No cookies. No tracking. No advertising.
Front PageBusinessArtsCarsLifestyleFamilyTravelSportsSciTechNatureFiction
Search  
search
date/time
Thu, 4:00PM
clear sky
18.1°C
SW 10mph
Sunrise6:08AM
Sunset5:43PM
No cookies. No tracking. No advertising.
MSFT
Microsoft
512.9
0.7741%
AAPL
Apple
333.02
1.0990%
GOOGL
Google
344.08
0.9269%
AMZN
Amazon
249.15
1.0054%
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
264.74
-1.0577%
JPM
JP Morgan Chase
330.83
-1.2389%
IoD: Revenue Expectations Strengthen, But Confidence In The Outlook Remains Subdued
The IoD Directors’ Economic Confidence Index, which measures business leader optimism over prospects for the UK economy, fell to -54 in September, from -49 in August 2026. In contrast, business leaders became significantly more optimistic about the prospects for their own organisations, with confidence rising to +10, from -5 in August.
P.ublished 1st October 2026
Croda Brings Industry Leaders Together To Explore Ais Role In Agricultural Innovation
Croda together with customers and partners, has published a new white paper exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming agricultural innovation.
P.ublished 1st October 2026
Georgian Estate Opens Its Doors To Business
Hotham Hall
Hotham Hall, set in 117 acres of East Yorkshire parkland, hosts its corporate launch next week after a multi-million-pound restoration A privately owned Georgian country estate in East Yorkshire is setting its sights on the corporate market, with a public launch on Wednesday 7 October.
P.ublished 1st October 2026
Financial Services Conditions Show Signs Of Stabilising In Q3 – CBI Financial Services Survey
Graph of downward economic news
Business volumes in the financial services sector fell at a modest pace in the three months to September, following a rapid decline in Q2. The quarterly survey, conducted between 1 and 17 September 2026, also found that both sentiment and profitability among FS firms fell at slower rates in the three months to September. Headcount in the sector rose at a fast pace over the same period.
P.ublished 1st October 2026
Yorkshire Luxury Functional Chocolate 80noir Ultra® Secures £110,000 Investment For European Expansion
Yorkshire luxury functional hot chocolate brand 80Noir Ultra® is preparing to expand into Europe after securing a total of £110,000 in investment and grant funding. The wellness business has received £50,000 in angel investment to fund its wider growth.
P.ublished 1st October 2026
Paxon Launches As Bnode's Unified Global 3PL Brand
Bnode has officially launched Paxon, its unified third-party logistics (3PL) brand, bringing together leading logistics businesses across Europe, Asia and North America. Combining eCommerce fulfilment and point-of-sale logistics expertise, Paxon helps brands simplify complex supply chains and expand across markets.
P.ublished 30th September 2026
North East Firms Back Their Trading Outlook As Confidence Rises
Business confidence in the North East rose five points to 50% in September. Firms’ own trading outlook increased 14 points to 70%, while optimism in the economy dipped two points to 31%. Overall UK business confidence fell 12 points in September to 41%
P.ublished 30th September 2026
Businesses Are Racing To Adopt Ai. But Are Employees Being Left Behind?
AI is moving rapidly from an experimental technology to an everyday part of business, reshaping how organisations communicate, make decisions, manage employees and interact with customers. But as businesses race to capture the productivity and efficiency gains, another issue is becoming increasingly important: trust.
P.ublished 30th September 2026
Architecture Practice Expands Into Yorkshire With New Leeds Studio
(L to R) Will Mawson, Daniel Dyer and Dan Ker
Architecture practice MawsonKerr has expanded into Yorkshire with the opening of a new studio at The Department in Leeds Dock and plans to recruit as it grows its presence across the region. The Newcastle-founded practice has appointed Associate Daniel Dyer to head the Leeds studio.
P.ublished 30th September 2026
Business Gives Burnham A Cautious Welcome – But Says The Budget Is The Real Test
Andy Burnham Photo: Gov.UK
Britain's business leaders have broadly welcomed Andy Burnham's first Labour Party Conference speech as Prime Minister, praising his willingness to confront difficult choices on pensions and public spending – while making it abundantly clear that warm words will count for little unless next month's Budget eases the pressure on firms.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
Streaming Shift Plays Into Zoo Digital's Hands As First-Half Revenues Climb
Back catalogue fuels the recovery ZOO Digital Group plc, the AIM-listed localisation and digital media services partner to the global media and entertainment industry, expects first-half revenues of at least $23.0 million, an increase on both halves of the previous financial year.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
Integra Buildings Set For Record Year As Modular Construction Business Invests In Growth
The Directors of Integra Buildings outside the company’s self-built offices, from left, Technical Director Mike Marriott; Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Director Paul Tansey; Managing Director Chris Turner; CEO Gary Parker; and Finance Director Sarah Marshall.
