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Friday, 28 November 2025
That's Christmas 365: You or Your Child Might be Sitting on a Forgotten ...
That's Christmas 365: You or Your Child Might be Sitting on a Forgotten ...: Discover how to track down forgotten Child Trust Fund savings, use the official GOV.UK tracing tool, and help young adults reclaim money tha...
Thursday, 27 November 2025
People with positive work relationships are more likely to engage in proactive behaviour at work
The study shows proactive behaviours, such as anticipating problems, preventing issues before they escalate, and improving day-to-day processes, are vital across workplaces but are often constrained when staff fear negative consequences for speaking up or stepping beyond their formal roles.
The research analysed data from 246 staff nurses nested in 35 units across four hospitals in Ireland. Nurses provided data on relational experiences and team relational coordination, while unit managers independently rated each nurse’s proactive behaviour, ensuring greater objectivity and reducing bias.
The study found that positive relational experiences boosted employees’ role-breadth self-efficacy (confidence to take on a wider range of responsibilities) with a meaningful effect size of .37. This shows employees who have positive relationships at work characterised by positive regard (being liked), mutuality (committed to by colleagues), and vitality (energy), can garner noticeable increases in their confidence to handle a wider range of tasks beyond their current role. This increased confidence was a key factor which in turn influenced whether staff engaged in proactive behaviours at work.
Timely, frequent, accurate and respectful communication (relational coordination) within teams played a major role too. Indeed, relational coordination was positively and statistically significantly linked with psychological safety climate, with a large effect size of .87. This psychologically safe climate, involving employees felt ability to speak up and question things without being punished or humiliated in the team, in turn, positively influenced their willingness to engage in proactive behaviours at work.
Professor Steven Kilroy from Trinity Business school, together with co-authors, emphasised the central role of workplace relationships in shaping proactive behaviou told That's Business: “Relationships are effectively the nervous system of an organization, which affects how individuals think, feel, and act when they are at work,”.
They added that “positive work relationships are important for encouraging proactivity because they endow individuals, through affirmation and more general positive reinforcement, with a sense of confidence in their own ability to engage in a broader range of tasks,” underscoring how everyday interactions directly influence whether staff feel able to step beyond their formal roles.
The findings highlight the value of investing in relational culture, not just leadership, to encourage proactive behaviour. By fostering strong connections and psychological safety, organisations can boost performance, reduce errors, and strengthen workforce resilience.
Budget confirms crypto crackdown on 13m taxpayers
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Anyone who buys or sells cryptocurrency is being urged to get their tax affairs in order, after the Government confirmed in Budget 2025 that HMRC will soon start receiving detailed financial information directly from crypto platforms.
From 1st January 2026, major cryptocurrency exchanges will be required to collect full transaction records for their UK customers – including how much they paid, how much they sold for and any profits made.
This is part of the government’s wider clampdown on tax avoidance. With these platforms to become responsible for recording and, in time, sharing the financial information of crypto holders with HMRC, the tax office will have visibility of the amount of tax that should be paid.
From 2027, these platforms will begin sending this information straight to HMRC, giving the tax authority a clear view of people’s gains for the first time.
Experts are warning that anyone trading in digital assets – from Bitcoin and Ethereum to smaller tokens – must make sure they are accurately reporting their profits on their self-assessment tax returns. HMRC will use the new data to crack down on undeclared gains.
Seb Maley, CEO of tax insurance provider, Qdos, told That's Business: “This marks a major shift in how crypto trading is monitored from a tax perspective. HMRC will soon know exactly who is making gains – and how much.
“Anyone who holds or trades cryptocurrency must ensure they are reporting the gains on their self-assessment tax return. HMRC is set to have more information and data at its fingertips than ever before.
“With platforms set to keep a record of this information from 1st January 2026, ahead of sharing it with HMRC the year after, the tax office will be able to cross-check tax returns against the data they’ve received.
“And it goes without saying, that HMRC will have no hesitation in launching an investigation if the numbers don’t match.”
Annual salmon count shows record low numbers of fish for a second consecutive year
Since 2002, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust's (GWCT) has spent four weeks over late summer catching, weighing, measuring and microchipping the juvenile salmon, known as parr, that have hatched in this 35-mile long south of England chalk stream during winter and spring.
The aim every year is to tag 10,000 salmon parr - but this summer, the Fish Research team only managed to scrape together 3,226 salmon parr. This is another record low after they only managed to find 4,593 last year.
GWCT's Senior Research Assistant Will Beaumont is leading the fieldwork, which took place between 22 August and 17 September. He told That's Businesss: "Last year was the worst we've ever had, but this year has been catastrophic.
"This follows on from yet another year where we have seen a new record low number of adults returning from sea to spawn, confirming the continued steep decline of salmon in our rivers."
Numbers of wild Atlantic salmon have crashed by some 80% over the past 40 years. Rivers which had tens of thousands of salmon in the 1980s now only have a few hundred in them. They are now classified as endangered in the UK and on the IUCN Red list along with other threatened species like elephants, pandas and polar bears.
In a bid try to identify what is causing the decline, and what can be done to reverse it, the GWCT's Fisheries Research department has been studying the health and lifecycle of this iconic species since 1973 - and has been PIT tagging salmon since 2002. This means the GWCT has data going back more than 50 years, making the Frome monitoring programme one of the longest running and most comprehensive of its kind in Europe.
