RoRo, RoRo Your Boat More Easily as Customs Declarations UK Goes Live with French ELO, Delivering End-to-End Channel Crossing Compliance in Single Platform

Customs Chaos? There’s Finally One Less Border Headache for UK Hauliers.

If you've ever watched someone trying to deal with post-Brexit customs paperwork, you'll know it resembles a cross between air traffic control, speed dating and an escape room designed by accountants.

Just when operators thought they'd finally got their heads around CDS declarations, ENS filings, GVMS references, MRNs and the thousand other acronyms now haunting Britain’s logistics sector, along came another delightful addition from France: the Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire, or ELO.

Because obviously what cross-Channel freight really needed was another mandatory digital envelope.

Thankfully, Customs Declarations UK, better known as CDUK, has announced it's now fully live with France’s ELO system following direct integration and certification with the French customs authority, the DGDDI.

And for businesses moving goods between the UK and France, that's actually rather important news.

So... What Exactly Is ELO?

The ELO is now mandatory for road freight vehicles travelling between the UK and France via RoRo routes like Dover, Folkestone and the Channel Tunnel.

In simple terms, it acts as a digital logistics envelope linking together all the customs and safety paperwork connected to a crossing.

Or, put another way, it's one more thing drivers absolutely do not want to discover is missing while sitting in a queue at Calas.

The system connects vehicle details, customs declarations, safety filings and barcode data so French customs authorities can see everything before the truck even arrives.

Without it, things can get very awkward very quickly.

One Platform Instead of Seven Browser Tabs and Mild Panic

What makes CDUK’s announcement significant is operators can now complete the entire process from one system instead of bouncing between multiple portals while quietly questioning their career choices.

Users can:

Submit UK CDS import and export declarations

File ENS declarations for GB safety and security

Complete ICS2 filings for EU requirements

Generate the ELO directly within the platform

Download the required barcode instantly for border presentation

That means fewer duplicated entries, fewer mismatched references and considerably less opportunity for somebody to accidentally upload the wrong form at 4.57pm on a Friday afternoon.

ICS2: The Acronym That Sounds Like a Robot from Star Wars

For goods heading into the EU, the ELO is heavily tied into the ICS2 safety and security framework.

French customs requires ELO submissions to reference the relevant ENS or ICS2 filing data, which means operators without a proper ICS2 setup can find themselves with a rather alarming compliance gap.

CDUK says its platform handles ICS2 filings across road, sea, air and rail transport, including both House and Master-level declarations.

Which is useful, because modern customs compliance increasingly feels like trying to complete a Sudoku puzzle while driving a lorry through Kent.

Free ELO Access? In This Economy?

In a rare and refreshing twist, CDUK says its ELO functionality will be available free of charge under a fair usage policy for both existing customers and new subscribers.

Given the growing pile of costs facing hauliers, freight forwarders and importers, that decision will likely be welcomed with the sort of enthusiasm normally reserved for functioning motorway services coffee machines.

Jawahir Lal Lund, Director and CEO of AJ Software Solutions Limited, summed it up neatly, saying businesses are already facing enough regulatory complexity without having to juggle multiple systems and risk costly mistakes.

And honestly, after several years of border bureaucracy multiplying faster than supermarket meal deal prices, few in logistics are likely to disagree.

For operators regularly moving goods across the UK–France corridor, particularly through busy RoRo crossings, this integration could remove one of the more frustrating administrative bottlenecks from the process.

Which, in 2026, practically counts as a miracle.

https://www.customs-declarations.uk

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.

Why Small Business Saturday Matters More Than Ever for UK Entrepreneurs

Discover how UK entrepreneurs can make the most of Small Business Saturday with practical tips to boost visibility, drive festive sales, and strengthen community loyalty.

Small Business Saturday has become one of the most important dates in the UK retail and service calendar. 

Falling on the first Saturday of December each year, it shines a spotlight on the independent shops, makers, cafés, tradespeople, and home-grown enterprises that keep our high streets vibrant and our local economies moving.

