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How can you keep up with the ever-changing requirements of digital marketing? We spoke to Cristina Plamadeala from Toastmasters International who shares her thoughts below. “I have found that the The Golden Circle concept outlined in Simon Sinek’s book, Start with Why is a huge help. By applying the three Gold Circle principles to digital marketing, businesses can create a more impactful message that connects with their audience.” Principle 1 The first principle is why refers to the purpose or the reason behind a business’s existence. This could be the business’s values, mission statement, or the problem they are trying to solve. Businesses that communicate their why effectively can create an emotional connection and build brand loyalty. Principle 2 The second principle refers to a business’s approach to achieving its goals. How can the strategies, tactics, and tools be used to reach the target audience? Businesses that communicate how effectively can demonstrate their expertise and develop trust with their target audience. Principle 3 The third principle is what refers to the products or services that are offered. Communicating their features, benefits, and unique selling points effectively can differentiate a business from its competitors and persuade potential customers to take action. Let me share approaches can you take to fire up your online presence. Social Media Marketing Whichever Social Media platform(s) you choose, the aim is to showcase your brand’s personality and connect with people on a personal level. For example, your WHY is a new product launch, the HOW is to use LinkedIn and design engaging content. The WHAT is focusing on how your product solves a particular problem potential customers have. Using hashtags can increase the visibility of your social media posts. To help you reach the right people research the most effective hashtags – and deploy them consistently across e.g. Instagram and Facebook. Targeting the right audience. Instagram, for example, has robust targeting options that allow you to narrow down your audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviour. By targeting the right audience, your ads will be seen by the people most likely to be interested in your product/service. Email Marketing Email marketing involves sending helpful emails to your subscriber base in order to build relationships and promote your products or services. Email marketing is a cost-effective way to reach your target audience and build customer loyalty. One of the key tactics for email marketing, is to create compelling subject lines. The subject line is the first thing the subscribers will see in their inbox, and it can determine whether or not they open your email. A good subject line should be attention-grabbing and give subscribers a reason to open your email. Generally, a ‘does what it says on the tin’ subject line is much better than something obscure and unclear. Again, by referring back to the WHY and WHAT of the Golden Circle, you’ll be able to create subject lines will resonate with your audience (and work for your business). Personalising your emails is another effective tactic for email marketing. By addressing the subscribers by name and tailoring the content to their interests, you can make them feel valued and increase the likelihood that they will engage with your emails. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) involves optimising your website or landing pages to rank higher in search engine results pages. One of the key strategies for SEO is thorough keyword research. By identifying the keywords and phrases that your target audience is searching for, you can create content that is appropriately optimised. This increases the visibility of the landing pages in search results, drives organic traffic, and maximises conversions. Creating high-quality content is also important for SEO. Also, by creating content that answers the audience’s questions and provides value, it can increase the credibility of your website. Your content should be inspired by the WHY and WHAT of your ‘Golden Circle’. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising With Pay-Per-Click advertising you pay for ads appearing on search engine results pages or social media platforms. It’s important to target the right keywords. I’ve found that the ‘Answer the Public’ tool is a good way to identify the keywords. And by using them you can ensure that your ads are seen by people who are most likely to be interested in your products or services. Compelling ad copy is also important for PPC success. The ad copy should be attention-grabbing, informative, and persuasive. Tailor your ad for each platform as they all have slightly different requirements. Ads, in particular, should address the WHAT, specifically WHAT you can do to help solve your customers’ problems/challenges. Always focus on what is in it for the customer. Monitoring and optimising. By regularly analysing your ad performance and making adjustments to your targeting, ad copy, and bidding strategy, you’ll improve the ROI of your campaigns and drive more conversions. Good luck as you fire up the next phase of your digital marketing campaign. About the Author – Cristina Plamadeala is a member of Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit organisation that has provided communication and leadership skills since 1924 through a worldwide network of clubs. There are more than 400 clubs and 10,000 members in the UK and Ireland. Members follow a structured educational programme to gain skills and confidence in public and impromptu speaking, chairing meetings and time management. To find your nearest club, visit www.toastmasters.org

