Why Charity Shops Must Be Run Professionally. And Why Rude Volunteers Damage More Than They Help.

Discover why professionalism in charity shops matters, how rude volunteers impact sales and donations, and what charities must do to protect their reputation.

Charity shops are a cornerstone of the UK high street. 

They raise vital funds, support local communities, promote sustainability, and give pre-loved goods a second life. 

But there’s an uncomfortable truth that many shoppers and donors quietly recognise:

When charity shops are poorly run, or staffed by rude volunteers, everyone loses.

The Reality: Good Intentions Aren’t Enough

Volunteers are the beating heart of charity retail. Without them, many shops simply wouldn’t exist. But goodwill alone doesn’t create a positive customer experience.

Charity shops are still retail environments.

Customers expect:

Friendly service

Fair pricing

Clean, organised spaces

A welcoming atmosphere

When those basics aren’t met, shoppers don’t complain, they just stop coming back.

And when donors feel judged, dismissed, or treated poorly, they take their bags elsewhere.

The Cost of Rudeness

It only takes one negative interaction to undo months of goodwill.

Rude behaviour, whether it’s dismissive comments, passive-aggressive attitudes, or outright hostility, can have serious consequences:

Lost sales: Customers walk out and don’t return

Reduced donations: People choose other charities or disposal options

Brand damage: Word spreads quickly, especially online

Volunteer morale issues: Toxic environments drive good people away

In short, poor behaviour directly impacts fundraising, the very purpose of the shop.

Charity Shops Are Businesses. And Should Be Treated That Way

While charity shops exist for a cause, they operate in a competitive retail landscape. They compete with:

Other charity shops

Discount retailers

Online marketplaces like eBay and Vinted

To succeed, they must be run professionally.

That means:

Clear management structures

Proper training for volunteers

Defined customer service standards

Accountability for behaviour

A charity shop should feel just as welcoming and well-run as any high street store, if not more so.

The Volunteer Question: Support, Not Excuse

Volunteers give their time freely, and that deserves respect. But volunteering is not a free pass for poor behaviour.

In fact, volunteers represent the charity’s brand every time they interact with the public.

Charities should:

Provide basic customer service training

Set clear expectations from day one

Address complaints promptly and fairly

Remove volunteers who consistently damage the shop’s reputation

This isn’t about being harsh, it’s about protecting the charity’s mission.

Professionalism Drives Profit (and Purpose)

Well-run charity shops consistently outperform poorly managed ones.

Why?

Because they:

Build loyal customer bases

Encourage repeat donations

Create positive community hubs

Maximise the value of every item sold

Professionalism doesn’t undermine the charitable spirit, it strengthens it.

A Simple Standard: Be Kind, Be Respectful, Be Professional

At its core, this isn’t complicated.

Every charity shop should operate on three simple principles:

Treat every customer with respect

Appreciate every donation

Create a welcoming, inclusive environment

Anything less risks turning away the very people charities rely on.

Charity shops do incredible work. But to continue thriving, especially in today’s challenging retail climate, they must balance heart with professionalism.

Because raising money for a good cause starts with how people are treated at the till.

Discover why professionalism in charity shops matters, how rude volunteers impact sales and donations, and what charities must do to protect their reputation.

Global energy body backs carpooling as UK fuel prices rise

Mobilityways says businesses can act now, no government mandate needed

Carpooling specialist Mobilityways has welcomed the International Energy Agency's call for governments and businesses to encourage car sharing, and is urging UK employers to act immediately as energy prices continue to rise.

The IEA, which counts the UK among its 32 member nations, this week outlined ten measures to reduce energy consumption worldwide in response to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf. 

Car sharing and efficient driving featured prominently. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol told the BBC the world faces "the greatest global energy security threat in history".

Mobilityways says the numbers make the case plainly. UK cars currently average just 1.55 passengers per journey. Raising that to 1.8 would reduce fuel consumption by approximately 14%, saving around 4 billion litres annually. 