For small business owners, it’s far more than a feel-good celebration, it’s a genuine opportunity to attract new customers, boost December revenue, and build long-term loyalty.

A Day that Drives Real Results

Since its launch in 2013, Small Business Saturday UK has grown into a national movement supported by councils, local enterprise groups, and consumers who want to shop locally. Each year, thousands of businesses take part, and many report significantly higher footfall and online engagement.

Even better, the campaign now spans more than a single day. With social media hashtags, media coverage, and support from business networks, the momentum builds throughout November and December—giving small businesses a valuable promotional lift during the busiest retail season of the year.

Why Your Small Business Should Get Involved

If you’re running a small business, whether bricks-and-mortar or online, there are several reasons to weave Small Business Saturday into your December strategy.

1. Increased Visibility

With the national media spotlight firmly pointed at independent businesses, this is the perfect moment to showcase what makes your brand unique. A simple campaign, offer, or behind-the-scenes story can capture attention far beyond your usual reach.

2. A Boost to Community Loyalty

Customers love to support local. By participating, you reinforce the message that your business contributes to the community, something shoppers increasingly value as they try to keep money circulating within their towns and cities.

3. Opportunities for Collaboration

Small Business Saturday encourages partnerships. Joint promotions with neighbouring shops, special trails or maps, and shared social media campaigns all help drive footfall and foster a supportive business ecosystem.

4. A Smart Way to Increase Pre-Christmas Revenue

With Christmas shopping in full swing, offering themed bundles, gift cards, discounts or exclusive services can create a welcome spike in sales. It’s ideal timing to convert one-off visitors into long-term customers.

How to Make the Most of Small Business Saturday

Participation doesn’t need to be complicated or costly. Here are practical ideas your business can implement quickly:

Refresh your shopfront or website

A tidy window display, seasonal signage, or a homepage banner announcing your involvement signals professionalism and draws interest.

Create a one-day offer

Think “£10 specials,” discount codes, limited-edition products, free gift wrapping, or loyalty stamps exclusive to the day.

Tell your story

Shoppers increasingly want authenticity. Share how your business started, who’s behind it, or what your mission is. A heartfelt story can be more effective than any advert.

Encourage user-generated content

Ask customers to tag your business on social media using the #SmallBizSatUK hashtag. It boosts visibility and helps your brand travel further—especially if local media or councils pick it up.

Team up with nearby independents

Joint promotions can turn occasional shoppers into people who spend the entire afternoon exploring local businesses.

A Chance to Look Ahead

Small Business Saturday is also a brilliant moment to reflect on your business strategy for the year ahead. What do customers respond well to? Which products fly off the shelves? What collaborations work best? Insights gained during the event can guide your marketing and investment decisions for the new year.

Celebrate Your Success

Whether you run a family-owned shop, a creative studio, a consultancy, or a home-based microbusiness, Small Business Saturday is your day to shine. Even a modest campaign can lead to increased visibility, stronger customer relationships, and a welcome lift in festive season revenue.

Independent businesses form the backbone of the UK economy, and this nationwide celebration reminds customers just how vital they are.

How British Businesses Can Blow Their Own Trumpet This Christmas

A guide to confidently promoting genuine Made in Britain products.

Christmas is the most important sales period of the year for many British businesses, and it’s also the perfect moment to proudly celebrate UK craftsmanship, heritage and manufacturing. 

Yet, many companies still feel oddly shy about promoting their British-made credentials. 

They worry about sounding boastful, old-fashioned or overly nationalistic, and as a result, customers often have no idea that a product was made locally at all.

In reality, Christmas shoppers actively look for British-made gifts. 

They want to support local jobs, reduce shipping miles, and buy something with genuine provenance. 

If your business is creating, assembling or manufacturing goods in the UK, it’s time to say so — loudly, proudly and professionally.

Here’s how to blow your own trumpet with confidence.