Domingo Miotti has his sights set on contributing to a “special group of players” in 2023/24, after the fly-half agreed to put pen to paper on a new contract with Glasgow Warriors. The 27-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in Glasgow colours in 2022/23, with the Argentinian international following in the footsteps of countryman Sebastian Cancelliere in extending his current stay at Scotstoun. Having arrived in Glasgow ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, Miotti has made 20 appearances for the club to date since his debut in a 33-11 home win over the Dragons in December 2021. It was in 2022/23 that the former Jaguares pivot made his mark, however, with 14 outings across all competitions in Franco Smith’s first season as Head Coach. A first try in Glasgow colours came in December’s victory away to Zebre Parma, whilst a virtuoso performance in the number 10 jersey saw Miotti contribute 18 points – a try, five conversions and a drop-goal – to an historic 38-28 win over Munster at Thomond Park. Capped nine times by Los Pumas, the Tucuman-born fly-half has also represented his country at 7s and at U20 level. “I’m so happy staying at Scotstoun,” Miotti told glasgowwarriors.org. “We have an incredible group of players here, and I believe that we can do something big for the club." “I really enjoyed last season; despite the fact I had a couple of injuries, we played some excellent rugby and it was such a special environment to be a part of. I think that I’ve improved a lot from when I first arrived, and I want to keep improving under Franco and the coaches. I’m always trying to give my best and improve my quality as a player. “My main goal is to start as many games as possible in the number 10 jersey, and I want to help this team win silverware.” Head Coach Smith added: “We’re pleased to retain Domingo’s services ahead of the new season, as we continue our preparations for an exciting campaign. He always comes into training eager to improve and give his all for this group, and he played his part in some memorable team performances last season." “His skillset is clear for all to see and he has fully bought into what we’re looking to build at Scotstoun – we’re excited to continue to work with him.”

A new private sector-backed initiative is set to turbocharge the UK’s SMEs to increase their footprint and exporting power. Over the next 12 months, the Enterprise Nation Go Global scheme aims to offer targeted guidance to 100,000 SMEs, supported by leading international banking firm Santander UK, accountancy firm Deloitte and the content collaboration platform Dropbox. The programme aims to unlock the global ambition of SMEs and smaller businesses with high quality resources, e-learning modules, trade events, mentoring and advice tailored to support growing businesses. The launch follows research that found that if UK exports had rebounded as strongly as Germany’s following the pandemic, it would be exporting $111bn more than is it now. Access All Areas: Markets report from small business support platform Enterprise Nation and The Entrepreneurs Network found that even if the UK had simply kept pace with other G7 countries, it would be exporting $65bn more. Emma Jones, CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “We know from our own research that the UK has dramatically fallen behind other G7 countries in its exporting capabilities. Go Global is about reigniting the UK’s appetite to export and ensure that Britain’s SMEs have the best conditions possible to flourish on the international stage." “We know that exporting, whether it be a product or a digital service, is a significant driver of productivity and growth. But many tell us they can’t find one single place to find what they need, or when they do find information, it’s over complicated and patchy." “This international focus on trade is about taking the lead and helping the SME community to confidently access new territories and markets with all the tools they need.” Providing SMEs with the tools they need to make the most of these global opportunities and boost the UK economy is something that Santander UK is passionate about and uniquely placed to support with, thanks to its new Santander Navigator platform. The platform is a one-stop-shop for businesses to grow internationally and offers support end-to-end, bringing together the bank's global ecosystem of solution providers, market insights, regulatory information in addition to freight and customs solutions and the means to access talent together all in a single place. John Carroll, Head of International & Transactional Banking, Santander UK said: “It’s clear international trade is a significant growth driver for businesses that are already active internationally and is arguably even more so for those that aren’t yet but want to be." “We’re delighted to be working with Enterprise Nation on the Go Global initiative. We have already supported over a thousand businesses into a new market overseas since 2019, and we firmly believe that our unique international network, together with the knowledge and expertise of our teams, can make a real difference to many more, as well as to the wider UK economy.” Andy Wilson, Director at Dropbox, said: “As businesses look to expand and grow, one of the common challenges we see is around tech adoption. It can be difficult to implement tools and platforms that will grow with your business, but being digitally savvy and having the