That is not a distant ambition: France already achieves 1.7 to 1.8 average occupancy through systematic carpooling support, and during the 1970s oil crisis, UK car traffic fell around 5% through largely informal arrangements with no digital tools at all.

Today, the UK has Liftshare.com: founded in 1998 as the world's first digital carpooling platform, with over 700,000 registered members. The infrastructure is already here.

Ali Clabburn, Chairman of Mobilityways and founder of Liftshare told That's Business: "We now have 700,000 people already on Liftshare.com and a platform that can scale within weeks. The IEA is telling the world to carpool. The UK can lead on this because we already have everything we need."

Julie Furnell, Managing Director of Mobilityways, told us: "Every empty seat on the commute is wasted fuel. 

"Large employers need to consider how they can support their teams with the rising fuel costs. With a carpool community your employees save money, you reduce your Scope 3 emissions, and you are doing something real in response to a genuine energy challenge. We are ready to help any organisation get started."

Mobilityways works with large employers across the UK, including Heathrow Airport, Lloyds Banking Group and over 30 NHS Trusts, to measure, reduce and report commuter emissions through its enterprise platform, Liftshare For Work.

Members of the public can join for free at www.liftshare.com.

FCM M&E Makes Power Move with fresh Acquisition — And It Changes Everything for Events

FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E) has just made its first-ever acquisition, and it’s not a small one. 

The global MICE heavyweight has snapped up fresh, the award-winning creative force behind standout brand experiences for giants like Visa, Vodafone, M&S and Samsung.

This isn’t just another industry deal. It’s a statement of intent.

By bringing fresh into the fold, FCM M&E is transforming from a logistics-led events player into a fully integrated experience powerhouse, one that can design, produce, and deliver world-class events from concept to curtain call.

Scale, speed, and serious creative firepower

The immediate impact is huge. The combined UK team will quadruple in size to nearly 100 specialists, with new hubs in Manchester and Edinburgh joining its London base. That’s not just growth, it’s strategic expansion into key creative and commercial centres.

But the real story is capability.

FCM M&E can now offer clients a single, seamless service that covers everything: global travel logistics, event delivery, creative concepting, content production, and even high-end film production, all under one roof. No more juggling agencies. No more fragmented execution.

Why this matters right now

The timing couldn’t be sharper. With 98% of event organisers now prioritising attendee experience, the pressure is on to deliver events that are not just well-run, but unforgettable.

FCM M&E’s EMEA lead, Frits de Kok, says the business has already seen a 50% surge in demand year-on-year, and this move is designed to capitalise on that momentum.

The acquisition of fresh plugs a long-standing gap in the MICE sector: the disconnect between planning and creativity. Now, strategy, storytelling, and execution sit side by side.

From logistics to “standing ovation” moments

This is about more than efficiency, it’s about impact.

With fresh’s creative DNA now embedded into the business, FCM M&E is positioning itself as an end-to-end partner that doesn’t just manage events, but creates experiences people remember.

As fresh CEO Lee Harris puts it, the goal is simple: remove friction, amplify creativity, and deliver measurable ROI — all backed by global infrastructure and smart tech.

The bottom line

FCM M&E hasn’t just expanded. It’s reinvented its proposition.

In a sector where expectations are rising fast, this move signals a clear shift: the future of events belongs to those who can think, create, and execute, all in one place.

And right now, FCM M&E looks ready to own that space.

https://www.fcmtravel.com/en-gb

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AI Needs Power. PoweringAI Thinks It’s Found It

There’s a quiet truth behind all the AI hype: none of it works without serious power and serious infrastructure. 

And right now, Europe doesn’t have enough of either.

Enter PoweringAI, a new pan-European venture with a simple but ambitious idea: stop waiting for perfect sites, and start transforming the ones we already have.

Launched as a spin-off from advisory firm Xynteo (and backed by Leon Capital), PoweringAI isn’t playing the usual data centre game. 

Instead of battling over scarce land and grid connections, it’s going after overlooked industrial and port sites,  the kind of places that already have the one thing AI desperately needs: power.