Why highlighting British manufacturing matters

1. Customers are actively searching for “Made in Britain”

Search trends show rising interest in UK-made gifts, especially in the run-up to Christmas. People want authenticity, quality, sustainability and traceability — all strengths of British production.

2. It builds trust and credibility

Being open about where and how your products are made instantly boosts customer confidence. Transparent provenance has become a key marker of a trustworthy brand.

3. It differentiates you in a crowded marketplace

The festive season is noisy. Thousands of imported goods compete for attention. A genuine British-made label helps your product stand out in a sea of “designed in the UK” items that are actually manufactured overseas.

How to confidently promote your British-made products

1. Make “Made in Britain” central to your Christmas marketing

Don’t hide it in a footnote. Place your British manufacturing story at the heart of your seasonal messaging:

Christmas gift guides featuring your workshop or factory

A festive “Meet the Maker” video

Social posts showing real production processes

A blog series on your materials, craftsmanship and expertise

Customers love seeing the behind-the-scenes work that brings a product to life.

2. Use recognised marks and verification schemes

Membership of organisations such as Made in Britain gives shoppers instant assurance. Their logo is widely trusted and ideal for:

Packaging

Website banners

Point-of-sale displays

Christmas catalogues

If your business is eligible, joining such schemes adds credibility and peace of mind for buyers.

3. Tell the story of your company heritage

Storytelling sells — particularly at Christmas. Shoppers want gifts with meaning, and your heritage is part of that value.

Talk about:

How long your business has been operating

Why you manufacture in the UK

Skills used, especially traditional trades

The communities you support

A strong narrative makes a British-made gift feel even more special.

4. Show your team at work

People love seeing real craftspeople and engineers at work. Photos and videos of:

Sewing

Pouring

Woodworking

Welding

Assembling

Polishing

…bring authenticity and personality to your marketing. It also subtly reinforces that your product is genuinely made here, not just “designed here”.

5. Add QR codes to packaging linking to your manufacturing story

A simple QR code on your Christmas packaging can take customers directly to:

A video tour of your workshop

A page explaining your UK-made process

A feature on the team who made the product

Sustainability information

It’s a small touch that adds big value.

6. Use festive themes without losing your core identity

You can embrace Christmassy visuals while still showcasing your British roots:

Red, gold and green twists on your branding

Snow-dusted factory photography

Festive gift boxes showing British motifs

“Made for Christmas in Britain” tags

Blend seasonal charm with honest provenance.

7. Partner with local retailers and Christmas markets

Stockists love promoting British-made goods because they’re attractive to customers. Provide retailers with:

Shelf-ready signage

Swing tags

“Made in Britain” cards

Point-of-sale display stands

This strengthens your messaging even when you’re not directly speaking to the customer.

8. Be transparent about what is and isn’t made in the UK

If components come from abroad but final assembly is in Britain, say so clearly. Customers appreciate honesty — it builds trust far more effectively than vague wording.

What not to do

To protect your reputation and comply with trading standards:

Don’t use oversized Union Jack branding unless the product is genuinely made here.

Don’t rely on vague phrasing like “Designed in Britain” without explanation.

Don’t hide origin labels.

Authenticity is the cornerstone of long-term brand trust.

British companies have every right to celebrate their achievements, especially at Christmas, a season built on tradition, craftsmanship and meaningful gifting. If you’re making products in the UK, don’t whisper it. Share it proudly, prominently and professionally.

Your customers want to support you. Give them the confidence and clarity they need, and you’ll find they’re delighted to champion truly British-made gifts this festive season.

Just a third of UK tech scale-ups boast AI expertise on their boards – lagging behind FTSE 350 tech giants

UK tech scale-ups are risking failure to meet their growth potential by not appointing artificial intelligence (AI) experts to their boards, according to new research from global growth consultancy, Think & Grow.

Just a third (32%) of the UK’s fastest-growing technology scale-ups boast AI expertise on their boards compared to four in ten (40%) of the largest tech companies on the FTSE 350 index.