Working with farmers on a landscape and catchment-wide scale is key if we want to improve the health of the river and reverse the decline in salmon. This is something the GWCT has been pioneering for the past decade through farmer clusters and, more recently the Environmental Farmers Group (EFG).
Dylan Roberts, Head of Fisheries at GWCT, says: "This decline is alarming, and if it continues salmon could disappear from our UK rivers in the next 30 years. It is also sadly reflective of what's happening in other rivers in the UK and more widely in Europe. Almost all salmon rivers in England and Wales are classified as at risk by the Government bodies.
"The issues for salmon are many and complex. They are facing much tougher conditions in the marine environment, where global warming and concerns over bycatch are posing serious threats. But if we are able to improve conditions in our rivers, and make sure they can grow fitter, larger and stronger and reproduce in greater numbers, they will stand a better chance, once they migrate to sea, of returning in larger numbers.
"My team has seen first-hand the changes to the physical nature of the river Frome. In recent years, we have seen a huge increase in the growth of algae between spring and autumn which smothers the riverbed, shades and then reduces the growth of plants like water crowfoot, which are crucial habitats for juvenile salmon and the insects upon which they feed. We've also seen increases in the quantity of sediment, which is mud running from the riverbanks and ploughed fields into the river where it smothers and suffocates salmon eggs.
"Excessive algae also reduces the amount of oxygen available to fish in rivers at night and especially during the warmer months, this can stress, reduce the growth of and even kill fish. The algae grows excessively due to high levels of nutrients - nitrate and phosphate which are released into rivers from sewage, septic tank discharges and running off agricultural land.
"To create a better future for salmon, we need to tackle these issues together and at scale. To date, projects have been too small and patchy - mainly due to a lack of funding and bureaucratic challenges around farming and conservation - to make the changes needed.
"There are a number of other organisations striving to do good things on rivers and we don't want to be another group doing our own thing. We need to work collaboratively with everyone in the sector, from councils, government bodies and NGO's like the Wildlife Trusts and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group."
Farmer Collaboration
Ian Baggs is a dairy farmer based along the banks of the Frome near Wareham. His herd grazes the water meadows and fields near the river.
He says: "I believe farmers are custodians of the land and we have an obligation to do the right thing. It's about securing the long-term sustainability of farming and the future of generations to come.
"For decades we used to grow maize on this field above the river, where the land slopes down towards it. We have now changed that, instead we've planted deep rooted grass and now graze the cows on it. This stops the problem of run off and helps improve the river, reducing the amount of silt reaching it.
"We also keep cattle moving to fresh pastures every few days, to allow the environment to recover quicker."
"I'm happy to look at doing more, in fact I want to do more, and I'm always looking at ways of improving the health of the river, but like many I need adequate financial support and expert guidance. That's why farmer clusters, EFG and the science based advice of the GWCT is vital."
GWCT recognises that the UK will not meet environmental challenges such as river pollution and species recovery without this collaborative relationship with farmers, who manage 72% of the land. This is why the trust developed the Farmer Cluster concept in 2012, facilitating groups of contiguous landholders to work together to save threatened species in their local area.
In 2022 the Trust supported the launch of the farmer led cooperative Environmental Farmers Group (EFG) which acts as an umbrella group for farmer clusters and individual farms looking to access funding for habitat improvement and emissions reduction projects. It currently represents 541 farmers over an area of 341,404 hectares with groups in the South East, South West, Midlands and Yorkshire providing a blueprint mechanism for helping deliver national targets on net zero, biodiversity recovery and clean rivers.
Colin Smart, from the Environmental Farmers Group Dorset, says: "We are planning to develop a catchment conservation plan for the Frome with advice and input from GWCT fisheries. As part of that we are surveying the length of the River Frome to build a picture of where we can make improvements.
"With a sufficient blend of investment from both the private and public sector, the catchment plan has the potential to reverse the catastrophic decline of salmon in the Frome, which is an indication of the poor health of the entire river system.
"Farmers do care about the environment and can make a real difference but also need to produce food and make a living. They need adequate compensation to put the right measures in place."
The GWCT's salmon monitoring work forms part of a 'Core Salmon Rivers' research programme in partnership with the Atlantic Salmon Trust and the Missing Salmon Alliance.
Clare Scott, facilitator for The Devil and Chesel Farmer Cluster in Dorset on behalf of FWAG South West (FWAGSW), says: "As facilitators, FWAGSW ensures that farmers have access to industry expertise and best practice guidance. Working together promotes group discussion and provides opportunities to share ideas and learning."
Salmonid electrofishing and parr tagging - how it is done
Every August/September the GWCT Fish Research Centre team set out to capture and tag 10,000 juvenile salmon and 3,000 brown trout.
Fisheries scientists, volunteers and students make up two teams of six or seven and head out daily for four weeks to cover most of the River Frome, fishing sections at a time. The tagging work is undertaken in a mobile riverbank laboratory.
At least three people get in the river and walk upstream in waders with a metal loop (called an anode) which is moved through the water to create a slight electric current in the water to slow the fish's movement to be able to capture them.
The fish are then put in a bucket and handed over to the lab team on the riverbank to be weighed, measured, anesthetised and tagged with microchips - PIT tags (passive integrated transponder) which is what a vet will use in cats and dogs. A few scales are also taken to help age and undertake genetic analysis on the fish.