And it’s not starting small. The company launches with a hefty 350 MW pipeline (with ambitions pushing closer to 500 MW), positioning itself as a serious contender in Europe’s race to build AI-ready infrastructure.

From Rust to Revenue

PoweringAI’s model is as pragmatic as it is clever: take legacy industrial land, plug it into modern energy systems, and turn it into high-performance compute hubs.

Think less “greenfield dream” and more “industrial reinvention.”

It’s a strategy that ticks multiple boxes:

Brings dormant sites back into productive use

Supports local job creation in post-industrial areas

Speeds up delivery by bypassing land and power bottlenecks

Aligns neatly with Europe’s sustainability and circular economy goals

In short: it’s infrastructure with a second life, and a business case.

Why This Matters Now

AI isn’t slowing down. If anything, demand for compute is accelerating faster than most infrastructure pipelines can keep up.

The real constraint? Not chips. Not software. Not even talent.

Power.

PoweringAI is betting that the winners in the next phase of the AI boom won’t just be the companies building smarter models, but the ones solving the unglamorous, foundational problem of where all that compute actually lives.

A Different Kind of Developer

Backed by Xynteo’s industrial network and over a year of groundwork in site origination and development, PoweringAI is positioning itself at the intersection of three forces:

Energy transition

Industrial regeneration

Digital infrastructure

That’s a crowded Venn diagram, but also where the biggest opportunities tend to sit.

The Bottom Line

While others are still wrestling with planning delays and grid constraints, PoweringAI is effectively saying: the infrastructure we need is already here, we just need to rethink it.

If it delivers, this won’t just be another data centre developer. It could be a blueprint for how Europe powers its AI future, faster, smarter, and with a bit of industrial common sense thrown in.

And in a sector obsessed with the future, that’s a refreshingly grounded place to start.

https://wearepowering.ai

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Utilities sector faces communications talent exodus at a moment of peak public scrutiny

The Utilities sector is facing a potential mass exodus of strategic communications talent across organisations including suppliers, networks, regulators and trade bodies, at a time when effective public engagement, transparency and trust-building have never been more critical. 

That’s according to new research from specialist recruitment firm Murray McIntosh.

The Strategic Communications Report 2026 reveals unprecedented levels of workforce mobility within Utilities communications teams, with over half (52%) of strategic communications professionals in the sector planning to move roles within the next six months, while almost two-thirds (64%) have interviewed for a new position in the past year.

The findings signal a sector under growing strain, as communications professionals grapple with rising regulatory complexity, sustainability pressures and heightened public and media scrutiny. With customer trust, affordability, environmental performance and resilience firmly in the spotlight, the loss of experienced communications talent risks further weakening already strained relationships between Utilities providers and the public.

Evolving skills landscape placing further strain on comms teams

At the same time, skills expectations within communications roles are evolving rapidly. Beyond core communications skills, demand is rising sharply for technical capabilities, including data literacy, AI, data science and coding. This reflects the Utility sector’s increasing reliance on digital transformation, predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making to manage complex infrastructure, customer expectations and regulatory obligations. Notably, 82% of communications professionals believe AI has already impacted, or will imminently impact, their role, the highest level recorded across all industries surveyed.

Lauren Maddocks, Associate Director, Policy and Public Affairs at Murray McIntosh, told That's Business: “Utilities organisations are operating in one of the most scrutinised environments of any sector, yet they are at real risk of losing the very communications talent needed to navigate that scrutiny. 

"When public trust is fragile, and expectations around transparency, sustainability and accountability are rising, experienced communications professionals aren’t a ‘nice to have’, they are fundamentally critical.

“Firms that don’t address the upcoming exodus in time and effectively pipeline communications professionals risk a revolving door of talent at precisely the wrong time. At a time when public trust in Utilities is already fragile, employers that fail to recognise just how crucial communications talent pipelining is will find themselves exposed, not just to skills shortages, but perhaps more importantly to reputational and operational risk.”