right productivity and collaboration suite is a key competitive advantage. Especially as SMEs look to scale and work internationally, having a digital-first mindset and the right technology suite will be critical." “The technology landscape can be complex, and it is difficult to know where to start. However, we are thrilled to bring our advice and guidance in partnership with Enterprise Nation, to support SMEs on their journey. We are extremely pleased to play a part in the Go Global initiative and look forward to empowering and supporting small businesses from across the UK.” Lucie Swiestowska, Supply Chain, Deloitte UK said: ‘We are incredibly excited to extend and collaborate across networks in this space; to support, understand and facilitate trade from the UK. We intend to bring our global network to be a part of this, and fully engage with the social value benefits this can provide to SMEs across the UK. Our work with Enterprise Nation is particularly exciting in allowing us to bring a number of skills, experiences and new faces to the market, in supporting new and growing businesses to achieve their international trade aims.” Studies show the economic benefits of exporting extend beyond productivity. Survey evidence of SMEs across 33 European countries found that SMEs which export are more than three times as likely to introduce new products or services than those which do not. Import and export are key drivers of productivity and growth. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show UK businesses which declare international trade in goods can be around a fifth more productive on average than similar firms which are non-traders, even when you factor in firm size, industry and ownership status. But SMEs find red tape frustrating and clear advice in short supply. Go Global will also offer candidates simple downloadable territory guides, advice on how to collaborate and work with partners around the world as businesses grow and regulations in an easy-to-understand format. The resources are free to access for SMEs and can be found here

The new owners behind troubled Wroxall Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire have pledged to ‘rebuild trust in the community’ as they announce huge plans for the site. The Warwick venue, which reopened its doors last autumn, has unveiled a million-pound refurbishment and expansion under its new ownership of ONS International Ltd T/A. It marks a bright new chapter for the historic four-star hotel which has twice gone into administration in the last four years. Some months after its sudden closure in October 2019, Trinity Hotel Ltd reopened Wroxall Abbey following refurbishment works, in June 2021. But it was never to recover from the negative impact of national lockdown restrictions due to the pandemic and fell into administration a year later, in July 2022. Today, its family owners have revealed plans for huge new investment in the Victorian neo-Gothic brick mansion hotel, a former girls’ school and one-time country estate of architect Sir Christopher Wren. Company Director Paresh Thakkar said: “We acknowledge the rich history of Wroxall Abbey and understand it’s significant importance and value to the local community." “While we understand the negative press that has surrounded Wroxall Abbey in the past, especially with the recent administration, our main goal as a business is to restore the historic reputation of this magnificent estate, re-building trust with the community and to provide a high-quality service for our guests.” Since its takeover in September, the business has obtained a wedding licence and launched afternoon tea and Sunday lunch menus. Most popular among the local community though is the reopening, after five years, of the 14th century church. Wroxall Abbey is the only hotel in the country with its own on-site chapel, and since March, it has been recommissioned and holding Sunday services again for The Order of St. Leonards as well as hosting weddings and christenings. Following the services, the congregation are then welcomed into the hotel to enjoy complimentary refreshments. The hotel was originally founded as a Benedictine nunnery by Hugh fitz Richard of Hatton in the middle of the 12th century. The church was built in around 1315, originally part of the priory itself and the only part that remains standing. In recent history it was made into a cathedral of the Free Methodist Church but has been returned to The Church of England under its new owners. The hotel currently offers 73 bedrooms, plus six conference rooms, a patio garden overlooking the 27-acre grounds, Henry’s Lounge & Bar and Henry’s Restaurant which serves seasonal British and Mediterranean cuisine as well as Sunday Lunch and Afternoon Tea. Ambitious future plans now include a new state-of-the-art spa and health club and renovation of the Courtyard Building to create an additional 24 bedrooms by the end of next year. Developed in 1866, The Courtyard formed a large part of the estate when it was transformed into a school. Paresh added: “Our dedicated team are aware of the continuous and challenging up-keep with the Grade II listed building. Our business has the long-term vision to continue to transform Wroxall Abbey into a beautiful and luxurious venue." “This is a family-run four-star hotel and we do things a little bit differently but our key objectives now are to always look after our guests and move forward with our grand plans." “We sincerely hope that you share our exciting vision for the future of Wroxall Abbey and we look forward to sharing our developments along our journey.”

