Author: Scott Dylan

The UK’s R&D tax relief programme was designed to fuel innovation. It aimed to encourage businesses to invest in groundbreaking research and development. Recent changes, however, have created significant challenges.For over two decades, R&D tax relief has enabled companies to invest in scientific and technological advancements. This not only led to job creation but also enhanced expertise within the UK. However, recent monumental changes have introduced complexities that threaten this progress.Historically, HMRC enquiry rates were about 1%, and most R&D claims were processed with minimal scrutiny. The introduction of the HMRC R&D ISBC enquiry team changed this landscape significantly. The…

The 2024 Havas Boost Programme offers significant financial resources to entrepreneurs in the North-West. With a total of £150,000 in funding, the initiative targets business owners from disadvantaged backgrounds to help them succeed.This programme provides not only funding but also strategic support. It is designed to empower business owners with a purpose beyond profit, making a positive impact on society.Purpose of the Havas Boost ProgrammeThe initiative aims to empower business owners outside London by providing vital financial and strategic support to those demonstrating a purpose beyond profit. The programme invites ten applicants to pitch their business ideas in a Dragons’…

A panel of retail experts evaluates the online shopping experience across leading UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, and Ocado.The website design and usability are crucial factors considered by the panel, with a focus on user-friendliness and visual appeal.The discussion touches upon the ease of app use, payment processing, and delivery options, highlighting key areas for customer convenience.Insights into payment methods reveal varying levels of accessibility and flexibility across different platforms.Delivery services are examined for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, presenting notable differences among the supermarkets.The panel’s evaluation of online supermarket platforms starts with website usability and design. Tesco’s website…

Cardiff and Vale College has received planning approval for a new state-of-the-art £35m waterfront campus in Barry. Work on this ambitious project, aimed at serving up to 1,000 students, is set to commence early next year.Funded primarily through the Welsh Government’s mutual investment model (MIM), this campus represents a significant advancement in educational infrastructure, promising modern facilities and a commitment to sustainability.Innovative Funding ModelThe new campus will be funded mainly through the Welsh Government’s mutual investment model (MIM), a pioneering approach that allows construction costs to be repaid over a 25-year period. This project marks the first time that MIM…

Birmingham’s renowned Woodman pub is set to reopen its doors this Friday after a substantial £300,000 renovation, marking its renaissance two years after its closure in 2022.This Grade II listed establishment, located in New Canal Street, has been brought back to life by Union Inns under the direction of John Brearley, an advocate for preserving British pub heritage.A New ChapterThe Woodman pub, a staple of Birmingham’s late 19th-century architecture, has received a new lease on life. The comprehensive renovation work includes new wooden flooring, fresh paintwork, modernised toilets, ten hand pumps, and reupholstered seating. The pub’s reopening is a significant…

Lidl is set to introduce its inaugural pop-up at London Fashion Week, honouring its acclaimed bakery goods.The pop-up, named ‘Patisserie Lidl’, will take place at 55A Dean Street, London.Exclusive pastry treats and the highly sought-after Lidl x Nikolas Bentel Croissant Handbags will be featured.Shoppers can purchase leather handbags and enjoy baked items, with proceeds supporting the NSPCC.The event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, providing a first-come-first-served opportunity to attendees.Lidl is preparing to make a unique mark at London Fashion Week with its first ever pop-up event, ‘Patisserie Lidl’. Situated at 55A Dean Street, London, the pop-up will feature an…

ABCA Systems has announced the acquisition of three firms in the North West, marking a significant step in its strategic growth plan.These acquisitions, anticipated to add over £10 million to the company’s turnover, will bolster its expertise and capabilities in fire and security compliance.Strategic Acquisition for Enhanced GrowthABCA Systems, a Tyneside-based fire safety and electrical compliance company, has strategically expanded its footprint with the acquisition of three firms in the North West. These acquisitions, backed by private equity firm Trimountain Partners, are projected to add over £10 million to ABCA’s existing £40 million turnover.According to CEO Phil Miller, the acquisitions…

Oxford Nanopore is initiating legal proceedings against BGI over alleged contract breaches, potentially involving trade secret violations.The legal action is centered on claims that BGI has misused Oxford Nanopore’s technology to develop competing products.Oxford Nanopore has filed a court application in California to support future lawsuits in England and Wales.The biotech company’s shares have dropped by 2.8% following the announcement of the legal proceedings.This lawsuit could have significant implications for the use of nanopore-based sequencing technologies globally.Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a company listed in London, has announced its plans to initiate a legal lawsuit against Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) over an…

Amazon has introduced a new budget brand, Amazon Saver, in the United States, focusing on affordability in grocery shopping.The range includes over 100 products initially, with future expansions expected, all priced under £3.83 ($5).Prime members benefit from expanded savings, with discounts available across more than 3,000 grocery items.The launch marks Amazon’s continued foray into private-label products, positioning itself against high inflation and consumer demand for value.Experts view this move as a strategic step to strengthen Amazon’s competitive edge in the grocery sector.Amazon has unveiled its new own-brand food range named Amazon Saver, aiming to provide budget-friendly options for consumers in…

The ProCon Leicestershire property and construction awards have revealed the finalists for the 2024 Rising Star of the Year category. This accolade aims to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of young professionals in the built environment sector.The nominees for this prestigious award are Adam Dodd, Alice Stewardson, and Claudia Carroll. Each has demonstrated exceptional abilities and dedication within their respective roles, making significant strides in their careers.Adam Dodd – Willmott Dixon ConstructionAdam Dodd has been nominated by Willmott Dixon Construction for his exemplary work as the first framework management practitioner in their management trainee programme. He has successfully overseen…