You can read the report here https://www.murraymcintosh.com/downloadable-content/strategic-communications-salary-labour-report

UK Foundations Hit Record Highs for Transparency and Accountability

The UK’s charitable foundations are stepping up, and the latest Foundation Practice Rating (FPR) report proves it.

The 2025–2026 assessment of 100 grant-making foundations has delivered the strongest results in the initiative’s five-year history, with clear progress in diversity, accountability and transparency across the sector.

Record-breaking performance

This year’s findings highlight a sector moving in the right direction:

12 foundations achieved an A grade overall, the highest number ever recorded

Three foundations secured straight A’s across all categories (diversity, accountability and transparency), a rare achievement

Only seven foundations received D grades across all areas, down from 12 last year

Every assessment criterion was met by at least one foundation, reinforcing that best practice is both realistic and achievable

The message is clear: standards are rising, and more organisations are meeting them.

Real progress—but more to do

Danielle Walker Palmour, Director of Friends Provident Foundation, says the shift is meaningful. He told That's Business: “Five years ago, the Foundation Practice Rating found that as foundations we had work to do especially in diversity. These results show we’re making headway.”

While progress is evident, she also acknowledges ongoing challenges, particularly as the operating environment becomes more complex.

Spotlight on leadership

Among the standout performers is Mission 44, founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton, which achieved a rare “AAA” rating.

The organisation focuses on improving access to education and STEM careers for young people, with CEO Jason Arthur emphasising the importance of inclusion:

“Valuing and listening to diverse voices, particularly young people, is central to everything we do.”

Community foundations lead the way

Community foundations continue to outperform the wider sector. All seven assessed this year received A or B ratings, reflecting strong local engagement and accountability.

Emma de Closset, Chief Executive of UK Community Foundations, credits their success to a grassroots approach: “We’re rooted in the communities we serve. That closeness drives transparency, trust and responsiveness.”

A sector in transition

Despite the positive results, the report also highlights emerging pressures. Some foundations are pausing or closing, while others face increased scrutiny—and even personal targeting of staff and trustees.

This raises important questions about how far transparency can or should go in a changing landscape.

Why it matters for business

For organisations partnering with charities or foundations, these improvements are significant. Stronger governance, clearer accountability and more inclusive practices make for more effective funding—and better outcomes.

As Palmour puts it: “How we fund matters just as much as what we fund.”

Bottom line: The UK foundation sector is improving fast—but in a more challenging environment than ever. For businesses, donors and partners, that makes transparency and trust more valuable than ever.

Read the full report: foundationpracticerating.org.uk/cohort-results-2025-2026

UK Payroll Systems Under Pressure as Year-End Exposes Cracks

As the financial year draws to a close, UK businesses are being hit with an uncomfortable truth: payroll systems simply aren’t keeping up.

New insights from CloudPay reveal that year-end pressures are exposing deep-rooted weaknesses in payroll infrastructure, and many organisations are struggling to adapt.

Legacy Systems Are Holding Businesses Back

For many companies, payroll modernisation isn’t just slow, it’s stalled.

According to the data:

61% of employers say integration complexity is delaying progress

29% point to legacy systems as their biggest barrier

This paints a clear picture: outdated technology and disconnected systems are preventing payroll teams from operating efficiently at a time when precision and compliance matter most.

More Than Just Paying Staff

Payroll has evolved far beyond simply processing wages. It now plays a critical role in:

Maintaining compliance

Supporting business decision-making

Protecting employee trust

Ensuring operational continuity

Yet many organisations are still relying on fragmented, ageing systems that can’t deliver the accuracy or insight modern businesses demand.

A Systemic Problem, Not a Temporary One

CloudPay warns that this isn’t just a seasonal issue driven by year-end workloads — it’s a structural problem across UK payroll.

John Pearce, Chief Customer Officer at CloudPay, highlighted to That's Business that businesses are facing “systemic barriers to progress,” with outdated infrastructure and poor integration limiting their ability to modernise.

At a time when payroll accuracy and employee experience are under increasing scrutiny, these limitations could have serious consequences, from compliance failures to reputational damage.