The findings highlight a trend between AI expertise and revenue - FTSE 350 tech companies with AI expertise on their boards generate an average revenue of £6.8 billion, dwarfing an average of £953 million for those companies without AI knowledge.

Similarly, half (50%) of UK tech scale-ups with annual revenue greater than £50 million boast AI expertise on their boards compared to just 15% of companies with revenue below that level.

Efforts to appoint AI expertise to boards has increased in recent years as companies look to upskill their boards and leverage growth opportunities. The research findings show that the average tenure of board directors with AI expertise is three years, compared to five years across all board directors.

Additional research from Think & Grow reveals a third (32%) of technology companies plan to appoint individuals with AI expertise to their boards in the next 12 months. Surprisingly, given the clear investor appetite for AI - UK AI companies secured £2.9 billion in private investment in 2024* - 13% of technology companies have no plans to appoint AI expertise to their boards in the next year.

Figures from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and HM Treasury indicate that UK AI companies secured £2.9 billion in private investment in 2024, with average deals worth £5.9 million – with companies in the AI industry contributing £11.8 billion to the UK.

Think & Grow explains that AI expertise is becoming increasingly sought-after as growth companies compete for funding and market share as they look to scale at pace.

Jonathan Jeffries, Co-Founder of Think & Grow, told That's Business: “Companies without AI expertise on their boards risk losing ground to competitors and stifling growth.

“It’s a challenging climate for many sectors but there is huge investor appetite for high-growth tech companies, the issue is many of those who secure funding are unable to maximise the opportunity to propel growth as they lack key expertise on their boards. 

"AI is transforming business and society, ambitious tech companies won’t fulfil their potential if they don’t embrace it.

“The most successful companies weaponise their board connections and expertise to gain a competitive edge – UK tech companies need to ensure that they are building boards that are capable of overcoming upcoming challenges and leveraging commercial opportunities if they’re going to scale effectively.”

These research findings are part of an upcoming report from Think & Grow titled Breaking & Remaking the Next Generation of High Impact Boards which will be published in November.

Think & Grow is a global growth consultancy built to support high-growth tech companies through today's unpredictable and competitive market realities. Over 11 years, it has supported some of tech's most innovative companies, including the likes of Spotify, Stripe, Square, Dropbox, Peloton, Datadog, Canva and Etsy, to successfully scale their businesses and solve unique growth challenges.

https://www.thinkandgrowinc.com

Good News for Older Workers. A third of UK firms are actively hiring older workers

Two fifths of UK employers (40%) are actively hiring people returning from a career break, while around a third are actively hiring (31%) or looking to retain (37%) older workers, new research from independent consultancy Barnett Waddingham (BW) reveals.

The findings reflect an environment of mounting pressures both within, and outside, of businesses. Internally, a growing number of people are delaying their retirement and choosing to work for longer; earlier this year nearly two fifths (36%) of employees said they had already, or were considering delaying their retirement because they wanted to continue working, or due to financial reasons (34%).

At the same time, employers are concerned about staff lacking the skills they need to work (77%), rising mental health challenges among employees (73%), and persistent long-term sickness (68%).

Externally, talent pipelines are under strain. As newly implemented immigration policies came into effect earlier this year, reducing the availability of jobs eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, two thirds (64%) are worried about the shrinking availability of overseas talent. 

Meanwhile, declining birthrates and other factors impacting the way that especially younger workers approach employment, have seen three in five (62%) employers concerned about the future availability of domestic talent.

Employers are increasingly resorting to retention strategies to minimise the organisational risk associated with these pressures. In the past year, 84% have increased the amount they pay their staff, 81% their investment in their values and purpose, while 79% are increasing the amount of training they offer mid- and senior-level staff.

While one in six (16%) expect they’ll lose employees due to visa and immigration changes, 45% offer visa sponsorship and aren’t planning to stop, and 39% are increasing salaries to keep or attract skilled overseas workers.

Julia Turney, Partner and Head of Platform and Benefits, Barnett Waddingham (BW): told That's Business: “The labour market has bared its teeth yet again, bringing some new, and some familiar, challenges for businesses to contend with when tackling their balance sheets.

