A recent report by the British Chambers of Commerce and Tussell has highlighted the ongoing challenges the public sector faces in meeting its procurement targets for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Despite the UK government’s commitment to increasing the procurement of goods and services from SMEs, the numbers reveal a persistent shortfall.

In a recent case reported by the Insolvency Service, two connected corporate rescue firms, Atherton Corporate (UK) Ltd and Atherton Corporate Rescue Limited, have been forcibly shut down by the UK courts. These companies, trading under the Atherton brand, claimed to offer business owners struggling with debt a legal alternative to formal insolvency procedures.

Last week, Companies House confirmed that their online services will move to the GOV.UK One Login beginning from autumn 2024. The GOV.UK One Login is becoming an increasingly important way of accessing government digital services. It means that you only need one account, one username, and one password to access a range of government services.

Barratt Developments, the UK’s largest housebuilder, has reported a significant decline in pre-tax profits, down by three-quarters for the year ending June 2024. This comes as the company completed just 14,000 homes, a sharp decrease from 17,000 the previous year, with forecasts suggesting even lower figures of 13,000 to 13,500 homes for the upcoming year.

The Plan 1 student loan interest rate reduced to 6% (from 6.25%) from 30 August. This rate change applies across the UK with the Department for Education (DfE), the Welsh Government and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland (DfE NI) all confirming the change. The reduction follows the Bank of England Base Rate changing to 5% earlier in August.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has declared a bluetongue restricted zone across Norfolk and Suffolk following several confirmed cases of Bluetongue virus BTV3 in the region. Since 30 August all keepers of cattle, sheep, and other ruminants and camelids in this area have to follow strict restrictions on animal and germinal product movements.

Last week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Berlin and Paris to boost UK economic growth and strengthen international relationships. The trip aimed to reset the UK’s post-Brexit ties with key European partners by launching negotiations for a new UK-Germany bilateral treaty, focusing on increasing trade, enhancing defence and security cooperation, and tackling illegal migration.

From Sunday 18 to Saturday 24 August, Immigration Enforcement teams carried out a series of targeted visits to businesses suspected of employing illegal workers, with a particular focus on car washes. Over this intensive week of action, more than 275 premises were targeted. Of these, 135 businesses were issued notices for employing illegal workers, and 85 illegal workers were detained.

As a business owner or manager, it’s important to respond promptly to information requests, especially when it comes to Subject Access Requests (SARs). The recent reprimand issued to the Labour Party by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) serves as a reminder of the legal obligations and potential consequences of failing to meet these requirements.

Sustainability remains a key area of focus for businesses and governments around the world. However, driving a more sustainable approach to business is not just something that large corporations do. Small to medium-sized businesses can also contribute to a sustainable future through energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, community engagement, and transparent communication.

Although they have been around for a while, podcasts remain very popular, and businesses can utilise them as an effective marketing tool. The conversational nature of podcasts is their primary strength, and a branded podcast is the perfect opportunity to show the human side of a business–the behind-the-scenes and imperfect cuts of content and the people who make the brand.

Situational leadership is a flexible and adaptive approach to managing teams, emphasising that there is no single best way to lead a team of people. The situational leadership model argues that effective leadership depends on the specific situation and the needs of the individuals involved. Leaders must adjust their style based on the maturity, competence, and motivation of their team members, as well as the nature of the task at hand.

Aligning your team with your firm’s strategy is essential for achieving organisational goals and ensuring cohesive execution. The process begins with clear communication. The management team needs to be able to articulate the strategy in a way that is understandable and relevant to each team member. This involves breaking down complex strategic goals into specific, actionable tasks that align with individual roles within the organisation.

Every successful business begins with a compelling idea, but not all ideas translate into viable businesses. Whether you are thinking about setting up in business or looking at a new idea to expand your existing business, evaluating a business idea is a crucial first step that can save time, money, and effort.

The Office of National Statistics has reported that inflation for July has risen to 2.2%. This is the first rise of 2024 after inflation fell during the early part of the year and then settled at 2% for May and June. A rise was expected because energy prices are now falling by less than they were doing a year ago.