The Case for Payroll Transformation

The message is clear: payroll transformation can no longer be treated as a future project.

Businesses that invest in modern, cloud-based payroll systems stand to gain:

Greater agility and scalability

Improved accuracy and compliance

Better workforce insights

Stronger resilience in high-pressure periods

Those that don’t risk falling behind, not just operationally, but competitively.

The Bottom Line

Year-end isn’t just a busy period for payroll teams, it’s a stress test.

And right now, many UK payroll systems are failing it.

For forward-thinking businesses, the opportunity is obvious: modernise now, or risk being left behind.

https://www.cloudpay.com

IoT SIM Card disrupter transits 70m MB in 2025 on track for 100m+ in 2026

KeySIM, the UK-based IoT SIM connectivity provider, has reported significant growth across its network with total data throughput nearly doubling year-on-year.

The company processed 36.5 million MB in 2024 increasing to 71.5 million MB in 2025, an impressive 49% rise driven by growing demand for resilient, multi-network IoT SIM Cards. 

This growth is being fuelled by UK organisations migrating major connectivity contracts to KeySIM as they seek greater control, security, and performance from their IoT deployments.

Built on a Tele2 core network and enhanced through private breakout across multiple UK data centers KeySIM delivers high-performance IoT services including private APNs, VPN connectivity and fixed IP addressing.

The business supports over 500 UK enterprises across sectors including security, healthcare, retail, and infrastructure and remains firmly on track to exceed 100 million MB of data throughput in 2026.

KeySIM is led by co-founder Graham Robinson who brings over 20 years’ experience in IoT, including the development of a SIM-powered lone worker solution — experience that has directly shaped the company’s network architecture and service offering.

Graham Robinson, Co-Founder of KeySIM, told That's Business: “This level of growth reflects a broader shift in how organisations approach IoT connectivity, with increasing emphasis on security, control, and performance.

KeySIM’s architecture has been designed to meet these requirements, and current growth levels indicate strong ongoing demand.”

https://www.keysim.co.uk

Vida Bank reports strong growth in first full year as a bank

New mortgage lending increased to £1 billion, more than doubling year on year, while the bank’s loan book grew by 24% to £2.3bn. 

Mortgage applications climbed to £2.6bn during the year, reflecting strong demand from brokers for Vida’s specialist mortgage solutions.

The lender also attracted over £2.4bn in retail deposits from in excess of 75,000 savers, significantly strengthening its funding base and reducing the overall cost of funds.

Profit before tax jumped to £9.4m from £3.6m in 2024 as the specialist lender accelerated mortgage growth and successfully launched its retail savings franchise.

As a result, Net Interest Income increased to £45.5m, while the Net Interest Margin improved to 2.29%.

Customer and broker engagement was also very strong, with mortgage customer Net Promoter Score (NPS) rising to +49 and broker NPS reaching +29, reflecting consistency in service delivery and a focus on underwriting responsiveness.

Anth Mooney, Chief Executive Officer, told That's Business:  “Becoming a bank has transformed the scale at which we can compete. The specialist mortgage market remains our sole focus, serving customers with complex incomes or circumstances that do not quite fit the traditional high street lending model.

"Over the past year we’ve invested heavily in our decisioning capabilities and service model, combining deeper data insights with experienced underwriting judgment to assess cases more intelligently. That combination allows us to grow with confidence; building a highly scalable mortgage origination platform while maintaining the discipline and credit quality that underpins a sustainable specialist bank. Our approach is different to our competitors, but brokers and customers genuinely seem to love it.”

Stuart Sinclair, Chair of Vida Bank, told us: Having joined Vida during its first full year as a bank, I’ve been struck by the strength of the business, the clarity of its strategy and the commitment of its people. What stands out most is the sense of purpose that runs through the company, helping more people find a place to call home, and the discipline with which the team is building a sustainable specialist bank around that.”

To read their full Annual Reports and Accounts 2025, click here https://www.vidabank.co.uk/about-vida-bank/investors/

Neo Energy: The Tech Revolution Currently Transforming the Energy Industry

The energy sector is undergoing a transformation strikingly similar to the fintech revolution of the past decade. 

