Workplace sickness scheme slammed as 'spin' by experts
A new government scheme offering free occupational health training to 5,000 line managers has been criticised as inadequate to tackle the UK's 2.8 million long-term sick. Read the full analysis.
Category : Search result: small business funding
DWP training targets 2.8 million on long-term sick
The DWP is rolling out free occupational health training for 5,000 line managers to help small businesses support staff and reduce long-term sickness absences. Read the full story.
Birmingham's fly-tipping nightmare as bin strikes continue
Birmingham residents face a festive nightmare as fly-tipped Christmas rubbish piles up in Small Heath and Bordesley Green. The ongoing bin strikes, now nearly a year old, are creating a public health crisis. Read more on the council's response.
BCRS hits £2m lending milestone for Welsh SMEs
BCRS Business Loans has provided over £2m to 34 Welsh SMEs via the British Business Bank's Investment Fund for Wales, creating 104 jobs and safeguarding 189. Read more about the economic impact.
North East's Biggest 2025 Deals: Investments & Acquisitions
From a £1bn battery plant to a £50m engineering buyout, discover the 10 biggest investments and acquisitions that shaped the North East economy in 2025. Explore the details here.
Lloyds Bank closing invoice finance service for SMEs
Lloyds Banking Group is shutting its invoice financing service by year-end, leaving thousands of small firms seeking new funding options. Read the full story and expert reactions.
North East's Best Companies 2025 Announced
Discover the standout North East businesses of 2025, from tech triumphs to green energy leaders, driving regional economic growth. Read the full list now.
Small Heath's most violent streets listed after fatal stabbing
Police data reveals the most violent streets in Small Heath, Birmingham, after a man was fatally stabbed on Swanage Road. Two arrests have been made. Contact police with information.
Lloyds Bank to lend £35bn to UK firms in 2026
Lloyds Banking Group commits over £35 billion in new finance for 2026 to support UK companies and SMEs, aiming to fuel economic growth and community prosperity. Discover the details.
Murder arrest after fatal stabbing in Birmingham
A 23-year-old man is in custody after a fatal stabbing on Swanage Road, Small Heath. Police continue to investigate the incident which occurred on December 20. Contact police with information.
Business owners warned to prepare 3-6 months for sale
Business owners are urged to start preparing now for a sale to beat a Capital Gains Tax increase in April 2026. Delays could cost tens of thousands. Expert advice inside.
Lidl's £2.45/kg Turkey Offer for Christmas Shoppers
Lidl has cut the price of its fresh whole turkeys to just £2.45 per kilogram, offering one of the UK's most affordable festive centrepieces. Discover the full Christmas dinner deal.
JLR Cyber Attack Fallout Puts Small Suppliers at Risk
A manufacturing boss warns small firms in Jaguar Land Rover's supply chain could close due to ongoing cashflow issues from a 2025 cyber attack. Read the full analysis and advice for affected businesses.
Murder suspect bailed after Birmingham stabbing death
A 28-year-old man arrested over a fatal stabbing in Small Heath has been released on conditional bail. Police continue their murder investigation. Call 101 with information.
Small Business Owners' Cautious 2026 Outlook
UK small business owners express cautious optimism for 2026 but warn of a 'serious reality check' for the wider economy. Experts cite inflation, rates, and AI risks.
West Midlands Police faces £40m funding cut
West Midlands Police could lose £41.1m in funding, risking further cuts to officers. Crime Commissioner Simon Foster warns of a 'postcode lottery' and fewer police on streets.
Birmingham's Underrated Last-Minute Christmas Shopping Spot
Discover the surprisingly calm and well-stocked shopping destinations in Small Heath and Yardley, Birmingham, for a stress-free festive shopping experience. Avoid the crowds and find everything you need.
2025 UK StartUp Report Reveals Fast-Paced Entrepreneurial Drive
New 2025 UK StartUp Report shows founders launching faster than ever, driven by opportunity. Yet, disparities in finance and support persist, especially for women and regions outside London. Discover the full analysis.
First North East Elevate Fund Deal Backs Newcastle Wellness Studio
Reform Studio on Newcastle's Quayside is the first business backed by the new £35m North East Elevate Fund. The wellness centre will offer reformer pilates, yoga, and sound healing, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Birmingham murder probe after fatal garden stabbing
A man has died after being stabbed in Small Heath, Birmingham. A 28-year-old man is in custody as police launch a murder investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
Fatal stabbing in Birmingham's Small Heath, suspect arrested
A man has died after a stabbing on Swanage Road in Small Heath. Armed police swarmed the scene and a 28-year-old man is in custody. Police urge witnesses to come forward.
Man stabbed to death in Small Heath, Birmingham
A murder probe is underway after a man was fatally stabbed on Swanage Road, Small Heath. A 28-year-old is in custody. Police urge witnesses to come forward.
Allica Bank account could generate £10k interest for firms
Allica Bank's Business Rewards Account offers UK companies high interest on idle cash and cashback on spending, potentially earning up to £10,000 annually. Discover how to make your business money work harder.
Speed Cameras Activated on Small Heath Highway
Birmingham launches new speed cameras on the A45 Small Heath Highway to enforce 30mph limits. Part of a major safety drive after 23 road deaths. Find out the six high-risk locations.
Luxury 130 sq ft London studio on sale for £294,900
A meticulously designed 130 sq ft studio flat in Pimlico, comparable to a caravan, is on the market for £294,900. It features an Italian wall-bed, floating concrete floors and bespoke carpentry.
Dudley Council's £75.9m funding sparks political debate
Dudley Council is set for a £75.9m three-year finance settlement from the Labour government. While Labour MPs hail a 'turning point', the borough's Conservative leader urges caution, saying 'the devil is in the detail'. Read the full story.
Birmingham Council gets major funding boost after bankruptcy
Birmingham City Council secures a massive £651.5m funding increase over five years as part of a new £78bn government settlement targeting deprived areas. Read the full story.
Record year for NEL Fund Managers with 34 investments
Gateshead's NEL Fund Managers celebrates a record 2025, backing 34 regional SMEs from EV charging to IT. Discover how NPIF II funding is driving growth and jobs across the North East.
Weapons used in Birmingham street fight, police probe
Police are investigating after a large street fight involving weapons erupted on Kenelm Road in Small Heath, Birmingham. No arrests made. Witnesses urged to come forward.
New Speed Cameras Go Live on Small Heath Highway
New speed cameras are now operational on Birmingham's A45 Small Heath Highway. The council and police initiative aims to cut collisions after 23 road deaths in a year. Find out the six routes targeted.
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