G&H Group is now hosting Andy’s Man Club (AMC) sessions every Monday evening at its head office in Pudsey, providing a place for local men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues and problems they have faced or are currently facing. The complete mechanical, electrical and public health service provider was keen to support the charity, which was set-up to help prevent suicide among men and help those battling depression, as it is committed to supporting staff and the local community. Almost 50 men attended the first session on Monday 4 June, the highest attendance for a first meeting ever in AMC history. The collaboration with AMC is part of G&H Group’s social value strategy, which aims to provide support and investment to people, local communities and clubs. Other social value initiatives include the ‘You’re Not Alone’ wellbeing campaign, supporting G&H Group staff in and out of work by providing training and offering help where needed. G&H Group also co-founded Community Interest Company (CIC) Building Futures Together, creating an in-house training centre, where youngsters receive hands-on learning that gives them an insight into the construction sector while still at school. Graham Kelly, group managing director at G&H Group said; “Every week in the UK, 115 people die by suicide, with men accounting for 75 percent of those deaths. And the construction industry has some of the worst rates of mental health in the UK, with men working in the sector more likely to die from suicide than the average male. “G&H Group is committed to supporting our staff and local community with their mental health and wellbeing. Offering our premises as a venue is the least we can do to help the charity, and will hopefully support Andy’s Man Club to make a positive difference in Pudsey, and the surrounding areas, by showing men it is ok to talk.” Paul Wilkes, lead facilitator for Andy’s Man Club, Pudsey said: “A lot of men are struggling but they often feel as if they are a burden if they take their problems to a family member or friend. At Andy’s Man Club they see other men opening up and sharing their feelings which encourages them to talk and share their challenges too." “We have had an incredible turnout at the Pudsey group, with over forty attendees in the first three weeks coming for the first time. We are only able to provide our free sessions if we have suitable venues. We are incredibly grateful to G&H Group for providing their head office as a base, so that any man over the age of 18 that is struggling can come and see us. I guarantee they will receive a very warm welcome and get to hear different perspective and stories from men who have or are currently struggling too.” Andy’s Man Club was set up in Halifax in 2016 by the mother and brother-in-law of Andrew Roberts, who took his own life in 2013. Every Monday evening (except bank holidays) from 7pm until 9pm, over 130 sessions are held across the UK with over 2000 men attending each week. Established in 1998, G&H Group is a market leading mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) provider. It’s 180-strong experienced team design, manage, deliver and maintain every aspect of MEP schemes. For further information visit the Andy's Man Club website here

Mulberry Homes is extending its existing Key Workers scheme to include employees who work at Magna Park business park, close to its Kingsbury Park development in Lutterworth. Kingsbury Park is a stunning development comprised of beautifully designed two, three and four-bedroom homes, located off Coventry Road in the heart of one of Leicestershire’s most sought-after market towns. Magna Park is home to a number of leading names in logistics, retail and ecommerce. Employees of the businesses on site who reserve a Mulberry home on or before Sunday 18th June can now benefit from the Key Workers scheme, which previously applied only to people who work in local schools, hospitals, doctor’s surgeries, emergency services (police, fire, and ambulance) and armed forces personnel. As part of the scheme, Mulberry Homes will contribute £500 for every £25,000 spent towards a new Mulberry home, up to the value of £12,000. The contribution can be put towards Stamp Duty, a flooring package, legal or mortgage broker fees, or specification upgrades in the chosen home*. Kerry Jones, Sales and Marketing Director at Mulberry Homes, said: “We have always been very proud to offer a wide range of offers and incentives to help people find the perfect Mulberry home for them. We are delighted to be extending our Key Worker scheme to employees at Magna Park, to help them connect with an exceptional high-quality home within convenient and easy reach of their place of work.” Lutterworth is host to an array of enthralling leisure activities, including a cricket club, golf course and Manic Minors Adventure Playground. Families settling into their forever home at the development will be welcomed with highly-rated educational options for all ages, such as Lutterworth High School and Lutterworth College. Perfectly positioned between the A5 and the M1, committed commuters have excellent transport links, with the connecting A4303 acting as the gateway to both major roads. The motorway being less than a mile away is a real asset for working professionals needing to travel.