Modular construction business Integra Buildings has forecasted record financial performance as it prepares for a special year in 2027 and a major programme of investment. The Yorkshire-based company is on track to deliver turnover of over £55m and pre-tax profits exceeding £6m in 2026 – both figures the highest in the company’s near 30-year history.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
Sunderland Business School Re-Accredited With Small Business Charter
The University of Sunderland’s Business School has been re-accredited with the Small Business Charter in recognition of its work to support small businesses, student entrepreneurship and the local economy.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
Freeths Delivers 83% Revenue Growth Over Five Years
Law firm Freeths has announced record financial results for the year ended 31 March 2026, with turnover rising by more than 12% to £187.6 million and, despite a significant investment programme, profit up 8.2%. The results mark Freeths’ fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth, with turnover increasing by 83% over the past five years.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
UK & EU Business Join Forces On Made In Europe
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is backing a joint statement from its Chambers in Europe for the UK to be part of the EU’s emerging ‘Made in Europe’ framework. The statement warns that treating the UK as a conventional third country would ignore decades of co-operation and the deeply integrated supply chains between the UK and EU.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
Business Leaders Tell The Chancellor: Now Show US The Money
Chancellor John Healey's pledge to back British industry and revive workplace training won a warm reception today, but business groups were quick to add a price tag.
P.ublished 28th September 2026
Growth Outlook Remains Negative For The Rest Of 2026
Image: nappy on Pexels
Firms across the private sector expect activity to fall in the three months to December (weighted balance of -14%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. The latest results extend a period of negative predictions for growth that has persisted since late 2024.
P.ublished 28th September 2026
Congestion Is The Biggest Headache For UK Business Drivers
Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay
With 59% driving more for work than last year and congestion ranked as business drivers' single biggest frustration
P.ublished 28th September 2026
Freeths Backs Microlub’s Growth With £7 Million Funding Round
Farrell Tang
Law firm Freeths has advised MicroLub, a deeptech ingredient solutions company, on its £7 million funding round led by Northern Gritstone.
P.ublished 28th September 2026
Standing Your Ground, Handling A Workplace Bully With Confidence
Ian Garner
Business Writer
Image by John Hain from Pixabay
Most people don’t expect to encounter a bully once they’ve left the school playground behind. Yet workplace bullying remains an uncomfortable reality across many organisations. It rarely appears as outright aggression; more often, it shows up through dismissive remarks, exclusion, or a steady pattern of behaviour that leaves someone feeling undermined.
P.ublished 26th September 2026
Heritage Scissor-Maker Whiteley Recognised For Excellence In Craftsmanship At The Artisan Founder Awards 2026
Heritage scissor manufacturer Whiteley has been named overall winner of the Excellence in Craftsmanship Award at the Artisan Founder Awards 2026, recognising its 266-year commitment to traditional scissor-making and its role in preserving an endangered craft.
P.ublished 26th September 2026
UK Maritime Regions Network Launches With Humber Buy-In To Strengthen Collaboration Across Coastal Economies
The Humber is part of a significant national collaboration launched on World Maritime Day, and celebrated this week. It is one of 11 founding clusters uniting to establish the UK Maritime Regions Network (UKMRN) - a new forum designed to amplify regional maritime intelligence and strengthen a joined-up approach across vital coastal communities.
P.ublished 26th September 2026
Northern Talent Tracker: This Week's Appointments
Law firm Ward Hadaway has retained seven newly qualified solicitors across its offices in northern England following the completion of their training contracts.
P.ublished 25th September 2026
AI Drives Yorkshire & North East Growth, But Scale Remains Exception – New Research Finds
Artificial intelligence (AI) is key to growth for Yorkshire and North East SMEs, but implementation at scale remains the exception – new research has found. More than half (56%) of regional business leaders surveyed by BGF – the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor – and Beauhurst, view AI as a growth driver.
P.ublished 25th September 2026
Retail Conditions Deteriorate Further In September
Image by Niek Verlaan from Pixabay
Retail sales volumes fell more rapidly in the year to September, while online retail sales declined at the fastest pace in nearly three years. Additionally, retailers reported cutting back on order volumes at the quickest rate on survey record (since 1983). Next month, retailers expect annual sales volumes to decline at a strong, albeit slower, pace.