“Skills gaps, sickness, a shortage of talent and tightening regulations are all colliding to squeeze employers from every angle. 

"But businesses aren’t standing still: they’re investing in their people and looking to older workers and returners to bridge the gaps.

“But as the makeup of their workforce continues to shift, data and analysis will be the key differentiator. Older workers, for example, bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge that is hugely advantageous to a business, but their needs and wants are notably different from those of younger employees. Understanding these workforce nuances will allow firms to target investment effectively and ultimately retain talent while minimising risk.”

https://www.barnett-waddingham.co.uk

Government must work to avoid widening north-south divide in decentralised employment support, Localis warns

The government must ensure plans to decentralise employment support to help get Britain back to work don’t open up a north-south divide in regional economic performance, a new report from Localis advises.

The warning is contained in a new research report from the think-tank entitled ‘Guarantee of potential: place-based employment support within a new local policy ecosystem’ which analyses how councils and combined authorities should rise to the challenge of delivering the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation and help achieve a national long-term target of an 80% national employment rate.

The report authors claim although northern areas which have higher unemployment and levels of economic inactivity have used the power of their devolution deals to address sub-regional economic disparities, when southern counties with stronger economies and increased capacity implement their own devolved powers, there's a risk these regional gaps may widen.

Similarly, if revised funding formulas or political attention favour the country’s big cities, coastal, rural and post-industrial parts of the country risk having their unique employment support needs overlooked, the study points out.

Localis investigated in ‘Guarantee of Potential’, how decentralization of employment might be advantageously used for the benefit of a distinctly localist approach to tackling worklessness and in line with the government’s agenda for devolution, public service integration and commissioning reform.

Report author and senior Localis researcher, Callin McLinden, told That's Businesss: “With record levels of economic inactivity and expedited devolution frameworks, local government is being asked to tackle worklessness with more responsibility, but lacks either sufficient capacity or resources to do so with confidence.

“This report sets out a practical roadmap for transforming fragmented employment services into coherent, integrated, and place-based support systems; linking health, skills, and jobs in a locally tailored but nationally coordinated framework achieved through strategic design and procurement.

"But without proper investment in local capacity, long-term funding certainty, and shared governance between Whitehall and localities, the potential to reduce worklessness risks becoming perpetually stunted.”

Ayden Sims, CEO, AKG, added: “This report arrives at a pivotal moment, as the UK grapples with persistent economic inactivity and the need for more inclusive growth and offers a compelling case for enhanced local ownership, not as a theoretical ideal, but as a practical and necessary shift in how we design, fund, and deliver employment services.

“The findings underscore the value in empowering local authorities and strategic partnerships to lead the charge in tackling worklessness, particularly in communities that have been historically less well supported via previous approaches. It also flags the importance of having this future support strike the right balance between local empowerment and trust, alongside a consistent national offer, underpinned by strong accountability frameworks.

“What stands out most is the report’s emphasis on integration, between employment, health, and skills and the recognition that good work is not just an economic outcome, but a determinant of wellbeing. The insights drawn from trailblazer regions and emerging local models show that when local leaders are given the tools and trust to innovate, alongside the practical support to ensure their visions can be realised and delivered, they can build services that are more responsive, more inclusive, and ultimately more effective.”

https://www.localis.org.uk

Why UK-Based Businesses Should Prioritise Sourcing Goods from the UK Over China

In recent years, global events have highlighted the vulnerabilities of long, complex supply chains. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, the Suez Canal blockage, Brexit, and rising geopolitical tensions have all demonstrated how dependent many UK-based businesses are on international suppliers — particularly from China. 

While Chinese manufacturing has long been seen as cost-effective, many businesses are now reconsidering their sourcing strategies.

Here’s why UK-based businesses should increasingly strive to source goods from within the UK rather than relying on imports from China.

