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Tuesday, 17 March 2026
That's Food and Drink: Food & Drink Businesses Boosted by Award-Winning E...
That's Food and Drink: Food & Drink Businesses Boosted by Award-Winning E...: Food and drink businesses across the UK and beyond are set to benefit from enhanced technology solutions after Manchester-based consultancy ...
BIXOLON Showcases its Advanced Printing Solutions for Intralogistics and Process Management at LogiMAT 2026
Key exhibition product highlights will include:
Shipping Labelling – To keep pace with fast-moving logistics environments, BIXOLON will showcase its broad range of high-performance labelling solutions with variable print widths. The lineup includes the NEW XD5-40II 4-inch (118 mm) desktop label printer series, offering enhanced performance within a compact, cost-effective footprint.
Alongside the unique XQ-840II 4-inch (118 mm) stand-alone tablet-embedded printer and the SLP-DX220W 2-inch (58 mm) slimline direct thermal label printer with Wi-Fi connectivity. For high-volume operational demands, BIXOLON will present the cost-efficient XT3-40 4-inch (114 mm) industrial printer, alongside the competitively priced XD3-40 4-inch (118 mm) series featuring a compact design and essential industry features.
Completing the range is the robust and sustainable XL5-40 4-inch (114 mm) linerless printer designed for variable-length labelling without waste.
RFID Labelling – Understanding the importance of track-and-trace within logistics, BIXOLON will be presenting its comprehensive range of mobile, desktop, and industrial RFID print-and-encode solutions. This includes the feature-rich, premium XM7-40R 4-inch (112 mm) mobile RFID label printer, the NEW XD5-40IItR 4-inch (118 mm) RFID-enabled desktop thermal transfer label printer, and the XT5-40NR 4-inch (114 mm) high-performance industrial thermal transfer RFID label printer.
Mobile Printing – BIXOLON will also highlight its reliable mobile portfolio, including the bestselling SPP-R200III 2-inch (58 mm) ergonomic and lightweight mobile printer. Alongside the outstanding XM7 Series comprising of the XM7-20 (2-inch / 58 mm), XM7-30 (3-inch / 80 mm), and XM7-40 (4-inch / 112 mm) Auto-ID mobile liner and linerless label printers, supported by a wide range of accessories ideal for logistics and warehouse operations.
BIXOLON will also be joined on the stand by Urovo Europe, a leading global manufacturer of rugged mobile devices who will be showcasing its latest rugged mobile computing solutions designed to improve efficiency and productivity in logistics and warehouse environments. Highlights include the new DT66 full-touch mobile computer, the RT40S rugged handheld for demanding warehouse operations, and the U2 wearable mobile computer for hands-free workflows.
“LogiMAT continues to be the premier stage to connect with partners and customers who are driving forward innovation in intralogistics,” John Kim, Marketing Director, BIXOLON Global, told That's Business.
“We’re excited to showcase our latest printing technologies, designed to deliver efficiency, durability, and actionable data to today’s fast-moving supply-chain environments.”
To learn more visit BIXOLON at www.BIXOLON.com or contact sales@bixolon.de to make an appointment to meet the team.
The AI brain drain: how unclear rules are costing UK businesses their best talent
The survey of 200 full-time employed UK office and administrative workers exposes what we're calling the "AI permission gap" a growing disconnect where employees understand the value of AI from their personal lives, but are left in the dark about whether they can apply it safely in the workplace.
Crucially, the research challenges the tired narrative that UK AI adoption is being held back by a workforce "skills gap." Instead, the data reveals it's a leadership and enablement problem that's now actively damaging recruitment, retention, and data security.
Key findings from the research
The AI brain drain: 66.5% of workers said a prospective employer's approach to AI tools would influence their decision to accept a job offer. Over a quarter (25.5%) cited it as a "major factor," stating they'd actively prioritise companies that provide approved tools and avoid those that restrict them.
The total policy vacuum: 41% of UK desk workers operate in a complete policy vacuum, where AI has either never been mentioned, or they rely purely on informal, unwritten chats.
The integration paradox: Even among workers whose employers do have a clear, enabling AI policy, 33% still resort to using "shadow AI" (unapproved consumer tools) to get their work done.