After recovering in a bucket of oxygenated water the fish are returned unharmed to the same 100m section of the river from where they were caught.
Puredrive Energy CEO Named Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year
Puredrive Energy is celebrating a landmark achievement as CEO Mark Millar has been crowned Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA) 2025.
After his previous Scale-Up Entrepreneur win at the GBEA awards in 2024, Mark’s second consecutive win places him among the UK’s most respected leading in the clean-tech and manufacturing sectors.
The ceremony which was held last week at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London is the biggest celebration for founders and their businesses in the UK.
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards is often described as “The Grammys for Entrepreneurship” and shines a spotlight on the individuals and businesses driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the UK economy. The awards honour remarkable stories of entrepreneurial success, perseverance, and vision.
Based in Gloucestershire, Puredrive Energy originated as a family-run start-up with four employees. Today it is the UK’s fastest-growing home battery manufacturer, working with over 400 active installers across the UK and Europe. The business is best known for its high-performance Duracell Energy home storage systems, designed in the UK.
In 2022, Puredrive secured a brand licence to manufacture, market, and distribute Duracell-branded home energy storage products. This partnership has helped the business scale rapidly while supporting thousands of UK homeowners in storing low-cost, renewable energy to reduce both bills and carbon emissions. Today, the business exclusively supplies Duracell Energy storage products, reinforcing its commitment to quality and reliability.
The GBEA judges said that its identity as a true family business is what sets Puredrive apart in the energy sector. Mark heads the company alongside his two sons: Oliver, Head of Marketing, and Daniel, Head of Sales. Their shared vision has shaped a culture built on resilience, innovation, and agility. During a year marked by industry-wide economic, political and environmental pressures, these qualities have proven essential.
Despite challenges that have forced several competitors to reduce the scale of their operations or exit the market, Puredrive has continued to grow, increasing its market share and achieving significant revenue uplift. The company credits its success to its ability to adapt quickly to shifting demand and global logistics uncertainty, which is particularly important for a business operating across the UK, Europe, and South Africa.
This latest accolade follows an impressive run of recognition for Puredrive in 2025. The company reached the finals at the Gloucestershire Business Awards and secured two UK Contact Centre Forum awards for excellence in customer service.
Mark Millar, CEO of Puredrive Energy, told That's Business: “This award means a lot to me and to our family team.
"We’ve always believed that if you stay focused, stay adaptable, and keep pushing for better, good things follow, even in a challenging year like this one. What really matters is that we’re helping more homeowners take control of their energy and become more self-sufficient.
"That’s what drives us every day. This recognition is a reminder that we’re on the right path, and we’re excited to keep building, keep improving, and keep supporting people who want a cleaner, more reliable way to power their homes.”
Looking ahead, the company is preparing for a milestone year, with business on target to increase by 50%. Puredrive is set to launch a new generation of energy storage products and expand its operations in the Benelux region, further strengthening its position as a leader in the European energy storage market.
Wednesday, 26 November 2025
The Top 5 Blogging Platforms Available Today
Starting a blog has never been simpler. Whether you’re launching a personal journal, building a brand, or growing a business, choosing the right platform is the first and most important step.
With so many options available, it can be tricky to know which one suits your goals, budget, and technical skills.
To help you decide, here’s a clear rundown of the top five blogging platforms used by creators around the world today.
1. WordPress.org
Best for: Full control, customisation, long-term growth
WordPress.org powers a huge percentage of the world’s blogs — and for good reason. As a self-hosted platform, it gives you complete freedom to design, optimise, and expand your site exactly how you like.
Pros:
Thousands of free and premium themes
Extensive plugin ecosystem
Excellent for SEO
Full ownership of your content
Cons:
Requires hosting and maintenance
Slight learning curve for beginners
2. WordPress.com
Best for: Beginners who want an easy start
WordPress.com offers the simplicity of a hosted platform with some of WordPress’s best features built in. It’s ideal if you want to start publishing quickly without dealing with technical setup.
Pros:
No hosting setup required
Built-in security and updates
Free starter plan available
Clean writing interface
Cons:
Less flexibility than WordPress.org
Customisation options depend on your plan
3. Wix
Best for: Visual creators and small businesses
Wix.com is a drag-and-drop website builder that makes designing a blog feel effortless. Its visual editor is particularly appealing to beginners who want full creative control without touching code.
Pros:
Intuitive design tools
Wide selection of templates
Built-in marketing features
No technical knowledge required
Cons:
Less flexible than open-source platforms
Changing templates later on is difficult
4. Squarespace
Best for: Stylish, polished blogs with minimal fuss
squarespace.com focuses on beautiful design and all-in-one convenience. Many bloggers choose it for its sleek templates and straightforward layout tools, especially in creative fields such as photography, lifestyle, and portfolio blogging.
Pros:
Some of the best templates available
Reliable hosting included
Robust support
Good built-in SEO tools
Cons:
Fewer plugin options
Slightly higher cost compared to similar platforms
5. Blogger
Best for: Simple, hobby-style blogging
Blogger.com is a long-standing platform owned by Google and offers an easy, no-cost way to get your writing online. While it’s not as feature-rich as newer platforms, it’s dependable and perfect for casual bloggers.