Where banking once evolved through digital-first challengers that redefined customer relationships, the energy industry is now entering its own moment of reinvention. 

At the centre of this shift is PLAN-B NET ZERO, a fast-growing GreenTech company championing what it calls “Neo Energy”.

This week, founder and CEO Bradley Mundt is taking that message to Berlin, appearing at both the SET Tech Festival and delivering a keynote at Transform. His core argument is clear: the future of energy is not about incremental upgrades, but a complete rethink of how consumers interact with it.

A Sector Held Back by Data, Not Just Infrastructure

While headlines often focus on blackouts, grid strain, and infrastructure challenges, the underlying issue is increasingly digital. Many of today’s inefficiencies, from unused renewable capacity to bottlenecks in distribution — stem from outdated IT systems, fragmented data, and legacy processes that no longer reflect how energy is produced or consumed.

Traditionally, the energy market has operated on a simple equation: how much electricity is generated versus how much is used. But in a more complex, renewable-driven landscape, that’s no longer enough. The real value lies in understanding when, where, and why energy is used, and using that insight to deliver better outcomes for customers.

From Commodity to Customer Experience

This is where Neo Energy comes in. Rather than offering another tariff or gadget, PLAN-B NET ZERO is positioning its platform as an operating system for the modern energy market, open, data-driven, and built around user experience.

The goal is to move energy beyond its traditional role as a background utility and turn it into something more interactive and engaging. Instead of only logging into energy accounts when there’s a problem, customers could receive intelligent prompts, automated savings opportunities, and real-time insights tailored to their behaviour.

It’s a shift echoing  the rise of neobanks like Revolut, which didn’t reinvent banking itself, but transformed how people experience it.

Transformation in Practice

Despite the ambition, PLAN-B NET ZERO is realistic about the challenges. The energy sector is complex, heavily regulated, and deeply reliant on legacy systems. According to CTO Steven Rohner, meaningful change won’t come from perfect digital blueprints, but from collaboration, experimentation, and steady progress.

Neo Energy, he argues, isn'ta standalone product but an ecosystem, one requiring partnerships, shared innovation, and a willingness to rethink long-established norms.

A Defining Moment for Energy

Founded in 2023 and already experiencing rapid growth, PLAN-B NET ZERO represents a new wave of thinking in the energy space. Its message is simple but significant: digital transformation in energy isn't  just overdue, it’s an opportunity to fundamentally reshape the relationship between people and power.

As the sector faces mounting pressure to modernise and decarbonise, the rise of Neo Energy could mark the beginning of a more connected, intelligent, and customer-focused future.

To learn more please visit https://www.planbnetzero.com

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BIXOLON Showcases its Advanced Printing Solutions for Intralogistics and Process Management at LogiMAT 2026

BIXOLON Co., Ltd, a leading global Mobile, Label and POS Printer Manufacturer, invites visitors onto stand 2C37 at LogiMAT 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany, where BIXOLON will present an extensive portfolio of high-performance printing solutions tailored for the evolving needs of warehouse, transportation, production, and supply-chain operations.

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

New research from Red Eagle Tech, a London-based bespoke software development firm, reveals a shocking 54.5% of full-time UK desk workers don't have a clear, enabling policy from their employer on how to use AI tools at work.

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.

World Consumer Rights Day: Why Fairness and Transparency Matter for Businesses

Discover why World Consumer Rights Day highlights the importance of consumer protection, transparency and trust for modern 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.

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

Loxa, the insurtech enabling retailers to offer seamless product protection at the point of sale, today announced the successful close of its £2.7 million Seed round, completed across three tranches. 

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.

“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.

https://www.loxacover.com

If Your Premises Look Neglected, Why Should Anyone Trust Your Professional Services?

First impressions matter. In business, they often determine whether a potential customer walks through your door, picks up the phone, or simply decides to take their business elsewhere. 

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?"

