fact that many retail staff are barely scraping by financially seems like another insult.

“If there’s a positive to take from the BRC report, it’s that it is shedding greater light on retail crime and encouraging action to make frontline workers safer. We hope it also brings opportunities to review employees’ experiences as a whole, considering all factors that can affect their mental and physical health.

“Pay is part of that, particularly as we’re still facing higher interest rates and increased living costs. In addition to any legislation brought in regarding customer behaviour and staff protection, employers should always consider the wellbeing of their workforce and look for ways to help frontliners feel less stressed, overwhelmed and overworked. This might be through flexible scheduling or improved communications – and generally making staff feel like they matter and their contributions are valued.”

Diversity, International Women's Day, News

Norfolk housebuilder’s employee advocates diversity for International Women’s Day

A Commercial Manager working for Norfolk developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia has highlighted her experiences of diversity for International Women’s Day (8th March).

This year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme, #InspireInclusion, envisions a world where gender equality flourishes, free from bias, stereotypes, or discrimination. It’s a vision of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive society where differences are not only accepted, but celebrated.

Sian Tinkler (36), who joined the developer’s team as a Senior Surveyor in June 2022 and swiftly climbed to the role of Commercial Manager, reflects on her experience with diversity in the industry.

Based at the developer’s regional office in Norwich, Sian’s role as a Commercial Manager involves overseeing her team’s operations, collaborating with other departments to meet objectives, and proactively addressing challenges.

Drawn to the dynamic and rewarding nature of the housebuilding industry, Sian notes a positive shift in diversity during her tenure and acknowledges that progress continues to unfold.

She said: “While historically the construction industry has been perceived as male-dominated, I believe that there has been a positive shift over time.

“A greater effort is being made to encourage diversity and gender equality, although there is still progress to be made. It’s important for the industry to continue to promote inclusivity and break down gender stereotypes.”

Sian believes there are many ways for employers to create a diverse workspace and #InspireInclusion amongst employees.

She added: “The best ways for an employer to inspire inclusion are by fostering a culture of diversity, providing training on unconscious bias, promoting open communication, and actively encouraging diversity in leadership roles. Establishing mentorship programs and creating a supportive work environment are also effective measures.

“When it comes to Barratt and David Wilson Homes, our team is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. This includes initiatives such as diversity training, mentorship programs, and actively encouraging a culture of openness and respect.

“I believe this contributes to creating an environment where differences are valued and celebrated.”

Recognising the significance of encouraging more women to enter traditionally male-dominated sectors, Sian underscores the invaluable contributions that women bring to the construction industry.

She said: “It’s important to provide and promote opportunities for women, as women bring unique perspectives and skills that contribute to the industry’s success.

“I believe that Barratt and David Wilson Homes offers excellent support and opportunities for women in the construction industry. The team really values diversity and actively works towards creating an inclusive workplace.”

When asked for her advice to give to women who are considering a career within the construction industry, Sian said: “My advice is to embrace the challenges, be confident in your abilities, and seek out mentorship opportunities. Don’t be afraid to voice your ideas and contribute to the team. The construction industry is evolving, and your unique perspective is a valuable asset.”

For more information about the career opportunities available at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, visit the website at Barratt Careers.

For details about any developments in the county, visit the websites at Barratt Homes in Norfolk and David Wilson Homes in Norfolk.

News

Sports equipment giant plays out its rapid rise to students in North Wales

ONE of the country’s fastest-growing sports equipment retailers played out its success for students in Wrexham.

A Level Business and BTEC Enterprise and Entrepreneurship learners from Coleg Cambria visited Net World Sports to discuss career opportunities in the retail sector.

They also heard the inspiring story of how Alex Loven founded the now multi-million pound operation as a teenager after selling cricket bats to friends in the school playground, and enjoyed a comprehensive tour of the company’s £25m headquarters.

Networld Sports Recruitment Specialist Gareth Davies said: “It has been such a pleasure to host the talented and enthusiastic students from Coleg Cambria.

“The sessions have been a great opportunity to introduce Net World Sports as a business, showcase our amazing new facility and range of products, and discuss the exciting careers options we have available.”

He added: “We brought in managers from different departments to give a balanced and varied view from across the company and they’ve all been really impressed by the knowledge and curiosity shown by the group.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming more Coleg Cambria students on-site soon.”

Judith Alexander, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Coordinator, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.

She said: “It was really inspirational to hear how the business started.

“Alex is a great role model for our learners, and the scale of the Net World premises and operations was truly impressive.

“The students were able to witness firsthand the inner workings of a successful business and gain insights that will benefit them in their future studies and careers.”

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

For more on Net World Sports, visit the website: www.networldsports.co.uk.

Creative & Marketing, International Women's Day, News

Who runs the world? GIRLS!

At Meet and Potato, we have several leading ladies working for the business so for this year’s IWD we asked them (and some of the men!) for their thoughts on IWD and what needs to be done to drive forward the theme of Inspiring Inclusion.

 

CEO, Jon Kelly is a huge supporter of the females in the business.

“What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than spotlighting the female talent within our agency? Women make up 62% of M&P and 2 of our 3 directors are women. I’m proud of our small team, we’re an interesting mix, diverse in age, sex, nationality, and background. We know our differences are our strengths, and we bring it all together to drive the business forward. It’s great to raise awareness of inequality and to inspire inclusion with IWD but for me, it’s not just for a day, it’s every day.”