Pros:
Completely free
Simple to use
Integrates with Google tools
Unlike some blogging platforms actively encourages you to host adverts on your site, should you wish to have adverts
Cons:
Limited design flexibility
Fewer updates and modern features
The best blogging platform depends on what you want to achieve. If you need full control and long-term growth, WordPress.org stands out. For beginners who want a stress-free start, WordPress.com, Wix, or Squarespace are excellent choices. And if you simply want a space to write without worrying about extras, Blogger remains a solid, no-frills option.
Whatever you choose, the most important step is to start writing, your blog will grow as you do.
Incidentally, we use Blogger.com, even though we have tried several other platforms, we have always returned to Blogger.com.
Why Your Business Should Launch a Blog – And Why Consistency Is the Key to Success
It’s one of the most cost-effective, trust-building, search-boosting tools available to any organisation, no matter its size. And it doesn't have to cost you a penny!
Whether you’re a sole trader, a growing SME, or an established brand, a blog helps you reach customers, shape your reputation, and stay visible online.
But here’s the catch: the benefits only come when you update it consistently.
Why Every Business Should Have a Blog
1. It boosts your visibility in search engines
Customers turn to Google for almost every decision. A regularly updated blog helps your website appear in these searches by providing fresh, keyword-rich content.
Each new post creates another chance to rank for specific queries, increasing your organic reach without paid ads.
2. It positions you as an authority in your field
Sharing guidance, insights, case studies, and behind-the-scenes knowledge shows that you understand your industry.
Over time, your blog becomes a resource hub that builds trust and encourages customers to choose you over competitors.
3. It humanises your brand
A blog gives you the space to share your personality, values, and brand story.
Readers want to buy from businesses they connect with. Showing the faces, ideas, and passion behind your company helps build meaningful customer relationships.
4. It supports your sales funnel
Blog posts can drive customers through the buying journey by answering questions, introducing products, and reducing hesitation.
A reader might discover your site through an informative article and later convert because your content helped them at the right moment.
5. It gives you unlimited material for social media
If you ever struggle with what to post online, a blog solves that instantly.
Every article can be repurposed into short snippets, tips, graphics, or video scripts – keeping your social channels active and engaging.
6. It keeps customers informed
Whether you’re launching a product, attending an event, or offering a seasonal promotion, your blog acts as a central place for updates.
This builds loyalty and encourages repeat visits to your site.
Why Consistent Updating Is the Secret Ingredient
Launching a blog is only half the job. The businesses that see real long-term gains are those that keep it updated regularly.
1. Search engines reward fresh content
Google prioritises active, well-maintained sites. Posting consistently signals that your business is alive, engaged, and relevant.
This leads to better rankings and increased organic traffic.
2. It creates a predictable experience for your audience
If people know you publish new content weekly or monthly, they’ll return for more.
Consistency builds trust – inconsistency erodes it.
3. It strengthens your brand voice
Regular writing helps refine your tone and messaging, making your brand instantly recognisable.
A clear, consistent voice improves customer confidence.
4. It keeps your business adaptable
Trends move quickly. By updating your blog consistently, you stay ahead of industry shifts and respond to customer needs in real time.
5. It compounds over time
One blog post is useful. Fifty posts become a library.
A well-stocked blog continues attracting visitors long after each article is published – working for your business 24/7.
Tips for Keeping Your Blog Consistently Updated
Plan a simple content calendar – even one post every fortnight makes a difference.
Mix evergreen content with timely topics for balance.
Repurpose content across social media and email newsletters to maximise value.
Use SEO research to decide what customers are searching for.
Delegate or outsource posts when time is tight.
Final Blogging Thoughts
A business blog is one of the most powerful tools available for building visibility, trust, and long-term customer relationships. But the true magic happens when you treat it as an ongoing part of your marketing strategy rather than a one-off project.
Start your blog, update it consistently, and watch your authority – and your audience – grow.
What blogging platforms can you use? We'll tell you in a subsequent post.
That's Christmas 365: How the 2025 Budget Could Shape Christmas: What It...
That's Christmas 365: How the 2025 Budget Could Shape Christmas: What It...: Worried about bills? The Chancellor’s 2025 Budget has dominated headlines, with households and businesses alike wondering what it all means ...
2025 UK Budget — What It Means for Businesses, Workers and the Economy
"The 2025 Budget raises revenue mainly through frozen tax thresholds, higher taxes on property and dividends, and tighter pension perks, meaning many business owners will pay more without any change to tax rates.
Early-stage businesses may gain from expanded SEIS and VCT investment schemes, and regions outside the South East will see new growth funding.
Minimum wage rises and ongoing inflation will add pressure to labour and operating costs.
Big opportunities lie in increased public capital investment, but the overall environment demands careful financial planning and sharper cashflow management."
The 2025 Budget, delivered on 26 November by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, marks a significant moment for UK fiscal policy. Under pressure from rising debt, pay-roll strain, sluggish productivity and inflation, and conscious of earlier election promises, the government has opted for a mix of “stealth” and structural tax rises rather than headline-grabbing rate hikes.
Below, I unpack the main measures, their likely impact, and what small businesses, sole traders and employees should watch out for.
Key Measures: Tax, Spending and Incentives
Income-tax and NI thresholds frozen until 2031
The government has frozen income-tax (and National Insurance) thresholds until 2031 — meaning they won’t automatically rise with inflation or wages.
