Category: Business News

AI needs a human-centred approach

AI needs a human-centred approach

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) have published an insight piece based on a study carried out by technology market analyst, IDC. The study indicates that AI could help CFOs with some of their biggest challenges, but only if it is human-centred. Finance teams in businesses need to build practical applications of AI that work along with them instead of replacing them.

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Charity investigated over financial controls

Charity investigated over financial controls

The Charity Commission have launched a statutory inquiry into Zlotchiv over concerns about its financial controls. It appears that irregularities in the charity’s financial management include a series of bounced cheques from the charity’s bank account alongside payments that appear to be related party payments but were not disclosed by the charity in its annual returns.

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Arts Everywhere Fund to provide £270 million of support

Arts Everywhere Fund to provide £270 million of support

The creative industries provide about £124 billion to the UK economy, with the cultural sector supporting 666,000 jobs. However, many arts and culture related venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings are struggling. The Arts Everywhere Fund will provide additional financial support to the creative industry, particularly aimed at organisations in urgent need of financial support to stay up and running and to carry out vital infrastructure work.

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Surprise jump in inflation: How to navigate your business

Surprise jump in inflation: How to navigate your business

Inflation figures for January 2025 were released last week and showed a surprising jump to 3.0%, up from 2.5% in December. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the largest upward contribution to the change came from transport, and food and non-alcoholic beverages.

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Wages growing faster than inflation

Wages growing faster than inflation

Latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that average wages are continuing to grow faster than inflation. After adjusting for consumer price inflation (CPI), wages rose 3.4% between October and December 2024 when compared with the same period in 2023. Unemployment figures also appear to be encouraging, with the UK’s unemployment rate remaining at 4.4%.

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40% business rates relief for film studios

40% business rates relief for film studios

Beginning last week (17 February), Local Authorities were able to begin awarding a 40% reduction in business rates bills to film studios. The tax relief is aimed at boosting the film industry in the UK and contributing towards more box office hits being made. The creative industries sector employs 2.4 million people and provides £124.6 billion to the UK economy.

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Gloomy predictions - How can you maintain confidence

Gloomy predictions: How can you maintain confidence

According to a survey of 2,000 businesses carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), just over a third are planning redundancies or to recruit fewer people ahead of National Insurance and Minimum Wage rises this April. 42% of those surveyed have said they will increase prices to cover the increased costs. 25% are looking at cancelling or downscaling plans for investing or expanding their business.

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CMA expresses concern about Topps Tiles expansion

CMA expresses concern about Topps Tiles expansion

Topps Tiles, which is the largest tile specialist in the UK, purchased 30 CTD Tiles stores as part of a deal after CTD entered administration in August 2024. CTD was previously the second largest specialist tile retailer in the UK, so this was a sizeable acquisition for the tile world.

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Can you spot statistical misuse?

Can you spot statistical misuse?

While numbers don’t lie, it’s well known that they can be manipulated to fit a story. Can you tell when it’s happening? The Office for National Statistics (ONS) are running a webinar that they describe as eye-opening and will do a deep dive into the world of statistical misuse.

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