 

Karen Clarkson, MD of Meet and Potato shares her thoughts. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day means a day to take stock of how far we’ve come, but more importantly how far we’ve got to go. There are a lot of people making empty promises for lengthy LinkedIn statuses, but what we should be doing is using the day to pledge how we’re going to actively make a difference to the year ahead and holding our business community accountable for this throughout the year.

Why is it so important to Inspire Inclusion? 

It’s important to shine a light on inequality and biases of any sort, whether that be gender, race, sexuality, age or people with disabilities for example. Inclusion in the workplace is paramount to this and will inspire the next generation.

I urge businesses to take a look at their teams including leadership teams and ask if their businesses are representative. This is from all communities and diversities, but for the theme of IWD, do women in your business have a voice and are they in an environment where they feel they can use it? And if not, then why?

 

Jo Prosser, Creative Director at Meet and Potato, added: 

We need to create psychologically safe spaces where everyone feels comfortable and confident to speak up and speak out. Women in senior roles have an important responsibility to nurture younger generations rising through the ranks. We need to celebrate their talents and build their confidence by giving them opportunities to succeed. It’s important to foster diversity, including multi-generational teams, we have so much to learn from each other. Youth and wisdom together will conquer all.

 

Over to Sophie Greatbanks, Senior Event Producer.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

IWD for me is an opportunity to reflect and appreciate, not only the women who make strides and influence you in your day-to-day life but also an occasion to remember those women throughout history who have managed to create the opportunities now readily available to modern women. That’s not to say that there still aren’t areas for improvement or that we shouldn’t be appreciated every day, but it’s a moment in our busy lives to reflect. I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by strong women who have constantly pushed the realms of what I’ve deemed possible and achievable in both a personal and professional capacity. Helping to guide and teach rather than hinder with old school connotations of what should be “pink jobs”, the women I have surrounded myself with have helped shape, but also celebrated, my achievements. With women like that in your life, anything is possible!

 

Why is it so important to Inspire Inclusion? 

It’s important to inspire inclusion to those around you, but also to future generations to make sure women’s momentum in society doesn’t stagnate. Women have already broken the glass ceiling that tried to determine what their traditional roles and responsibilities were (and continue to do so). It’s important to make sure the future is surrounded by allies saying “why shouldn’t you?!” rather than trying to stifle what women bring to the table.

 

Now to Niki Toth, Content Coordinator:

 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To me, IWD is about celebrating women not only historically and globally, but also those women close to me. I am surrounded by a network of strong, empowering women within my family, among my friends, and in my workplace. I look to them for guidance when facing challenges. To me, these women are the embodiments of resilience, determination, and strength.

IWD also means we can put extra emphasis on raising awareness about gender-based issues, such as violence and (even verbal) harassment, discrimination, or unequal pay. It’s a day to shine a spotlight on the challenges that women face worldwide simply because of their gender.

 

Why is it so important to Inspire Inclusion?

Inspiring inclusion can lead to a more equal society, where there are no gender-related roles and discrepancies in pay, education or workplace. Where men are not considered the superior/stronger gender and where all women are acknowledged and valued based on their abilities.

Women are a force to be reckoned with, and when united, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Without recognising our complexity, mind-blowing ways of logical thinking and incredible strength, the world would not be the same, so inclusion is not only inspired, but indispensable.

Who runs the world? GIRLS!

 

Mark Jones, Production Coordinator, added:

“Representation is everything. People will never aspire to be what they do not see. IWD is about celebrating and recognising inspiring women.”

FInance, Finance and Banking, International Women's Day, News

What IWD Means to Young Female Leaders in a Male Dominated Industry

Today is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

Laura Evans-Fisk is Head of Digital & Engagement at leading foreign currency brand, eurochange. Here she shares her thoughts on what IWD 24 means to her as a younger leader in the male dominated world of finance. 

It will be 50 years next year since the very first official UN International Women’s Day was established in 1975. At 34 years-old, I wasn’t even born then but even five decades on, the importance of focusing on the rights, opportunities and the future ambitions of women, especially in the workplace, is as vital as ever.

The United Nations has designated this year’s theme as ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ and it is a topic that really resonates for me as a woman in business, working in the fast-moving area of digital and engagement.

Working in the very competitive and male dominated finance sector and in a leadership role, at a relatively young age, I have personally seen and experienced many positive developments when companies invest and nurture their female staff.

Not only does it accelerate individual progress, but the whole dynamic of the workplace and wider success of the business.

Companies with more women in leadership roles are more profitable. A Pepperdine University study showed that twenty-five Fortune 500 firms with the best record of promoting women into high positions were 18 to 69 percent more profitable than the median firms in their industries.

I am especially proud that as Head of Digital and Engagement, at leading foreign currency specialists, eurochange, I have been given the opportunity to flourish in my role and for my ideas to become a significant element of the wider business strategy.

Fortunately, the company culture at eurochange is very inclusive and all ideas and suggestions from staff at every level are welcomed and  embraced.

For me, stepping into a role on the Execo, is where I have personally been able to shine and accelerate my own progress; thanks to the insights gleaned in being part of a decision-making process and of course, being surrounded by a host of accomplished business minds.

So, this year’s IWD, is not just an opportunity for me to reflect on how I can grow professionally but also how I support the other women in the business and future ones by setting a precedent: that at any age, young or senior, anything is possible!

On a final note, championing more women in the workplace should not just be a numbers game but a positive process of celebrating and nurturing their skills and qualities. That way, in another 50 years, we will have an even bigger host of inspiring female leaders across even more industries making a difference.