P.ublished 25th September 2026
Northern High-Growth Businesses Boost Productivity As Turnover Outpaces Hiring
New High Growth 50 report reveals median turnover growth of 115%, with businesses scaling through productivity, technology and international expansion
P.ublished 25th September 2026
Order Books Strengthen And Output Decline Eases
Image by u_3u3n7wt5sr from Pixabay
Manufacturing order books improved for the second consecutive month according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Total order books were reported as below “normal” to the least extent since July 2023, with both total and export order books standing above their long-run averages.
P.ublished 24th September 2026
Innovative Offshore Wind Businesses Invited To Spin Into Northumberland
The Spin In accelerator programme is offering ambitious UK and international businesses the opportunity to establish themselves at the heart of one of the UK's leading offshore wind and clean energy clusters.
P.ublished 23rd September 2026
Aldridge Foundation And Brabners Launch A New Pathway Bringing Schools And Businesses Closer Together
The Aldridge Foundation and independent law firm Brabners, have announced a major new partnership involving Brabners’ True North network to tackle one of the most urgent challenges facing young people: the gap between education and employment.
P.ublished 23rd September 2026
White Hart Hotel Unveils New Era For Conferences And Events In Lincoln
Following the recent completion of a £multi-million redevelopment programme, Lincoln’s White Hart Hotel is repositioning itself as a key conference and events destination, attracting businesses to the city. First built as a Lodgings House for the visit of King Richard II to the city in 1386, the hotel was acquired by local businessman and keen historian, Andrew Long, in July 2022.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
University Spin Out Scales Up With Finance Yorkshire Led £1.3m Investment
Sheffield based Productive Machines is eyeing expansion in Europe and the US following investment in its patent protected manufacturing machining technology. The company is a spin out from the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and was founded by CEO Erdem Ozturk and CTO Huseyin Celikag, PhD experts in the field of machine dynamics and vibration.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
Greater Regional Decision-Making Will Help Boost Growth – North East Business Leaders Say
Greater regional decision-making will have a positive impact on business growth, according to research from accountancy and advisory firm BDO LLP. North East business leaders believe that giving regional mayors and local authorities increased fiscal powers will boost growth over the next three years, with the majority (87%) backing a shift in decision-making.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
North East Businesses Most Optimistic About Regional Growth In The UK
North East businesses are more confident about their region’s economic growth prospects than firms in any other part of the UK, according to new findings from the Lloyds Business Barometer. Nine in ten (90%) are confident the North East will see economic growth over the next three years, with 14% feeling very confident.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
New Icelandic Ambassador Vows To Build On Strong Relationship With Grimsby's Seafood Sector
Andrew Oliver, chief executive of Grimsby Fish Dock Group, left, with the Icelandic Ambassador to the UK, Thordis Kolbrun Gylfadottir, GFDG chair Simon Dwyer and Honorary Icelandic Consul, Jonathan Goolden. Images: GFDG
Grimsby's seafood leaders have met with Iceland's new Ambassador to the UK. Thordis Kolbrun Gylfadottir has made the Humber one of her first visits, taking in both Grimsby and Hull, just weeks into the official role. Key officials underlined the importance of trade relations between the two nations.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
10 In 10 Danny Sullivan
Danny Sullivan, CEO and Founder of York-based B2B SEO and cross-platform visibility agency Nomada Digital, is the latest regional professional in the hot seat as we give him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions. What does a typical working day for you involve?
P.ublished 21st September 2026
GC Angels Launches Third Cohort Of Venture Forward Accelerator Programme
VF Cohort
GC Angels, the venture capital investment arm of The Growth Company - the largest social enterprise institution in Greater Manchester - has announced the third cohort of its Venture Forward accelerator programme. The Innovate UK-backed programme supports underrepresented founders from across the North of England to prepare for their first institutional seed investment round.
P.ublished 21st September 2026
“Carbon Neutral” Banned in the EU from September 2026?
From 27 September 2026, businesses marketing products and services to EU consumers will be subject to stricter rules on claims such as “carbon neutral”, “climate neutral” and “carbon positive”.
P.ublished 21st September 2026
Portakabin Manufacturing Facility In York Awarded International Safety Award By The British Safety Council
The Portakabin Manufacturing facility in York has won an International Safety Award from the British Safety Council in recognition of its commitment to keeping workers and workplaces healthy and safe during the 2025 calendar year.