1. Supply Chain Security and Reliability

Sourcing goods from overseas — especially from countries as distant as China — increases exposure to disruption. Delays at ports, shipping bottlenecks, and customs issues can leave businesses without the stock they need. By sourcing from within the UK, businesses benefit from:

Faster delivery times

Greater control over logistics

Fewer customs complications

A lower carbon footprint due to reduced transport

2. Support for the British Economy

Keeping procurement local directly supports UK manufacturers, farmers, and artisans. This helps:

Preserve jobs and create new ones

Encourage innovation and skills development

Keep money circulating within local economies

A strong manufacturing base at home also helps reduce dependency on foreign powers and bolsters national economic resilience.

3. Environmental Sustainability

Goods imported from China typically travel thousands of miles, generating significant carbon emissions in transit. By comparison, UK-sourced products dramatically reduce the environmental cost of logistics. Many British suppliers also follow stricter environmental regulations and are more transparent about their sustainability efforts.

For businesses with ESG goals or green credentials, local sourcing is a step toward authenticity and responsibility.

4. Higher Quality and Ethical Standards

While some Chinese suppliers offer good quality goods, there are widespread concerns over variable quality control and ethical issues, such as:

Poor labour conditions

Lack of transparency

Intellectual property risks

Poor quality. For example, a UK-based foundry closed their furnaces, made workers redundant and had their castings made in China. 

Previously they had 2.5% scrap returns on castings which they merely put into the furnaces to be remade. The Chinese foundry's scrap levels were between 15 to 20% and the faulty castings had to be returned to China. 

Eventually the UK-based company needed, at great expense, new furnaces built and new workers trained. 

UK suppliers are subject to more rigorous regulations on quality, employment standards, and business ethics. Customers are increasingly mindful of where and how products are made — and local sourcing helps meet these expectations.

5. Enhanced Brand Reputation

Consumers are more inclined to support businesses that champion local producers and demonstrate ethical sourcing. By using "Made in Britain" branding, businesses can:

Attract patriotic shoppers

Command premium pricing

Build a trustworthy, values-driven image

Local sourcing is a powerful marketing tool — especially when transparency and provenance matter to customers.

6. Agility and Customisation

Working with UK suppliers can give businesses greater flexibility in:

Product design adjustments

Smaller order quantities

Faster turnaround times

This level of responsiveness is difficult to achieve with overseas manufacturers, who may have high minimum order quantities and longer lead times.

7. Resilience to Geopolitical Risk

China’s growing involvement in global political tensions — from Taiwan to trade disputes — creates a climate of uncertainty. UK businesses relying on Chinese imports could be exposed to:

Sudden export restrictions

Tariff hikes

Political pressure and reputational risk

By sourcing domestically, businesses reduce their exposure to these risks and build a more stable operational model.

Final Thoughts

While sourcing from China may seem financially advantageous in the short term, the long-term benefits of sourcing within the UK — from environmental and ethical gains to logistical simplicity and customer appeal — often outweigh the initial savings.

UK-based businesses should view local sourcing not only as a practical decision, but as a strategic move toward sustainability, resilience, and long-term success. Supporting British producers strengthens our economy, safeguards our environment, and builds trust with consumers.

It’s time to think local, act local, and source local.

YOVOY - a brand new delivery software solution will give UK businesses effortless, flexible, on-demand access to dedicated same day courier services

Image courtesy YOVOY

Black Friday is the perfect day to announce that YOVOY, a brand new same day delivery software solution will launch in Spring 2025. 

It will give UK businesses effortless, flexible and on-demand access to dedicated same day courier services for any type of parcel from traditional boxes to awkwardly shaped and bulky packages – effectively creating their own virtual delivery fleet for faster and easier logistics and distribution.

The YOVOY platform will allow sender businesses to connect with a network of available and validated commercial drivers who are actively seeking routes and who have the right vehicles to handle their specific needs.

It will operate via a dedicated mobile app for drivers and a web app for senders, enabling senders to post and award jobs directly to delivery drivers at the best possible market price. 