The team at Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery have launched their latest bottling. Filey Bay Peated Finish Batch #3 single malt whisky is Hunmanby-based Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery’s third iteration of a peated whisky. “Filey Bay Peated Finish Batch #2 won an incredible World Whisky Spirits Master award last year and we're very pleased to have the next step now with Filey Bay Peated Finish Batch #3. This bottling is a much-anticipated follow-up to last year’s batch and adds a subtle sweet smokiness with coastal, citrus and caramel notes to our light and fruity signature whisky,” said Spirit of Yorkshire Whisky Director, Joe Clark. "Primarily matured in first-fill bourbon casks before a secondary maturation in specially selected ex-peated casks, this very special whisky brings a taste of the west coast of Scotland to the east coast of Yorkshire." “ As a distillery, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of whisky making, which is why we are always experimenting with different casks to finish our whisky in. We've had people asking for the return of Peated Finish ever since Batch #2 sold out, so we’re delighted to launch Batch #3.” Filey Bay Peated Finish Batch #3, 46% ABV, costs £65 and is available from the distillery shop, online and from selected specialist retailers nationwide. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery and is one of only a handful of distilleries that grows 100% of the barley used for whisky production.

Zonal is celebrating after scooping the award for the Hospitality, Hotel & Leisure Family Business of the Year at the prestigious Family Business of the Year Awards, hosted by Family Business United. Family business across the UK convened in London in the delightful grounds of the Royal College of Physicians to celebrate the contribution that family firms make to the national economy and to crown the winners of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2023. Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and with 6 million family firms employing around 14 million people in all corners of the country, making a massive impact every day. Zonal was established in 1979 when the late Ralph McLean created the first EPoS system which developed into the current hospitality tech suite used in thousands of businesses throughout the UK and the US. Today, Zonal remains a family business with Ralph McLean’s son, Stuart now CEO, and four family members on the board. Family values are important to the culture of the company and are at the heart of its relationship with its employees and customers. Commenting on the award, Stuart McLean said, “Zonal was honoured to win the Hospitality, Hotel & Leisure Family Business of the year at the Family Business United awards. Being a family business is something that we at Zonal are exceptionally proud of and to receive this recognition within the hospitality sector, is fantastic." "At Zonal we pride ourselves in being ‘part of the industry’ and this award demonstrates that our commitment to this is paying off. We are more than a tech company, we are, and always will be, proud to be part of the hospitality industry."