Shadow AI is everywhere (and bans don't work): Overall, nearly a third (32%) of all respondents admitted to using consumer AI tools for work tasks without their employer's knowledge.
When employers issue a strict ban, that number barely moves (33.3%). Bans don't stop AI; they just remove IT oversight.
The conscientious worker penalty
The research highlights a perverse workplace dynamic created by the 41% policy vacuum. When employers stay completely silent on AI, human nature takes over and the workforce splits in two.
Roughly 30% of workers in this vacuum become risk-takers, turning to shadow AI to get their work done faster while quietly exposing the business to data risks. But the remaining 70% - the conscientious majority - abstain entirely. Because there's no official rule saying "yes", they default to "no".
This creates the conscientious worker penalty: ambiguous policies don't stop the rule-breakers; they simply paralyse the rule-followers. Careful, compliant employees are left doing manual drudgery and falling behind, simply because they're too professional to use unapproved tools.
Kat Korson, Director at Red Eagle Tech, told That's Business: "The great irony here is doing nothing isn't playing it safe.
"When you leave a policy vacuum, your risk-takers just use AI behind your back, anyway, while your most careful, quality-conscious team members miss out on hours of productivity gains. On top of that, your best talent is actively looking for employers who have this sorted. It's time to give them the right tools and clear permission."
The integration paradox: why off-the-shelf AI fails
The survey also uncovered a major warning sign for IT leaders buying generic corporate AI licences. Even when employers provide a clear, enabling policy, a third of their staff still use unapproved 'shadow' AI.
Why? Because generic off-the-shelf AI subscriptions can't access the specific databases, CRMs, and workflows that teams use every day.
If the "approved" AI tool requires manual data exports and copy-pasting, employees will inevitably revert to using consumer tools or browser extensions that do it automatically.
What workers are telling us
When asked to describe how their employer’s approach to AI affects them, respondents in the policy vacuum expressed deep frustration and growing anxiety:
"It's made me worried that they will use it to reduce staff." - Office worker, West Midlands (unsure what AI rules apply)
"Sometimes we need to write reports. I'm sure with bullet points, AI could write our reports much quicker, and with more writer's flair too." - Administrative worker, North East England
By contrast, workers at companies with clear, enabling AI policies reported high morale and massive operational benefits:
"Data entry has been a huge time saver. It’s removed hours on end of repetitive entry." - Professional, Scotland
"I feel empowered to be able to create content with the help of AI. This makes me more productive and helps me produce better results." - Professional, East Midlands
Three steps to get this fixed
Red Eagle Tech recommends UK businesses take three straightforward steps to close their AI permission gap:
Publish a clear AI policy. Over half of employees are operating without official, enabling rules. Grab a copy of Red Eagle Tech's AI acceptable use policy template to immediately clarify what's allowed and protect your company data. Free download, no registration required.
Ask your team what they need. Survey your employees about what workplace tasks they believe AI could improve. The gap between their daily reality and your assumptions will surprise you. Take our 5-minute AI readiness assessment to discover how prepared your organisation is for the change. Free tool, no registration required.
Move to bespoke, integrated solutions. Off-the-shelf AI tools that can't securely connect with your existing business systems (like Sage or Xero) will never earn sustained use.
Custom-built AI solutions that integrate with actual workflows deliver measurably higher adoption and eliminate the need for shadow AI entirely.
To grab a copy of the free AI policy template, dive into the full research data, or to take our free 5-minute AI readiness assessment, visit redeagle.tech/blog/uk-ai-permission-gap-research.
Sunday, 15 March 2026
World Consumer Rights Day: Why Fairness and Transparency Matter for Businesses
Each year on World Consumer Rights Day, organisations, regulators and businesses around the world highlight the importance of protecting consumers and promoting fair, transparent markets.
While the day is often framed as a reminder of consumer protections, it also offers a powerful opportunity for businesses to demonstrate integrity and strengthen relationships with their customers.
In a competitive marketplace where reputation can be built or broken online in a matter of hours, putting consumer rights at the heart of a business strategy is no longer optional. It is essential.
Why Consumer Rights Matter to Businesses
Consumer rights are not simply regulatory obligations. They underpin trust in the entire economy.