As a result, many workers will drift into higher tax bands over time, a form of “fiscal drag.” The expected yield from this move is substantial, with billions more in annual revenue.
• New wealth and property-related levies
The Budget introduces several taxes aimed at wealth and property: higher taxes on property income and dividends, and a new surcharge (often described as a “mansion tax”) on homes worth over £2 million.
For those involved in property, rental, real estate or high-value homes, this represents a significant shift.
Pension and savings rule changes
The government is reforming pension-related tax allowances: in particular, salary-sacrifice schemes (commonly used by higher earners to make pension contributions tax-efficient) will be capped.
At the same time, the cash ISA allowance will be reduced to £12,000.
Support for workers, low-income households and certain public services
To soften some of the burden, there are targeted support measures: the main state pension will rise (though for many pensioners the increase is modest), and the national minimum wage is being increased.
The long-criticised two-child benefit cap is being abolished, a win for larger families on lower incomes.
Public investment will remain high: the government is safeguarding a planned increase in departmental capital spending — a boost for infrastructure, public services and long-term productivity.
• Business incentives and regional growth support
In an effort to encourage entrepreneurship and scaling of firms, the Budget widens eligibility for schemes such as the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT), making growth-stage companies more likely to benefit.
There are also region-specific funding commitments — for infrastructure, skills and science/tech investment, aimed at levelling up outside London and the South.
Economic Outlook: Growth, Borrowing and Long-Term Prospects
According to the latest from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), real GDP growth is expected to modestly rise in 2025, aided by pent-up consumption and stronger-than-anticipated business investment earlier in the year.
Medium-term forecasts are more cautious: slow productivity growth means that potential output growth will average around 1.5 % per year from 2026 to 2030 — a downgrade compared with prior forecasts.
However, sustained public investment should help restore some long-term productivity potential. The current plan includes over £120 billion in departmental capital spending over the Parliament — the highest sustained level in decades.
On the public finances front, the Budget packages of tax rises and structural adjustments are projected to deliver fiscal consolidation: public sector borrowing is expected to be reduced by circa £12 billion by 2029–30.
That said, lower growth and higher public debt mean borrowing remains elevated in the near to mid-term, with the government taking a back-loaded approach to improving finances.
What This Means for Small Businesses, Sole Traders and Entrepreneurs
Pros
If you’re a startup or scaling up, the loosening of SEIS/VCT thresholds could make it easier to attract investment, which might support growth or expansion.
Continued infrastructure and public capital investment could ultimately benefit many sectors — especially those tied to construction, transport and public services.
For lower-paid workers (or employees of smaller firms), wage rises and maintaining certain benefits could boost spending power, which could in turn be reflected in consumer demand.
Cons / Risks
“Stealth taxes” via frozen thresholds mean many people, including sole traders and small-business owners paying themselves a modest salary, may find themselves nudged into higher tax bands without a pay rise.
Higher taxes on property income, dividends or savings could hit those who rely on multiple revenue streams beyond their business income.
Caps on pension tax relief and reduced ISA limits may make retirement planning and personal finance less attractive or efficient.
The slower productivity growth projections could dampen long-term economic dynamism; small businesses dependent on strong demand may struggle if growth remains sluggish.
Implications for Entrepreneurs and Sole Traders — A Forecast
For those running small businesses or working as sole traders, this Budget underlines the importance of sound financial planning and flexibility. It may no longer be sufficient to rely solely on personal allowance thresholds or tax-efficient pension contributions, diversification, cash flow resilience, and reinvestment into the business might be more important than ever.
If you plan to expand, seek investment or hire staff, this may be a good time to explore growth-support schemes (SEIS/VCT), or take a closer look at regional incentives if you're outside major economic hubs.
On the consumer side, modest wage and benefit rises could help sustain demand — though inflation pressure and rising costs remain a concern. If the government delivers on infrastructure investment, certain sectors may see opportunities emerge over the next few years.
My Assessment: Balanced but Challenging. Especially for Lower-margin Businesses
Overall, the 2025 Budget strikes a balance: it avoids making headline-grabbing tax-rate changes, but quietly raises revenue through structural measures. For long-term fiscal stability and public investment, this is understandable.
However, the cost may fall disproportionately on middle-earners, small-business owners, and households with mixed income streams, especially those relying on dividends, rental income or savings.
For businesses, the new investment incentives and public spending plans may offer routes for growth — but only if firms plan proactively, manage cashflow carefully, and adapt to a modest-growth macroeconomic backdrop.
In short: the Budget offers useful strategic tools, but also warns of a tougher financial terrain for many.
Major 2025 Budget Measures — With Expected Impact Levels
Income Tax and National Insurance
Frozen thresholds until 2031
Impact: High
Freezing thresholds for six more years means millions will drift into higher tax bands even without receiving a real pay rise. This will affect sole traders who pay themselves via salary/dividends, and employees in growth sectors with rising wages.
Taxes on Wealth, Property and Investment
Higher taxes on property income, dividend income, and a new levy on homes over £2 million
Impact: Medium–High
Landlords, company directors who pay themselves in dividends, and investors in property-heavy portfolios will feel this most. Small businesses using buy-to-let as part of a retirement plan may need to reassess strategy.
