Tom Day

📢 Useful resource alert... The Government has today launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new FREE online training course for small business leaders, especially leaders of newer or smaller SMEs. It's a short online course with practical tips and resources for small business leaders, and it's based on the 12-week Help to Grow: Management Course, Essentials #help2grow https://lnkd.in/eCpG2_cY

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We launched Future Factory: Supercharging digital innovation in food and drink manufacturing at the Food and Drink Investment Summit yesterday, alongside business leaders, ministers and industry bodies (link in the comments).​ As some of you know because you’ve been part of the research programme (thank you!), over recent months, the team here at Newton and the The Food and Drink Federation we have been investigating the impact of automation, AI and digital technologies on the food and drink manufacturing industry. What is its potential at full productivity? What are the problems preventing us unlocking this and the possible levers to overcome them? ​ ​ The whole industry is being reshaped so fast that a year from now, today’s innovations will seem as everyday as flash freezing. So, if you’re a business leader who wants to make the most of the AI, automation and robotics at your fingertips, this report is for you – however mature your organisation is. It provides real world examples and advice to cut through all the complexity and trigger meaningful change during this pivotal time, as well as details on how to get involved in system-wide changes. ​ ​This is not a one-off report but part of a dynamic campaign with the FDF Technology Taskforce to spur on meaningful business and industry change, so keep an eye out for more to come.

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As 2024 Comes to an End: Challenges and Hopes for UK Manufacturers The UK manufacturing sector stands at a crossroads, facing significant pressures but also opportunities to innovate and grow. Challenges 📈 Rising Costs: 70% of manufacturers report cost increases of up to 20% this year, with 8% seeing surges as high as 50%. This is driven by higher energy costs, materials, and increased payroll expenses, including employer NI contributions and the minimum wage. (Source: BDO UK) 💰 Employer National Insurance: The upcoming rise to 15% for NI contributions on salaries above £5,000 in April 2025 adds another layer of cost pressure. 📉 Consumer Confidence: Economic uncertainty and lower demand have led to forecasts of a 0.2% contraction in manufacturing output for 2024. (Source: Financial Times) Impact The challenges are stark for manufacturing businesses. Many face tough choices: 🔺 Increase Prices: Risking competitiveness in a fragile market. 🔻 Reduce Margins: Pressuring long-term sustainability. ✂️ Cut Overheads: Threatening innovation, growth, or even jobs. Hopes for 2025 My hope for 2025 is that the government is able to forge new trade agreements that remove barriers currently stifling exports. 🌍✈️ Unlocking international markets would allow UK manufacturers to compete globally, boosting growth and creating opportunities. These agreements need to address red tape, tariffs, and logistical hurdles, paving the way for British products to reach a broader audience. Combined with innovation and government support, this would provide a strong foundation for long-term success. 💪 What trade barriers have you seen impact UK exports, and how can we help manufacturing thrive despite the challenges? 🤔 Clothes2Order #clothes2order #Manufacturing #TradeAgreements #UKmfg #UKEconomy #Growth #Challenges 💼

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Lot's of good stuff coming for those in Adur and Worthing shortly, if you are based here, then have a good look at all this useful information

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Worth a look if you want to take your business to the next level