When customers know they will be treated fairly, they are more likely to buy, return and recommend a business to others. In contrast, poor service, misleading advertising or unclear pricing can damage credibility and drive customers away.
In the UK, consumers are protected by legislation such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which ensures goods must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality. Services must be delivered with reasonable care and skill.
For responsible businesses, complying with these rules should be the starting point rather than the end goal.
Transparency Builds Customer Loyalty
Modern consumers are more informed than ever before. With price comparison sites, online reviews and social media platforms readily available, customers can quickly identify companies that operate fairly and those that do not.
Businesses that clearly communicate prices, return policies and service terms build a foundation of trust. Transparency around delivery times, guarantees and refunds reduces disputes and reassures customers that they are dealing with a reputable organisation.
Many successful companies actively exceed legal requirements by offering extended guarantees, generous returns policies or proactive customer support.
The Cost of Ignoring Consumer Rights
Businesses that ignore consumer protections can face serious consequences.
Regulatory action, negative press coverage and social media backlash can quickly damage a brand. Complaints to bodies such as Citizens Advice or Trading Standards can escalate into formal investigations if poor practices persist.
But the greatest cost is often reputational. In an era where trust is a key currency, customers rarely return to companies that appear dishonest, evasive or unresponsive when problems arise.
Turning Consumer Rights into a Competitive Advantage
Forward-thinking businesses recognise that respecting consumer rights can become a powerful selling point.
Companies that focus on fairness, quality and accountability stand out in crowded markets. Clear communication, ethical marketing and responsive customer service create loyal customers who become advocates for the brand.
Training staff to handle complaints professionally, resolving disputes quickly and maintaining transparent policies all contribute to stronger long-term relationships with customers.
A Shared Responsibility
World Consumer Rights Day serves as a reminder that healthy markets depend on cooperation between businesses, regulators and consumers.
When companies commit to ethical practices and transparent communication, they not only protect their customers but also strengthen the credibility of their entire industry.
For businesses across the UK, the message is simple: respecting consumer rights is not just good compliance, it is good business.
Saturday, 14 March 2026
That's Green: Don’t Be a Sinner, Be a Binner!
That's Green: Don’t Be a Sinner, Be a Binner!: A campaign from That’s Green Litter is one of the simplest environmental problems to solve, yet it continues to spoil our streets, parks, a...
Loxa Closes £2.7 Million Seed Round to Scale Product Protection Across European Retail
The round was backed primarily by angels and family offices, including the Lazaroo-Hood Group, with introductions facilitated by Angel Investment Network, FundMyPitch, and the Entrepreneur's Collective.
Capital will be deployed to drive EU expansion, scale Loxa's retail network to 150+ live partners, and broaden the platform to support every insurable product category.
“We started Loxa because we believed embedded product protection should be as universal as the checkout itself, available to every retailer, for every customer, everywhere.
"We made a deliberate choice to build this round with angels and operators who shared our mission and backed our vision from the start, and that alignment builds better businesses. Closing this round means we can now deliver on that promise at scale, with the right people and resources to execute successfully,”
Jamie Hamer, Co-Founder & CEO, Loxa told That's Business.
Since launching in 2023, Loxa has grown to over 45 live retail partners across furniture, eyewear, power tools, electronics, catering appliances and other categories, embedding with retailers like eCatering, Toolden, Hyundai Tools, Rowen Homes, Maker & Son, and JCB Pro Tools.
Hundreds of further retailer conversations are ongoing with merchants who recognise the value of offering their customers comprehensive product protection at the point of purchase.
The fundraise also marks a step-change in what Loxa can offer retailers. As a full-stack MGA, Loxa can now build and launch insurance schemes tailored specifically to the needs of its retail partners and their products, rather than only suggesting off-the-shelf solutions.
Loxa’s technology connects natively to over 70% of UK ecommerce infrastructure via apps for Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, and BigCommerce, as well as direct API integrations. Loxa enables retailers to go live in as little as 48 hours, meaning the barrier to offering product protection has never been lower.
With the Seed round now closed, Loxa enters its next phase with both the capital and the leadership to execute at pace.