UK businesses have faced significant challenges in recent years; with Brexit, general elections, a global pandemic and the rising cost of living, every industry and sector has been impacted in some way. Despite these pressures, there is hope for the UK business sector. Analysis of data from Companies House has shown that a record 202,130 new businesses were set up in the UK in the first 12 weeks of 2023 which represents a year-on-year (YoY) rise of 6.5%. There’s no doubt that many businesses of all sizes will face further challenges. However, it is positive that these challenges are not preventing UK entrepreneurs across the country from setting up their own businesses, but where is the best place to launch a new venture in the UK? A new study by independent digital agency Dark Horse looks at key criteria collected by its data experts including the quality of life, the rate of new businesses opened (competition), internet quality, local education, transport services and GVA. To determine the results, data analysts obtained insight from ONS, Numbeo, the Fair Internet Report and the Department for Transport with data tied to UK cities. Each criterion was given a weighted score. The lower the overall score, the higher the city ranks in the list. Findings from the study reveals that Manchester is the best city to start a new business in the UK, achieving an overall score of 90. London, traditionally considered the business powerhouse of the UK, is a close second place with a score of 92. Sheffield, one of the fastest-rising cities in the North, ranks third with 93. The top 10 list also includes Birmingham (4th), Glasgow (5th), Brighton and Hove (6th) Cardiff (7th), Liverpool (8th), Luton (9th) and Leeds (10th). Results from the research also show that the North is a serious contender for new business. In fact, four cities in the top 10 are in the North, with three in the South. Birmingham is the best place to set up in the Midlands, Glasgow is the top city in Scotland, while Cardiff is the best city to set up a business in Wales. James Maxfield, data expert at independent digital agency Dark Horse, who analysed the results, explains: “In the past, location was considered everything in business - from logistics to networking it was the be-all and end-all, and to be successful you had to head south. But that’s just not the case anymore. Investment in infrastructure, talent acquisition, culture and the digital age has made it possible to set up a business pretty much anywhere in the UK." “This data clearly shows that businesses have the absolute potential to boom across the UK. As a northern company ourselves, it’s great to see a wide variety of cities rank in the top 10. There is no doubt that with effective investment and opportunities, businesses can grow, and cities can thrive as a result.” Top 10 Cities To Start A New Business In The UK In 2023: Manchester - 90 London - 92 Sheffield - 93 Birmingham - 100 Glasgow - 111 Brighton and Hove - 116 Cardiff - 120 Liverpool - 127 Luton - 131 Leeds - 137 Why Does Location Matter When Starting A Business? Location plays a significant role in setting up a business and should always be a top consideration - whether your business is physical or online. Some of the reasons why location matters include: Access To Customers: The location of a business determines its proximity to potential customers. Businesses that are situated in areas with high foot traffic or prospects are more likely to attract customers. Infrastructure: Businesses that require regular materials or products from suppliers or require distribution routes may find it easier and more cost-effective to operate in easily accessible locations. This can help to reduce transportation costs and lead times, making the business more efficient. Talent Acquisition: Location can also impact an employer's ability to attract and retain talent. Some regions may have a larger pool of qualified workers than others, while cities with a high quality of life can be a great incentive for talent to make the jump. Competition: Some industries or niches may be more concentrated in certain locations, and this can impact the ability of a new business to succeed. Higher competition can influence everything from business acquisition or hiring highly qualified staff. Networking And Collaboration: Whether it’s building strong relationships in the industry or working with other enterprises, networking is important for any business. Businesses located in areas with high concentrations of relevant businesses, industry associations, and other relevant resources will have more opportunities to build relationships and access support. Local Regulations: Local regulatory requirements can vary significantly depending on location, across the UK, which can also vary depending on the industry and sector.

A packed day of high-octane action at the Hendy Performance Open Day attracted thousands of motoring fans to Thruxton Motor Circuit at the weekend. The annual open day was bigger than ever before, with hundreds of cars on display and more than 6,000 fans, who were entertained by high-speed action on the track, stunning sports, classic, and new cars and celebrity guests. “This year our combination of motoring attractions and family entertainment was a winning formula,” said head of brand performance Harry Pearson. “This is our third year hosting the event at Thruxton, which is the ideal venue to offer a wide range of activities and attractions.” Highlights of the day included on track action from Hendy Ambassadors, as well as precision driver Paul Swift, and more than 600 static displays from performance car enthusiasts who showcased everything from Fords to Ferraris. The open day also provided the perfect backdrop for Hendy to showcase some of its sports and performance brands from across the group, including Maserati, Lotus and MOKE. New cars turning heads at the show included the Maserati Gran Turismo and Lotus Eletre, both attracting an excitable stream of admirers throughout the day. The new family fun area was a huge hit with children of all ages and Harry said there had been tremendous feedback from visitors on the day. “Our aim was to provide plenty of entertainment for families with a focus on motoring but lots to amuse children of all ages too,” said Harry. “We had some incredible cars on display, so our thanks go to all of the owners who showcased their own pride and joy for everyone to enjoy.”