Salary-Sacrifice and Pension Reform
Tighter rules on pension salary-sacrifice schemes
Impact: Medium
Higher-earning employees and business owners using pension contributions as a tax-efficient method of payment will gain less advantage. Payroll planning will need careful review.
Cash ISA Allowance Reduced
Allowance cut to £12,000
Impact: Low–Medium
Affects savers with higher disposable income. Most small-business owners who prioritise cashflow over savings will not be dramatically affected, but long-term personal finance plans may need adjusting.
National Minimum Wage Increased
Rise in the minimum wage for 2025
Impact: Medium
Positive for workers, but challenging for sectors with tight margins (retail, hospitality, care). Businesses will need to consider pricing, staffing levels and productivity improvements.
Two-Child Benefit Cap Abolished
More families able to claim support
Impact: Low for businesses; High for household finances
While not a business measure directly, this increases spending power among lower-income households, potentially benefitting consumer-facing sectors.
Increased Public Capital Investment
Highest sustained level of capital investment in decades
Impact: High
Major opportunities for construction, engineering, transport, digital infrastructure and STEM-aligned small businesses. Supply-chain firms may also benefit as infrastructure projects grow.
Start-Up and Scale-Up Incentives
Wider eligibility for SEIS, VCT, and early-stage investment schemes
Impact: High for entrepreneurs
The government is signalling strong support for innovation and scale-ups. Tech start-ups, manufacturing innovators and creative-sector businesses may find it easier to secure early funding.
Regional Growth and Levelling-Up Commitments
Targeted funding outside London and the South East
Impact: Medium–High
Potential boosts for SMEs in the North, Midlands, Wales and Scotland. Regional grants and innovation hubs should be monitored closely by businesses looking to expand.
Fiscal Drag and Consumer Behaviour
Stealth tax increases via thresholds combined with rising wages
Impact: High
Consumers have slightly more income from wage rises, but lose more to tax over time. This may weaken discretionary spending in hospitality, retail and leisure unless wage growth outpaces tax drag.
Public Borrowing and Fiscal Stance
Borrowing reduced over the long term but remains high
Impact: Medium
The Budget focuses on stabilising the long-term public finances rather than immediate relief. Government contracts and procurement may rise as infrastructure spending continues, helping B2B sectors.
Over the last several weeks the Budget and Rachel Reeves as Chancellor of the Exchequer has been dogged with leaks on the potential contents of the Budget.
Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Over Half of Undervalued Employees Intend to Quit Next Year, Says Report
This crisis of undervaluation is sweeping through UK workplaces; with devastating consequences for retention, productivity and wellbeing according to the report commissioned by global employee benefits platform Perkbox.
The study of 4,000 UK employees for the Perkonomics Report found 42% feel undervalued at work, driving a dramatic dip in productivity and retention.
Among the general workforce, 34% are considering leaving their jobs next year, a figure that spikes sharply among those who feel overlooked.
This Value Exodus highlights the widening gap between employee expectations and the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) employers provide.
“Employees' perception of how they are valued by their employers understandably impacts their morale and, in turn engagement and retention,” Doug Butler, CEO of Perkbox told That's Business.
“Focused strategies and tools that foster cultures where all employees feel valued are worthwhile investments of time and resources for businesses in our current social and economic environment.”
The Value Gap and why it matters
The research also exposes a critical action gap; while employers and employees are broadly aligned in recognising the importance of feeling valued, execution is somewhat lagging.
This gap is especially pressing now, as cost-of-living pressures, ongoing skills shortages and the 2026 outlook make retention and engagement more vital than ever.
Many employees are also staying put in roles despite feeling that they aew overlooked, largely due to financial pressures and fears over job security. But far from solving the problem, this trend risks compounding it:
Public sector staff feel less valued than private sector peers (6.40 vs 6.92 out of 10).
Large companies (1,000+ staff) score lowest on employee value (6.21), suggesting recognition gets diluted at scale.
40% say their employer isn’t doing enough to make them feel valued.
Motivation drops by 57% among undervalued employees, alongside a 50% drop in morale and 47% in enthusiasm.
Employers agree on the stakes: 64% link undervaluation to lower productivity and 53% blame it for retention issues.
“The cost of living crisis is dramatically affecting how people live and progress in their careers,” comments Pippa Van Praagh, Vice President of Operations at Perkbox.
“At the same time, AI is changing the way we work and reshaping what job security looks like, while constant media coverage about economic and workplace pressures has a huge psychological impact. It’s not surprising that many people feel they’ve ‘lost the point’ of working beyond the need for a paycheque.
"This crisis of meaning is being reflected in conversations up and down the UK and it’s why showing value and recognition to employees has never been more critical.”
Recognition and benefits: a possible solution
The research shows a clear path to closing the value gap:
Recognition is the top driver of feeling valued, cited by 53% of employees and 60% of employers, yet only 30% of workplaces currently offer recognition programmes.
79% of employees would feel more valued with a tailored benefits package.
68% say better benefits would boost productivity, rising to 84% among 25–34-year-olds.
Employees are calling for financial wellbeing support (35%), recognition and reward programmes (30%), health and wellbeing initiatives (29%). Employers echo these priorities, though many say they lack the resources to deliver them.
