The UK government will send a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones nationwide on Sunday 7th September at around 3pm. The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in … [Read more...]
News for: General Business
Lloyds Business Barometer finds sustained rise in business confidence
A monthly business survey conducted by high street banking group, Lloyds, has revealed a sustained rise in business confidence across the UK. Business confidence increased by 1 point to 51% in June nationwide, with the North-west seeing a 3 point rise to 55%. The rise follows a sharper rise in … [Read more...]
Manchester Airports Group delivers record year as investment programmes continue
A record year for Manchester Airports Group (MAG) and growth of its international footprint has resulted in the group being primed for its latest phase of infrastructure investment. The Group – which owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports, as well as travel … [Read more...]
New Small Business Commissioner appointed to tackle late payments
Emma Jones CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, has been announced as the new Small Business Commissioner, and will take a leading role in tackling late payments and unfair payment practices that face many SMEs. Jones will take over from outgoing commissioner, Liz Barclay on 23rd June. Liz Barclay … [Read more...]
Council submits devolution consultation response
Cheshire East Council has expressed its strong support for devolution for the Cheshire and Warrington region in its response to a government consultation on proposals. The borough, jointly with Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester councils, is looking to establish a new Mayoral Combined … [Read more...]
Companies House begins identity verification for business owners
Companies House has launched a new service to conduct identity verification for those setting up, running, owning and controlling businesses in the UK. More than 6 million individuals are expected to need to comply with new identity checks in the 12 months after identity verification becomes a … [Read more...]
National Living Wage increase to take effect from 1st April
New rates of the National Minimum and National Living wage will come into effect from April 1st 2025, and businesses are reminded to ensure they are prepared for payroll changes. The new minimum rates of pay will see those aged 21 and over paid a National Living Wage of £12.21, a 77p increase on … [Read more...]
New public procurement rules take effect
New changes to make public procurement processes more efficient, transparent and competitive have taken effect from 24th February 2025. The changes come following the Procurement Act 2023 gained Royal Assent in October 2023. Among the updates to public procurement rules coming into effect … [Read more...]
Meet the Buyers event returns to Manchester Airport
SMEs from across Greater Manchester and Cheshire are being invited to connect with prospective clients at an annual Meet the Buyers event at Manchester Airport. Attendees representing over 150 companies are expected to be at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park on 13th March, including … [Read more...]
Cheshire and Warrington join Government’s devolution priority programme
The Cheshire and Warrington region is to join the Government's devolution priority programme after its three local authorities agreed to pursue greater powers earlier this year. The region, comprising the three local authorities of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington, is now … [Read more...]
GCBF and River Capital drive North West growth with £1.4 million NPIF II investment
GC Business Finance (GCBF) and River Capital have provided £1.4 million worth of funding to 23 businesses in the North West since the second Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF II) launched in March 2024. The two organisations manage as a consortium NPIF II - GC Business Finance & River … [Read more...]
British Business Bank reveals impact after a decade of support for small businesses in the North West
Since it was established in 2014, the British Business Bank has delivered funding to over 24,000 smaller businesses across the North West of England according to findings published in the Bank’s The Power of 10: 10 Year Impact Report. Assessment of the British Business Bank’s impact found … [Read more...]