20% of small businesses encounter cash flow problems thanks to late payments. During this crucial half year stage for many businesses, Legateca , a leading platform for professional legal service providers, is drawing attention to the critical issue of late payments, revealing in new findings, that a concerning one-third of payments to small businesses across the UK are not made on time. The average value of each delayed payment stands at £6,142, causing significant cash flow challenges for small UK enterprises who rely on cash flow. This growing problem has also resulted in 20 per cent of small businesses encountering significant cash flow issues, hindering their growth and sustainability. Late payments have become a pervasive obstacle for small businesses across industries, impacting their ability to manage their finances effectively. With an estimated 5.9 million small businesses in the United Kingdom alone, the consequences of this issue are far-reaching. Legateca's analysis indicates that if small businesses were paid promptly, the economy could experience a boost of approximately £2.5 billion annually, leading to increased productivity and overall economic growth. Umair Zahid, CEO for Legateca, expressed concern about the significant impact of late payments on small businesses. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, contributing substantially to job creation and innovation. However, the prevalence of late payments is impeding their ability to thrive and fulfill their potential. It is crucial for both businesses and policymakers to address this issue promptly and implement effective measures to ensure timely payments." To combat this issue, Legateca calls for small business owners to be brave and take the necessary legal action in order to encourage timely settlements. Umair adds: “So often we see that small businesses are the losers in the game of chasing payments, they’re often strapped for time and resources, with a big emphasis on confidence too - especially if they are going up against bigger organisations. This doesn’t and shouldn’t have to be the case. If work was undertaken and business owners know that they fulfilled their duties but haven’t been paid - they have every right to claim their money.” As the issue of late payments to small businesses continues to persist, Legateca remains committed to raising awareness, offering solutions, and collaborating with businesses and policymakers to drive positive change. Umair concludes: “By addressing this pressing concern, we can create a more resilient and thriving small business sector, ensuring a stronger economy for all.” Zakia, an SRA-regulated freelance solicitor with extensive experience in Commercial Litigation and Business Debt Recovery says. "It's really important for small businesses to have a robust and proactive debt recovery process for late payments, which includes take legal action where necessary and efficiently and in a timely manner. I have spoken to many small business owners, who have said they didn't know they what steps to take to recover payment for overdue invoices, it's often overlooked but not having a clear process will impact cash flow thus impacting the overall stability of the business."

An unusual horticultural artefact from the Victorian era has been unearthed at a Lake District hotel on the shores of Windermere. The ornate limestone rockery and water garden has been discovered at the south end of Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa during pruning work and the removal of overgrown foliage around the venue’s grounds. Believed to have been originally created sometime in the mid to late 1800s, the water garden features an extensive limestone rockery with three pools – a larger one and two smaller ones linked by mini waterfalls. It was discovered by the hotel grounds team whilst clearing overgrown paths under 12 inches of leaf mould and debris. The most likely date for its original construction is at or around the hotel’s rebuild and re-opening in 1859 after a major fire in 1856. It is thought that the water garden was buried and lost most probably during the second world war while the hotel was closed. When it re-opened after the war, there would not have been the staff to look after the grounds as there had been in its earlier heydays of the 1930s. Executive chairman of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Simon Berry explains: “We’re keen to find out if any local historians can shed any further light on the provenance and background of the water garden and the limestone used to create it, as we have no official record of when it was installed and last seen. It doesn’t appear in Michael Berry’s book about the 300-year history of Low Wood Bay and Lakeland tourism." “It seems that at some point it became overgrown and disappeared from sight until now. There have been small pieces of limestone unearthed over the years, so there was always an idea there that there was something there, but we did not realise the scale of the garden or that it included ponds and waterfalls until the latest grounds work." “We are very pleased that this feature of the resort’s grounds is now back on show for guests and visitors to enjoy.” The hotel has installed a new water circulation system for the ponds and repaired leaks from them but other than that, the water garden is intact and as originally found with no stones moved from where they were uncovered.