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Force companies to report their food waste, say leading UK retailers More than 30 businesses have written to the environment secretary calling for mandatory reporting of wasted food Food companies should have to report how much they throw away as a first step towards reducing the vast amounts of edible food squandered in the UK, a group of prominent businesses have said. About a third of the food produced globally every year is binned, much of it before it reaches the consumer at a cost of almost £22bn annually to the UK economy. There is also a heavy environmental toll: food waste globally contributes up to a 10th of greenhouse gases. More than 30 food businesses, including supermarkets and food producers, have written to the environment secretary, Steve Reed, calling for mandatory reporting of wasted food. They argue that forcing companies to confront the reality of how much they produce and what happens to it will spur better behaviour, including more efficient processes and increased efforts to reuse surpluses. Reed has spoken repeatedly of his desire to see a “circular economy”, with less waste of all kinds. The government has a target of halving food waste by 2030, but has yet to set out new measures to meet it. The Observer understands that ministers are willing to consider placing a duty on companies to report their waste. Jamie Crummie, co-founder of Too Good to Go, an online service that lets restaurants and food retailers advertise last-minute surplus food at a discount to consumers, organised the letter to Reed, along with the British Retail Consortium (BRC). He said compulsory reporting would be a vital first step and would allow everyone – consumers as well as the government and other businesses – to judge how careful, or profligate, suppliers were in comparison with their peers. “Food waste is one of the largest contributors to climate change,” he said. “In the UK alone, we throw away 10.7m tonnes of food annually. We are delighted to see the environment secretary set out the creation of a zero-waste economy as a priority. In line with this ambition, and with the support of more than 30 businesses from across the food sector, we hope to see swift implementation of mandatory food waste reporting to ensure transparency and accountability when it comes to our food.” The letter is signed by several of the UK’s biggest supermarkets, including Tesco, Waitrose, Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer, as well as the BRC, which represents shops. Food producers including Nestlé, Princes, Innocent Drinks, Yoplait and Yo! Sushi are also on the list. Mandatory reporting, as envisaged by the signatories, would not be imposed on farmers, but every company above a certain size in the food chain beyond the farm gate. https://lnkd.in/gxkhT7Qz

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🌟Sign-up by end July for 10% off The Good Crowd B Corp Group Accelerator starting in September 🌟 This is for you if you’re a small but ambitious brand looking to join an esteemed group of 2000+ UK businesses who are B Corp certified ☀️ Becoming a B Corp is a powerful way to build credibility, trust, and value for your business. The rigorous process will help you to understand and improve your impact on people & planet, and make your business stand out from the crowd with investors, retailers and customers 🚀 Whether you've made a start already, lost your way or aren't sure where to start, our B Corp Group Accelerator is for you 💚 Designed especially for ambitious consumer product brands, we'll guide you through all elements of the B Corp certification process from start to submission in interactive and inspiring group online sessions from end September to end November 🌻 Do spread the word 📢 Drop me a line if you have any questions ☎ Link to the full details & how to apply in the comments 👇 Nicole Compen Natalie Hartley Natalie Smith Matthew Isaacs Phil Hails-Smith Nellie Veltman Jason Gibb George Wade

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Check out some highlights from a recent project with an NHS trust....we were blown away with the opportunities to cut carbon & cost with not extra operational admin..... 👇 Get in touch if you work at an NHS trust as we'd love a conversation about how we could work together. #NetZeroNHS #Sustainability #CarbonReduction #FoodSupplyChain #GreenNHS #ClimateAction #SustainableFood #Zedible #NHSInnovation #CostSavings

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Great to speak to BBC News about Kingfisher plc’s (B&Q) latest update. The UK DIY and home improvement market remains challenging. So, UK & Ireland sales up 0.4% (LFL) driven by Screwfix (LFL +1.8%) and TradePoint UK (LFL +4.9%) reveals respectable trading through difficult conditions. Across the group ➡️ Core (69% of sales): Repair, maintenance and renovation -0.4% (LFL). ➡️ Big-ticket (16% of sales): -4.0% ➡️ Seasonal (15% of sales): Wetter and milder weather hit sales in key markets (LFL -0.9%) However, significant headwinds from the UK’s Autumn Budget and similar moves in France have reshaped the cost landscape. Put simply, the painful impact of wage inflation will be a catalyst for boards to rethink cost architectures. 💥 Behind the numbers As margin management grows tighter, the sophistication of digital operations, data analytics, and marketplace curation will become essential levers to enhance productivity and maintain shareholder value. Kingfisher is blurring the lines with their ecosystem of marketplace, retail media and digital platforms. It’s been fascinating to watch Screwfix’s digital evolution, which for many tradesmen has transformed a “transaction point” into a “productivity tool” with frictionless purchases and rapid delivery (think Deliveroo and Screwfix trials). Similarly, B&Q’s progressive approach to digital commerce - leveraging data-driven personalisation – has unlocked loyalty cycles, increasing average order values and enhanced loyalty. Tools like AI-powered product recommendations contributed to c.10% of B&Q’s e-com sales. AI-powered markdown optimisation tools are also improve clearance efficiency. B&Q’s marketplace expansion (with GMV +45% in October and penetration reaching 41%) signals a fundamental pivot. Marketplaces aren’t just incremental range extensions – it’s a strategic “bet” on the future of the market. I see this as giant experiment, allowing B&Q to rapidly test emerging categories, gauge consumer appetites for niche products, and scale the most successful lines at pace. Huge value lies in the intelligence mined from the data-rich ecosystem: every click, view, and conversion on the marketplace informs future category strategies, pricing models, supplier negotiations – and the huge retail media opportunity. 💥 The challenge Balancing the speed of expansion with the risks of operational misalignment is a huge challenge: compromising a solid infrastructure with speed is risky. A marketplace isn’t just a new revenue stream; it’s a seismic shift in the operating model, moving from a controlled inventory to an interconnected ecosystem reliant on external merchants, dynamic pricing, and real-time logistics. This demands a new kind of digital backbone, one that not only scales transaction volumes but also anticipates complexity – especially in the age of GenAI. Platform reliability, merchant experience, and customer trust will be the key pillars of success in this emerging model.