“Employees want to be recognised first and foremost – but it’s clear that there’s a key place for benefits too. Our data suggests they can be an effective lever for productivity and wellbeing and could be a key tool in the fight against the value exodus,” said Butler.
Despite the crisis, there’s still hope as most employees report a strong sense of belonging. The problem isn’t whether they want to be part of their organisation, it’s whether their organisation shows it values them.
“The message is loud and clear,” added Butler. “Employees want to stay and thrive. But without recognition and tailored benefits, they won’t. Employers who close the value gap now will keep their people and future-proof their businesses.”
To learn more about ensuring your employees feel valued visit https://www.perkbox.com
That's Food and Drink: Lightspeed Introduces Next-Generation Restaurant T...
That's Food and Drink: Lightspeed Introduces Next-Generation Restaurant T...: Lightspeed Commerce Inc., the unified omnichannel platform powering ambitious retail, golf and hospitality businesses in over 100 countries,...
What Rachel Reeves Might Announce in the Budget — And What It Could Mean for UK SMEs
Several weeks ago That's Business published a tongue-in-cheek alternative budget, "The Alternative Budget Britain Didn’t Know It Needed" (link below), but now it's time for the "real" budget.
The next Budget from Chancellor Rachel Reeves is shaping up to be one of the most important in many years.
With sluggish growth forecasts, rising pressures on public finances, and a commitment to deliver a “growth-first” economic strategy, businesses across the UK are watching closely.
For SMEs in particular, the big question is this: what might Reeves include in her Budget, and how will the decisions affect day-to-day trading, hiring and long-term growth?
Below, we break down the most likely policy areas, and what they could mean for business owners.
Why This Budget Matters So Much
The economic backdrop is tight. Slower-than-expected productivity growth has widened the fiscal gap, while the government has pledged not to raise income tax, VAT or employee National Insurance. That narrows the Chancellor’s options and increases the likelihood that business-related measures may be used to plug part of the shortfall.
At the same time, Reeves has repeatedly emphasised investment, private-sector growth, and support for modernisation — suggesting that the Budget may combine tax-related challenges with targeted opportunities.
Possible Budget Measures — And Their Impact on SMEs
1. Changes to Business Taxation
What might be announced?
Adjustments to employer National Insurance.
A review of business tax reliefs, possibly tightening older schemes while boosting new ones.
Potential reforms affecting dividend taxation or capital gains.
Potential impact:
Increased employment costs could make SMEs more cautious about hiring or expanding payroll. Or even trimming staff numbers.
Lean-margin businesses may feel pressure to freeze wages or consolidate roles.
Firms relying on older tax reliefs may face reduced support; those aligned to innovation, green tech or digitalisation may see gains.
What might be announced?
A move to support high-street and hospitality businesses by reviewing small business rates relief.
Potentially higher charges for larger commercial property footprints or under-utilised sites.
Potential impact:
Strongly positive for micro-businesses and independent shops if reliefs are expanded.
Larger SMEs with significant premises may see higher bills, prompting a re-think of workspace strategy.
Encourages efficiency, flexible working, and potentially hybrid office models.
3. Support Packages for Growth and Innovation
What might be announced?
Expanded access to government-backed loans.
More support for exporters and manufacturing.
Incentives for adopting digital tools, AI, and green technologies.
Potential impact:
Growth-ready SMEs could access new grants, credits or low-cost finance.
Businesses with clear digital or eco-transition plans may see the strongest benefits.
Export-focused SMEs may gain fresh momentum from expanded trade support.
This is one of the few areas likely to provide immediate opportunities rather than cost increases.
4. Labour Market and Skills Measures
What might be announced?
Funding for training, apprenticeships, and upskilling initiatives.
Support for industries facing labour shortages.
Possible adjustments to minimum wage trajectories.
Potential impact:
Improved access to skilled workers in sectors such as manufacturing, construction and tech.
A higher minimum wage would raise staff costs — particularly challenging for hospitality, retail and care.
SMEs that invest in staff development may gain productivity advantages.
5. Regulatory and Compliance Changes
What might be announced?
Updates to reporting rules for ESG and sustainability.
New requirements linked to energy efficiency or digital record-keeping.
Potential consolidation of some burdens on micro-businesses.
Potential impact:
Some SMEs may face new administrative tasks, especially in sustainability reporting.
Digital-first SMEs may find compliance easier and cheaper.
There may be support packages to help SMEs meet new requirements.
What All This Means for the SME Landscape
Likely outcomes
Margin pressure for some sectors — especially those with high labour costs.
Slower hiring in the short term if employer NI or wage costs rise.
Opportunities for ambitious SMEs in exporting, tech, manufacturing and sustainability.
Greater need for digital transformation as incentives increasingly point towards modernisation.
Funding routes opening up, but competition for grants and loans may intensify.
What SMEs Should Do Now
1. Strengthen cash-flow forecasting
Model scenarios in which employment or property costs rise. Spot vulnerabilities early.
2. Prepare to act quickly on incentives
Grants, loans and support schemes often open briefly — having business plans and forecasts ready gives you a head start.
3. Review hiring plans
Build flexibility into staffing structures where possible.
4. Assess whether you can benefit from digital or green incentives
If you’ve been postponing upgrades to your systems, equipment or processes, this Budget may justify action.
5. Engage with industry bodies
Trade associations often have direct dialogue with the Treasury and can flag sector-specific challenges.
Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Budget is expected to balance tough fiscal decisions with growth-focused measures, making it one of the most consequential for SMEs in recent memory.
While cost pressures are possible, even likely, the Budget could also open the door to new opportunities in innovation, exporting, sustainability and investment.
For SMEs, the key is to stay flexible, informed and ready to respond. Those who prepare now will be best placed to navigate whatever changes the Chancellor introduces.
That's Business will cover the budget over the next several days.
https://thats-business.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-alternative-budget-britain-didnt.html
Local businesses play vital role in community healing after terrorist attacks
Researchers Amy Greiner Fehl and Mariann Györke conducted a seven-year-long ethnographic study in the neighbourhoods affected by the 13 November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, highlighting the role of cafes and restaurants in particular.
They find that local businesses provide a literal and figurative space for community members to come together and rediscover a sense of belonging through their shared consumption habits based on the cultural significance of these activities.
The researchers also analysed the Paris city archives of the objects left at the memorials for the attacks to deepen their understanding of the symbolic significance of public spaces. This extended follow-up enabled the researchers to capture the subtle evolution of the dynamics between restoring social bonds, commemorative practices, and communal spaces.
Fehl and Györke identify two stages in the return to public places. The first is characterised by a spontaneous desire to be together and recreate connections; the second is a more integrative phase where consumption acquires new meaning.
Going to “your” café becomes an affirmation of belonging to a community and ordering a drink becomes a way of contributing to the shared memory of the neighbourhood. This type of consumption solidarity supports healing and overcoming shared trauma.
The study highlights moreover that solidarity is not the sole province of the state or institutions; it also emerges in everyday gestures.
The findings could prompt local and national governments to rethink community support efforts in the wake of terrorist attacks, suggesting that the restoration of community spaces where people can gather and rebuild connections should be central policy concerns.
This study was published in the Journal of Consumer Research.
Sunday, 23 November 2025
KeySIM launches £0.95 Narrowband IoT SIM on Vodafone and EE
The plan operates on Vodafone and EE and is designed for large-scale, low-bandwidth IoT deployments such as sensors, alarms, metering, environmental monitoring, tracking devices and industrial systems. A minimum of 100 SIMs applies.
Graham Robinson, Co-Founder of KeySIM, told That's Business: “NB-IoT is taking off and customers want something simple, low-cost and contract-free. This new plan gives them exactly that, easy deployment, straightforward billing and the option for fixed IP or VPN when they need it.”
Simple, contract-free pricing for IoT projects
KeySIM’s NB-IoT tariff uses a straightforward PAYG model, offering:
No contracts
Flat per-MB billing
Full access to the KeySIM management portal
Optional private fixed IP and VPN services
Businesses can also request free test SIMs to evaluate coverage and platform features before deploying at scale.
SocialBox.Biz Calls on Companies to Re-use Windows 10 Laptops And Surplus IT with SocialBox.Biz
Through its “Call Before You Scrap It” campaign, SocialBox.Biz appeals to companies to review and donate surplus hardware to SocialBox.Biz before considering recycling or IT disposal.
SocialBox.Biz collaborates with leading charity partners, providing repurposed IT with open source software that can support disadvantaged individuals who can not afford any computer hardware or software with essential equipment to help with their education, job searches, and daily communication.
There is a particular need for surplus Google Chromebooks and MacBooks with larger screens to better support older recipients with visual impairments. Earlier this year, Elaine, a beneficiary of the C4WS Homeless Project, was able to rebuild her life and pursue college studies because she received a donated laptop, demonstrating the powerful, practical impact of this initiative.
A spokesperson for SocialBox.Biz told That's Business: “There are countless benefits for companies
repurposing unwanted IT. Redundant hardware can become a source of positive community change, preventing waste, lowering emissions, and providing lifeline technology to those who need it the most.”
The environmental benefits of reuse are also compelling. For example, by donating just 500 unwanted computers, a business prevents 155 tonnes of CO₂ emissions - equivalent to removing 60 cars from UK roads for a year.
Local reuse models not only reduce transport-related pollution but are also far more sustainable than energy-intensive recycling, especially because the UK lacks dedicated IT smelters. In carbon absorption terms, such annual emissions savings equal the work done by approximately 6,460 mature trees.
SocialBox.Biz welcomes enquiries from organisations interested in learning more about sustainable IT reuse, partnership opportunities, or the wider impact of inclusion.
SocialBox.Biz’s Call Before You Scrap Campaign SocialBox.Biz’s Call Before You Scrap Campaign asks companies to contact SocialBox.Biz first to have their equipment assessed before defaulting to recycling or IT disposal to prevent waste and reduce scope 3 emissions. This can help organisations remain compliant and demonstrate proactive impact rteadership ahead of COP30.
This call to action also comes as the European Week for Waste Reduction (Nov 22–30) spotlights ways organisations can help tackle the mounting problem of electronic waste in Britain and across Europe.
SocialBox.Biz supports corporate impact in London and across the UK by accepting unwanted laptops, Apple iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks as part of its reuse programme.
Participating companies benefit from tailored impact plans, marketing support, and case studies suitable for annual reporting demonstrating meaningful contributions to computer access inclusion and planet protection.
Even companies without access to items can still increase their social impact with SocialBoxBiz impact plans: https://www.socialbox.biz/corporate-impact
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