YOVOY will allow for total cost transparency and predictability; senders will control the cost of their own distribution either by setting a job price or allowing drivers to bid, while YOVOY simply levies a flat 10% handling fee from senders on the final agreed price.

The YOVOY mobile app will offer full-time, part-time and gig economy drivers with suitable vehicles and licenses access to a flow of these same day delivery opportunities. 

It will allow them to build a solid revenue stream from driving, with prompt payments. Drivers pay only a low-cost £10.99 monthly membership fee, around 10% of the cost of an average tank of fuel for a transit van, plus a 5% handling fee on the final price of each job.

Said Co-Founder of YOVOY, Michael McCullen: “growing businesses and those with less than standard offerings have been pretty badly served by traditional carriers and couriers until now – simply because they don’t fit the mould of shipping out profitably predictable volumes of similar and standard-shaped boxes or pallets of products, or don’t have deep enough pockets. 

"YOVOY will be a fresh solution to the problem of ensuring that every same day parcel gets to every customer safely, every time – no matter what it is, how often it is shipped or in what volume. YOVOY is a dependable, always-on virtual delivery fleet that can add value to a business and support their customer reputation.”

Stopping the stress

Delivering goods to customers in the modern world should be simple! Instead, many growing businesses find that it presents serious stress. 

Millions of businesses who need to ship products to customers have no distribution fleet of their own. Traditional carrier, courier and parcel delivery solutions are often unsuitable for their needs due to unpredictable charges, hidden costs or minimum contract volumes. 

Many providers are unwilling or unable to handle non-standard and awkwardly shaped parcels that won’t stack neatly in a van with other parcels. Many senders have also experienced same day delivery services with poor handling practices which result in too-frequent damage or mis-delivery.

Despite a glut of delivery routes and existing courier matching platforms, delivery drivers often struggle to earn reliable income. Current platforms are intensely competitive, slow paying and economically inefficient in that jobs are sometimes not worth the fuel they burn, and result in empty return trips. Providers rarely acknowledge this or provide strong support to drivers.

Black Friday and the approach of the Christmas delivery season brings these challenges into stark relief.

Whether selling to consumers or business customers, at this busiest time of the sales year senders face capacity issues, pickup and delivery delays, and opportunistic route pricing. They know they are trusting precious parcels to individual drivers often tasked with delivering mounds of packages under extreme time and economic pressure – a recipe for careless doorstep drops which anger customers and directly impact their reputation.

Dedicated deliveries

YOVOY will help ambitious makers, manufacturers, retailers and sellers to deliver reliably using affordable dedicated same day services. Dedicated services mean either that a vehicle is used exclusively to transport a sender’s parcel or parcels, or that a limited number of parcels are collected from the same pick-up vicinity for delivery to the same drop-off location.

With no need to stack and slot many parcels from different shippers into a single vehicle, drivers can accommodate a wide range of types of parcel – so even bulky, awkward and fragile shipments can be carried with ease. YOVOY will request clear dimensional specifications from every sender for every job they post, along with any extra notes or information.

Business benefits include:

With a simple job posting process, built-in job pricing support and choice of Fixed Price or Open Bid job types, YOVOY will be an easy and flexible way for businesses to manage same day deliveries. They can maintain clear visibility of jobs in progress or planned via a powerful business dashboard which will offer business and job-specific insights.

 YOVOY will give them scaleable distribution logistics at optimal market rates on a PAYG basis, and they will be able to communicate directly and securely with drivers on any job in progress.

Driver benefits include:

YOVOY will be an effective and efficient way for drivers to find, apply for and gain profitable work. They can search, sort and filter available jobs that meet their personal criteria, choose to receive automatic job notifications on their mobile device, and review comprehensive and precise Job Details. Getting prompt payment within 7 days of Proof of Delivery will release drivers from the common need to fund their fuel and vehicle costs long in advance of receiving payment for deliveries, thus easing cashflow issues. While their personal business dashboard will help them set and monitor their financial goals and driving activities.