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In the UK we own more and more clothing that we are getting less and less use out of, and this comes with a high environmental price tag. Join Green Alliance and PwC UK on 22 April for a webinar to discuss how circular reuse business models can help fashion brands respond to this challenge and deliver what consumers want to see from a greener clothing industry. #EarthDay #Fashion #CircularEconomy

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So rewarding delivering these Sustainability strategy sessions to small businesses, and helping them expand their business sustainably, balancing people, planet and profit. https://lnkd.in/encYbsja

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Innovation Funding and Support for Black Country #Manufacturers. You are invited to join us on 11th June from 7:30 to 10:30 at the National Brownfield Institute in Wolverhampton for our Innovation Funding and Support breakfast briefing organised in partnership with WMG, University of Warwick.   By attending, you will unlock a myriad of innovation and growth opportunities, including potential funding, support, innovative solutions, and grants that have the power to transform your business.   The event will start with an overview of the Manufacturing Manifesto being developed by Crowe UK in association with local and national manufacturers. This outlines to the incoming Government the support the manufacturing industry needs to face the challenges around skills, innovation, energy efficiency, etc. and growth. Your presence and input are highly valued, and we invite you to join us and have your say,   You'll hear about innovation funding from our award-winning global consultancy partner, Ryan.   Warwick Manufacturing Group offers a wide range of support to Black Country manufacturers, including workshops, one-to-one consultancy, and grants. They'll reveal how you can take advantage before the offer runs out. There are plenty of grants and fully funded support to help West Midlands manufacturers with:   • Buying new machinery and equipment- everything from solar panels through machines to robotics • Energy Efficiency and Net Zero Grants- discover regional grants for up to £100,000 and national grants for over £100,000   • Automation- there is support available to help you increase productivity through automation   You will hear about the local, regional and national grants and support available to help Black Country business with capital expenditure and energy efficiency.   As you grow, you'll need to recruit, manage and retain employees. We'll discuss the various ways to do this.   Finally, Bibby Financial Services will show you how to decrease your costs and free up more money to invest in innovation and maximise the benefits to your business. You are invited to book your place here. https://lnkd.in/eCSFwV2y Prof. Paul Cadman, Paul Lock, Amy Deakin, Rory Alkin, Joan Smith, Kully Nijjar, Paul Milne, Andy Dowling, Johnathan Dudley, Jaspaul Bains, Geraldine Bolton, Pam Murrell, Danny Harrison, Martin Grant

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How long will it take to sell your business? This article from Hornblower will answer this burning question and help make the journey smoother: 🔍 Is it easy to sell a business? The ease of sale depends on various factors like business preparedness, market conditions, valuation, and your business broker's quality. Learn how to enhance these aspects for a smoother process. 🕰️ How quickly can you sell a business? Get insights into the time it takes to sell a business—typically, 70-80% sell within 12 months, with 30% completing in just 6 months. Discover the sector dynamics influencing the speed of business sales. 💰 How do you know how much to sell your business for? Unravel the complexities of business valuation. Prospective buyers consider location, revenue, contracts, management, and your role in the business. Learn how to position your business for an attractive deal. 🏃‍♂️ Which buyers act quickly? Explore the types of buyers that facilitate a smooth sale process. Cash-reserved buyers are key for efficiency, while others relying on bank loans or institutional processes may take more time. 📊 Availability of information Discover the pivotal role of up-to-date management information in a smooth sale. Having clear, detailed information readily available builds buyer confidence and streamlines due diligence. ⏳ Take time to find the right buyer – but keep the momentum Finding the right buyer is crucial for the best deal, but maintaining momentum is equally important. Learn how experienced business brokers can guide you through this delicate balance, ensuring a successful sale. #BusinessSale #Entrepreneurship #ExitStrategy