The Pioneer of B2B Marketing Passes the Torch: John Coe Joins B2B Marketing United as President Emeritus

Rich Fitzmaurice

Man Who Coined 'B2B Marketing' Sells Legendary Domain to Global CMO to Build the Practitioner-Led Home Ground of B2B marketing.

Today, Paartner Limited announces the acquisition of b2bmarketing.com and the appointment of John Coe as President Emeritus of B2B Marketing United. 

Founded by Rich Fitzmaurice, an experienced global Chief Marketing Officer, and in partnership with Mark Choueke, Partner and Chief Creative Officer at OrbitalX, former editor of Marketing Week, author of Boring2Brave', the company is building the practitioner-led ecosystem and home ground for B2B marketers worldwide; B2B Marketing United.

A Legendary Partnership

John Coe is recognised as a pioneer of B2B marketing and the figure who first coined the term now accepted the world over as the name of this distinct discipline. Working in New York in 1997, Coe championed the designation 'B2B marketing' as practical shorthand for business-to-business marketing or industrial marketing. John founded B2BMarketing LLC and registered the domain b2bmarketing.com, firmly establishing a label that quickly resonated as a clearer way to describe the scale, complexity, and commercial importance of marketing between businesses.

In 2004, Coe authored Fundamentals of Business-to-Business Sales and Marketing, published by McGraw Hill, further formalising B2B marketing as a discipline. The book reinforced the importance of aligning marketing with real sales dynamics, buying committees, and trust-based decision-making. Now, three decades after creating the term, Coe has as decided to pass the torch and allowed B2B Marketing United to leverage the domain.

Joining Coe on the B2B Marketing United team is Mark Choueke, Partner and Chief Creative Officer at OrbitalX, the former editor of Marketing Week and a recognised voice of the industry. Choueke brings 20+ years of editorial leadership and practical experience. He's also the bestselling author of the ‘Boring2Brave’ along with a course of the same name.

Choueke will serve on the advisory board.

What They're Building

B2B Marketing United is a holistic ecosystem for B2B marketers, including fractionals, consultants, and agency professionals.

"We're bringing together everything B2B marketers need to have successful careers and lives into one home ground for the profession" Rich Fitzmaurice, Founder of B2B Marketing United told That's Business.

"I first studied B2B marketing at University in 2002, buying John’s book, and in my later senior marketing role, I read Mark’s work to keep up to speed. It is an honour to join forces with such influences to give back to a profession that has given us all so much. 

"With their help, we will build a place where honesty beats hype, where humour and substance coexist, and where real marketers are heard. A place where you leave smarter, not sold to. Where real questions get real answers from people who’ve actually done the job. B2B Marketing United will be where our profession grows up together."

Strategic Backing from Industry Leaders

B2B Marketing United has raised significant funds from C-level executives in some of the world’s largest companies. "These investors bring more than capital, they bring formidable knowledge, experience and counsel"  added Fitzmaurice.

In Their Own Words

John Coe, President Emeritus:

"When B2B marketing first emerged as a discipline in the late nineties, many people underestimated both the size and importance of the market. That has changed dramatically over the last thirty years, but the fundamentals have not. Trust, relevance, and understanding real buying dynamics still matter. 

"I am very happy to pass the torch onto Rich and the team. I have been made to feel very welcome, and I look forward to working closely with them moving forward."

Mark Choueke, Member of the advisory board:

"I’ve spent 20 years in B2B marketing and, if you like, editorial leadership. I wrote ‘Boring2Brave’ because I saw a gap in the way B2B marketing executes its remit, fulfils its potential and ultimately, accounts for itself. The gap is one where confidence, autonomy, strategic influence, managed risk-taking and recognition should all exist. 

"I’m delight to be an advisor to B2B Marketing United and to support its content because it’s time we B2B marketers develop and learn from one another rather than theory, academics or conference organisers that don’t actually operate in the role. When John personally select Rich to take on B2Bmarekting.com, and when I saw Rich’s vision, I knew I wanted to be involved."

www.paartner.com

www.b2bmarketing.com