YOVOY will launch in Spring 2025. At launch it will offer senders a 20% discount on handling fees for each job booked for three months after their sign-up. It will offer drivers who register the chance to subscribe for free for the first 3 months.

The company is keen to hear from both sender businesses and potential drivers to register their interest. It is actively seeking sending businesses who wish to explore how YOVOY could help them build their business, expand their delivery reach, or start offering same day delivery services for customers.

Interested drivers and senders can register for updates at www.yovoyit.com.

Gloople brings GroupBuy innovation to a new market, and a lifeline to UK SMEs

What is described as the UK’s next generation e-commerce platform, Gloople, has broken new ground in online retail again, supporting an up-and-coming company in delivering a social commerce business-to-business GroupBuy deals to SMEs across the UK.

Award-winning Gloople’s innovative Content Management System ‘makes shopping social’ by giving small to medium size retailers the impact of a big brand, providing them with the platform, tools and channels to develop their online retail presence and harness the power of social media to attract and grow their customer base.

DealJungle is now the first group buying platform to use the Gloople CMS to develop a website focused solely on B2B GroupBuy discounts, available from the website and within their Facebook fan page – a unique function that no other UK platform offers.

‘Our social commerce functionality is industry-leading,’ says Warren Knight, director and co-founder of Gloople. ‘Since our launch in 2010, Gloople has been driving innovation in the online retail market and it’s great to see us still at the forefront by playing a key role in the launch of the first B2B GroupBuy platform.’

Designed to help SMEs expand their customer base without incurring premium marketing and advertising costs or excessive risk, DealJungle promotes discounts for buyers on behalf of the seller, who controls the size of the discount and the minimum number of customers for the deal to take place.

Meanwhile, buyers benefit by using collective buying power to secure exclusive discounts on business services such as printing, brand and design, office services and even pr and legal advice – ideal for money conscious businesses and sole traders.

‘Why pay premium prices for goods and services when you can pool buying power with other SMEs?’ says a spokesperson for DealJungle. ‘We were thrilled to partner with the UK’s leading ecommerce platform Gloople, who share our ethos of supporting businesses and traders in tough economic times.’

The GroupBuy function is just one aspect of the Gloople offer. Completely customisable, with three tiered packages and a wide range of fully integrated tools, including complete social media functionality, wholesale, portable storefronts and mobile platforms, Gloople allows retailers to create their own customised package of add-on features to suit their business and their customers. Retailers can even turn their customers into online salespeople, giving them the tools they need to promote products and services in return for commission.

DealJungle just joined a growing list of businesses to use Gloople to stay at the forefront of the ecommerce revolution. Is it time for you to join them?

Association Of Business Schools (ABS) Forges Links With Canadian Federation Of Business Deans

The ABS is delighted to announce the signing of a reciprocal membership agreement with the Federation of Canadian Business School Deans (CFBSD). Combined the organisations represent just shy of 200 business schools, over 320,000 students and 16,000 faculty.
Both organisations have synergy in their missions and goals including providing excellence through:

• Representation on policy issues
• Research & Information services; and
• Conferences and networking.

This agreement will herald a formalised way of working, improving benefits to both members of each organisation.

Vicky Robinson, Head of Marketing and Communications said: "The ABS welcomes CFBSD as our newest strategic partner, business and management by its very nature is global and through our partnerships with CFBSD and our others in Asia, Europe and the Baltic region will allow us to foster better working relationships and an improved offer for our mutual members".


Tim Daus, Executive Director, Canadian Federation of Business School Deans also welcomed this move and said: "This is a great step forward for both organisations, meaning that we will be able to offer a more rounded portfolio of products and services showing joined up thinking across the continents.

"I look forward to working with ABS in the future and collaborating on research and events".

The list of reciprocal members can be seen below:
Association of Asia Pacific Business Schools
Association of Graduate Recruiters
Baltic Management Development Association
British Council
Canadian Federation of Business School Deans
Chartered Institute of Public Relations
European Foundation for Management Development

www.associationofbusinessschools.org Twitter: @londonabs