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Do it right, or do it twice 😎 (a great slogan from one of the brands we are managing currently World's Toughest Fix) Will they get it right this time...well they are certainly making the right noises anyway! After the first failed attempt there are a lot of murmerings around the second iteration from Tesco at a marketplace... I wanted to see what they were doing differently...and they are doing things differently it feels. For starters seamless integration with your grocery shopping, go through the same app, and you get clubcard points (and thats to 22m clubcard holders)..with a focus on quality metrics of the sellers...feels different right🤔 good luck Peter Filcek and team🤩 #marketplace #resilience #ontrend https://lnkd.in/dV7XRbND

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AI isn’t just transforming industries—it’s serving up a £14bn opportunity for the food and drink sector. Brilliant insights from Thomas Clayton at Intelliam on how #Yorkshire can lead the charge. 🍴💡 #AI #Innovation #FoodAndDrink #YorkshireBusiness

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🎃 NO FANCY DRESS 🎃 Join us for an evening of networking and idea-sharing at the intersection of digital inclusion and the circular economy. We are aiming to bring together like minded professionals from business, the third sector, academia, and the public sector. ⭕ We believe the circular economy has the power to tackle the climate crisis while improving lives in Birmingham. 📱 By applying circular principles to digital devices - redistributing them from those who no longer need them to those who do – we can boost digital inclusion and create a more connected, equitable city. Why It Matters ♨️ - Climate Action: Circular economy practices reduce waste and resource consumption, directly addressing climate change. 👩‍💻 - Digital Empowerment: Increased digital access opens doors to employment, education, and social connections. 🟰 - Social Equality: Bridging the digital divide helps address broader social inequalities in our community. What to Expect 🥂 A relaxed atmosphere where we can 'put the world to rights' over a couple of convivial drinks. No expectations, we'll just see where it leads. 🍷 The Power of Diversity and Serendipity 🍺 By bringing together a diverse range of professionals, we hope to create fertile ground for serendipitous encounters and unexpected collaborations. This might just be an evening of friendly chit chat, or who knows, this might spark the next big idea for a more sustainable and digitally inclusive Birmingham! Expand your network, gain fresh perspectives, and be a part of the conversation.  Reserve your spot now!

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Book your place now to learn more about entering the supply chain of large enterprises or Tier 1 businesses

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A case study to be read by anyone In big, medium and small businesses and even, or especially, public sector institutions. This is the real power of creating and sustaining a healthy management ethos designed to engage all in constant improvement. A real example of behaviours matching values. Hugely impressive and inspiring.

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With Two Hands driven to restoring farmers’ and fishers’ prosperity, I look forward to speaking at the ESG Innovation Summit in Edinburgh, discussing the transformative power of AI and blockchain in reshaping food supply chains for the better.  There’s much yin and yang between machine learning and blockchain.  Machine learning, with its voracious appetite for data and predictive power, reinforces efficiency without concern for individual sovereignty. In contrast, blockchain champions anti-establishment values and guarantees traceability back to the farmer, preserving privacy and individual rights. These cutting-edge technologies aren't just individual tools for efficiency, but combined are catalysts for increasing farmer and fisher prosperity, while also making significant strides towards achieving net zero emissions and building biodiversity. Together, machine learning and blockchain potentially bring coordination at scale, offsetting multi-national’s economies of scale.  Can technology possibly bring the family farm on equal footing with industrialised food production? #ESG #Innovation #AI #MachineLearning #Blockchain #Sustainability FinTech Scotland Scottish Blockchain & Trust Tech Taskforce NFU SCOTLAND #Farmers #Fishers

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