P.ublished 21st September 2026
Property & construction
The Riverwalk Welcomes Scandi-Inspired Homewares Giant Søstrene Grene
Clearbell Property Partners II LP (Clearbell), a fund managed by Clearbell Capital LLP, has landed leading Danish homeware and lifestyle retailer Søstrene Grene at The Riverwalk in Durham, marking a significant milestone as the destination reaches full occupancy. Søstrene Grene will occupy a 4,445 sq ft unit, with 2,992 sq ft of trading space, overlooking the River Wear, on a 10-year lease.
P.ublished 21st September 2026
Bank Of England Holds Interest Rates At 3.75pc Amid Inflation Fears
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has voted 6-3 to keep the base interest rate on hold at 3.75 per cent, resisting pressure to tighten borrowing costs despite fresh concerns over rising energy prices and persistent inflation.
P.ublished 19th September 2026
One In 10 Small Business Owners Now Spend A Full Working Day A Week On Social Media, Study Reveals
Image by Firmbee from Pixabay
A new study by Markel Direct, the small business insurance specialists, has revealed the growing expectations many UK tradespeople and small business owners feel to maintain an active social media presence alongside running their business.
P.ublished 19th September 2026
Sustainability Concerns Present A Serious Barrier To AI Adoption For UK Small Businesses
Image by Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay
Only three in 10 UK small business owners (31%) say they are using AI to support their enterprises – with 27% saying they either have no plans to use it, and a further 21% saying they don’t regard AI as relevant to their business - according to new research from Novuna Business Finance.
P.ublished 19th September 2026
Northern Talent Tracker: This Week's Appointments
Helen Kitchen
Deputy Business Editor
New faces at Azets
Accountancy and business advisory firm Azets has expanded its northern operations with a partner appointment in Manchester alongside 23 trainee recruits across Yorkshire. David Tomlinson joins the Manchester corporate finance practice as partner within transaction services, following 17 years at PwC including a three-year secondment in Australia.
P.ublished 18th September 2026
£2.5 Million Restoration Project Is Complete
(L-R) Michael Kelly, site manager at Compass Developments, Jo Raw, Northumberland venues manager for North East Museums, Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, Mark Handyside, senior quantity surveyor and Ian Simpson, director at Compass Developments.
Cramlington-based, Compass Developments, has completed the restoration of Woodhorn Museum’s historic Heapstead structures. Appointed by Northumberland County Council via the NEPO207 Building Construction Works framework, the £2.5 million contract saw the restoration of two Heapsteads from the former Woodhorn Colliery, which are a main attraction within Woodhorn Museum.
P.ublished 18th September 2026
Gilbanks Supports National Expansion With A Senior Appointment
Premium serviced office provider Gilbanks has appointed former Instant Group senior director Andrew Debenham as commercial director as it prepares for the next stage of its national growth. Debenham brings extensive experience in driving company growth and customer retention across the property and proptech sectors.
P.ublished 17th September 2026
Grant Thornton Hosts Launch Event For Yorkshire's First Joint Trade Mission To India
Grant Thornton UK welcomed India's High Commissioner and the Mayors of West, South and North Yorkshire to Leeds last week, as the region prepares for its first-ever joint trade mission to India.
P.ublished 17th September 2026
Leeds Bathroom Retailer Expands
Leeds-based bathroom retailer Sanctuary Bathrooms is expanding its operations after a record year for online revenue, leasing a new 16,353 sq. ft. warehouse in Holbeck and adding five new hires across marketing and warehouse operations.
P.ublished 17th September 2026
LHV Bank Moves To New Leeds Premises In ‘Northern Square Mile’ To Support Growing Business
FinTech bank, LHV, has moved into new, larger premises at Wellington Place in Leeds, a district increasingly known as the ‘Northern Square Mile.’ The relocation represents the Bank’s long-term commitment to Leeds, with the new office space chosen for its proximity to leading technical talent and its support for the Bank's digital-first, technology-led growth.
P.ublished 17th September 2026
Conference To Put Lived Experience At Heart Of Digital Accessibility Debate
Joanna Goodwin
A major conference bringing policy, industry expertise and lived experience together to tackle digital accessibility will be held in Newport this month, as new figures show more than a quarter of people in Wales are disabled. Access for All: From Policy to Reality takes place at The Riverfront Theatre on September 30th, running from 10am to 4pm.
P.ublished 16th September 2026
SimVenture Puts Yorkshire On The World Map With Global Student Competition
University of Leeds students using Evolution business simulation
Yorkshire-based educational technology company, SimVenture is putting the region on the world map by bringing students from around the globe together for an international business simulation competition, with £2,000 in prize money up for grabs. SimVenture has opened entries for Evolve! 2026 - its annual global business simulation competition.
P.ublished 16th September 2026
more
Search Results