Erjon Skora joined the business last year at a pivotal point as Co-Founder and Managing Dire
ctor, bringing over 16 years of experience across MGAs, insurers, financial institutions, and online marketplaces, most recently as MD and Head of Insurance & Product, EMEA at Cover Genius. His appointment reflects the ambition behind this raise: to build the defining embedded insurance platform for retailers across Europe.
ctor, bringing over 16 years of experience across MGAs, insurers, financial institutions, and online marketplaces, most recently as MD and Head of Insurance & Product, EMEA at Cover Genius. His appointment reflects the ambition behind this raise: to build the defining embedded insurance platform for retailers across Europe.
“Closing the Seed is the starting gun, not the finish line. We're heading into a Series A with traction, a clear European roadmap, and a system that onboards retailers in under 48 hours, integrates seamlessly, handles policy volumes at scale, and delivers an excellent claims experience. The next 18 months will define Loxa's position in this market, and we intend to own it," Erjon Skora, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Loxa told us.
Loxa is advised by board advisors Robin Leigh, Richard Smith, Kayar Raghavan, and Ross Lazaroo-Hood. The company extends its sincere thanks to all investors, advisors, partners and supporters who have backed its vision.
Friday, 13 March 2026
If Your Premises Look Neglected, Why Should Anyone Trust Your Professional Services?
While companies invest heavily in branding, marketing campaigns, and online presence, many overlook a very visible factor that shapes public perception: the condition of their physical premises.
If your office, shop, workshop, medical practice, solicitors, restaurant or consultancy building looks unkempt, dirty, or neglected, what message does that send about the services you provide?
Your Premises Reflect Your Standards
Whether you run an accountancy practice, a legal firm, dental practice, a consultancy, or a small retail business, customers instinctively associate your surroundings with your standards.
If weeds are pushing through the slabs or the pavement outside your door, bins are overflowing, paint is peeling, or signage is dirty and faded, potential clients may assume the same lack of care applies to your work.
Fair or not, people judge quickly.
If a solicitor’s office looks neglected, clients may wonder whether their paperwork will receive the same lack of attention. If a marketing agency operates from a scruffy building, businesses might question their professionalism. And if a contractor’s yard is disorganised and untidy, customers could reasonably question the quality of their workmanship.
Trust Begins Before the First Conversation
Customers often form an opinion before they ever speak to you. They may walk past your building, drive by it daily, or look it up on online maps and street-view images.
The outside of your premises becomes a silent introduction to your business.
A clean, well-maintained building signals reliability, competence, and attention to detail. Fresh signage, trimmed hedges, swept pavements, and tidy entrances all reinforce the idea that the business inside is organised and professional.
On the other hand, neglected surroundings suggest complacency or lack of pride.
Small Improvements Make a Big Difference
Improving the appearance of your premises doesn’t necessarily require a large budget. Often, small changes create the biggest impact:
Remove weeds and litter around entrances
Repaint doors, railings, or tired signage
Clean windows regularly
Maintain outdoor lighting and pathways
Ensure bins and waste areas are tidy
Keep reception and public-facing areas clean and welcoming
These relatively simple actions demonstrate care and professionalism.
Your Brand Exists in the Real World
In the age of digital marketing, it is easy to assume that websites and social media carry most of the responsibility for brand image. But the real-world environment still matters enormously, particularly for local businesses.
Your premises are effectively a physical advertisement for your company. Every passer-by is a potential customer forming an impression about your brand.
If that impression is one of neglect, it can quietly undermine even the most polished marketing campaign.Pride in Your Workplace Builds Confidence
Well-maintained premises also affect staff morale. Employees who work in clean, organised environments tend to feel more pride in their workplace.
That pride often translates into better customer service and stronger engagement with clients.
When your team feels confident about where they work, customers notice.
The Bottom Line
Professional credibility is built from many small signals, and the condition of your premises is one of the most visible.
If a business cannot maintain the outside of its own building, potential clients may reasonably wonder how carefully it will manage their accounts, their legal affairs, their marketing strategy, or their project.
A tidy, well-kept premises tells customers something simple but powerful: this is a business that cares about the details.
And in most professional services, attention to detail is exactly what clients are paying for.
The genesis for this blogpost? My wife and I were on a shopping trip to a fairly distant town. We walked past a dental practice and my wife pointed out the weed covered frontage, grubby facade and careworn window blinds. She said: "If that's what you can see from the outside I wonder what the parts you can't see are like?"
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