The government unveils new “Energy Bills Discount Scheme” for businesses
A new energy scheme for businesses, charities, and the public sector has been confirmed, ahead of the current scheme ending in March. The new scheme will mean all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024. This will help businesses locked into contracts […]
Organisations offering small businesses in high-risk sectors free cyber security support
The National Cyber Security Centre – a part of GCHQ – has launched the new Funded Cyber Essentials Programme, which offers some small organisations in high-risk sectors practical support at no cost to help put baseline cyber security controls in place. Read the full story
Energy bill support for firms set to be cut
The current scheme which caps the unit cost of gas and electricity for all businesses expires at the end of March. It will be replaced with a new scheme that offers a discount on wholesale prices rather than a fixed price. Read the full story
Procurement Bill to unleash opportunities for SMEs to be debated in Parliament
The Procurement Bill, which will have its Second Reading in the House of Commons, will make it easier for small businesses (SMEs) to win more of the £300 billion of goods, services and works that the government buys each year. Read the full story
Reforms outlined for Britain’s capacity market to secure a clean energy future
Improved energy security and a more secure transition to net zero are set to be delivered through the UK government’s significant proposals to reform Great Britain’s Capacity Market. Read the full story
Millions of homeowners and tenants to get better access to faster broadband
New homes in England will be built with gigabit broadband connections and telecoms firms will be able to get faster broadband to nine million people living in blocks of flats across the UK, thanks to new laws the government has brought into force. Read the full story
£7 million tech fund to decarbonise freight and boost innovation
Delivering freight across the UK could become more efficient and cleaner thanks to a £7 million government-backed fund launched on 9 January 2023 that will roll out innovative new ideas and technology across the industry. Read the full story
All private hire vehicles licensed for the first time in 2023 to be zero emission capable
From 1 January, all private hire vehicles licensed for the first time will be required to be zero emission capable. The step change this will create is part of the bold action the Mayor is taking to clean up the capital’s filthy air and help tackle the climate emergency. This is central to TfL’s role […]
UK pubs and restaurants cut winter hours to weather ‘perfect storm’ in 2023
Pubs and restaurants face a “perfect storm” of challenges this year as cash-strapped consumers slash spending and the government reduces its energy bills support – forcing many to cut their opening hours. The industry faced a plethora of challenges in 2022, including soaring energy bills, staffing shortages, rampant food inflation and fragile consumer confidence. Read the […]
UK firms are less likely to borrow than at any time since the financial crash
The UK’s leading companies are less inclined to borrow now than at any point since the financial crisis of 2008, a survey of directors has found. Demand for credit is flagging among chief financial officers, with barely a quarter of those polled at FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies expecting to increase borrowing in the […]
