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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.”

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.

Cool Crutches founder wins National Women’s Enterprise Week Award and Secures Funding Amelia Peckham, the founder of Cool Crutches, has won the National Women’s Enterprise Week (NWEW) Women's Launch Lab Competition to secure funding for her innovative and inspiring business. York based Amelia started Cool Crutches in 2006 with her mother Clare, after she suffered a spinal injury in a quad bike accident that left her partially paralysed from the waist down. She was unhappy with the NHS crutches she had to use, which were uncomfortable, and not suitable for long-term use. She decided to create her own crutches that were lightweight, comfortable and stylish. Since then, Cool Crutches has grown into a successful online business that sells crutches and walking sticks in various designs and colours. The company has received positive feedback from customers who appreciate the quality, comfort and style of the products, and have been used by celebrities such as Amanda Holden, Olly Murs and Dame Prue Leith. Amelia was one of the 12 finalists of the NWEW 2023, the first UK-wide celebration of female-led businesses, which took place from the 20th-22nd June. She impressed the judges with her story of resilience, creativity and passion, and won the award and funding for her category. She says she is thrilled and honoured to receive the recognition and support from NWEW, and hopes to use the funding to expand her product range and reach more customers who need walking aids. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity and for all the people who have supported me,” she says. “I want to show that having a disability or a chronic condition doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing your dreams and making a difference!”

A Scottish wholesaler with bases in Falkirk and Perth is now one of Scotland’s largest industrial suppliers, after its owner received HR support and signposting to grant funding from Business Gateway. Established in 1974, Diamond Industrial Supplies remains an independent company, supplying quality leading brands and products throughout Scotland and the North of England. It provides specialist tools, equipment and workwear nationwide, and also offers expert advice on everything it sells, from fasteners and fixings, right through to PPE and workwear. On a mission to drive change in the sector, Director, Craig MacMorran is committed to revolutionising how they hire, train and retain their staff. Looking to grow his business, and in search of expert guidance to develop the skills necessary for turning his ambitions for growth into a reality, he approached Business Gateway for support in May 2022. Craig’s local business adviser helped him identify various routes for growth by assessing the challenges the business faced around their organisational structure, job descriptions and staffing. After receiving HR support and undergoing a Skills for Growth project with Skills Development Scotland, Craig implemented new practices such as a new organisational culture, which helped to increase employee engagement, collaboration and the ability for the team to manage through change. Business Gateway was also instrumental in signposting Diamond Industrial Supplies for grant funding from Falkirk Council’s Resilience Fund, which went towards the rebrand and launch of their new website. This established Diamond Industrial Supplies’ digital presence, increasing brand awareness and generating a 27% increase in sales as a result. More recently, following advice from Business Gateway, the business has expanded its staff from 9 to 17 including recruiting two graduates through the Education and Training Unit programmes from Falkirk Council. Going from strength to strength, Diamond Industrial Supplies was also shortlisted for two categories the Herald Family Business Awards in 2022. Craig MacMorran, Director, Diamond Industrial Supplies, said: “I recently joined my dad and uncle in the company and soon realised I wanted to drive change and growth but needed guidance to make this happen. Having one-to-one support from Business Gateway has been excellent. My adviser was a safe pair of hands throughout the process and really helped me to unpack all the obstacles that come with growing a business.” Ally Kale, Business Gateway adviser, said: “We have been able to support Diamond Industrial Supplies with a range of Business Gateway’s services. It has been fantastic to watch the business expand and develop in the way Craig wished for. I look forward to watching them continue to grow in the future.”

Leicester College has revamped the Careers Hub at its Abbey Park Campus, improving the valuable resource for students looking for advice on future career paths. The Careers Hub re-opened on 20 June 2023 following a make-over, making it an even more welcoming space for adult learners and students over 19 years old. The Careers Hub is home to the College’s on-site National Careers Service team that offers free, impartial, information, advice and guidance. In addition to appointments at the Careers Hub, the team also offers phone, online, or email appointments Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. The College careers advisors are qualified careers guidance professionals with years of experience who are dedicated to helping students progress into education, employment or training. Dana Mowatt, Careers Lead at Leicester College said: “We’re delighted to re-open the Careers Hub after its revamp. It’s now an inviting space for students who are warmly welcomed to come and talk to our careers advisors." “Young people over 19 and adult learners can drop-in or make an appointment weekdays between 9am and 3pm. Every Wednesday, we run a CV workshop. The team can discuss goals with students and help them find a route to achieving them and resources to support them, such as interview techniques and help with applications.” Verity Hancock, Principal of Leicester College commented: "The new look Careers Hub is a really important resource for our students. Not everyone has a clearly defined plan for their future and the careers advisors can show students their options, whether that be more educational courses, training or employment." “We hope all of our students make the most of the Hub and feel free to drop-in or get in touch with them with any questions they have.”

Leading glass packaging firm, Croxsons, together with long-term customer, Eden Mill Distillery, have produced primary packaging for the launch of Ramsay’s Gin, a premium London Dry Gin launched in collaboration with the internationally renowned chef, Gordon Ramsay. Inspired by the Scottish landscape and with a focus on sustainable produce, Ramsay teamed up with the award-winning distiller to craft a gin that was far from ordinary, derived from the very best ingredients and giving a real taste of Scotland. The bottle therefore needed to be a unique design that weaved in elements of the chef’s personality and passion, reflecting a modern twist and liking for pushing the boundaries that Ramsay’s Gin represents. It was also important that the bottle’s production was as sustainable as possible, and that it was produced in the UK. In producing the primary packaging, Croxsons opted for a bespoke, clear 70cl bottle, made from 18% less glass than the industry standard, thereby representing a lower carbon footprint. Using the ‘R’ from Ramsay’s signature, Croxsons embossed the bottle throughout. In addition, intricate lines were included to represent waves lapping on the St Andrews shoreline – the sea being a shared passion of both Ramsay and Eden Mill. On closer inspection, each line weaves into a small fishtail at the base of the bottle, a representation in glass of the chef’s love of fishing. A small label panel front and back completed the look, together with a Croxsons GPI (Glass Packaging Institute) stopper. Commenting on the project, Matthew Turner, marketing director at Eden Mill Distillery, said: “From the outset, Croxsons stood out to us as a great partner for this project due to the company’s sustainable ethos and trusted reputation." “The process from start to finish was exceedingly smooth with Croxsons. They were on hand to help with design and any production queries, and we can’t thank them enough. Since launch, we have received comments on the distinct and modern nature of the Ramsay’s Gin bottle.” Croxsons’ CEO, Tim Croxson, added: “We are really pleased with the final product. The sustainable bottle looks incredible and the quality of the finishing adds a lot of extra value to the consumer. We look forward to being involved in future projects with Eden Mill as they continue to develop innovative and unique products.”

The Northern Engineering Division of one of the UK’s leading engineering and services firms, HE Simm Group, has won a £16m contract to deliver a commercial project as part of the new regional hub in Blackpool - that VINCI is constructing as part of Muse and Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway Regeneration Scheme. The contract, which will see the firm deliver a full MEP installation, over a 37-week programme, was awarded to the company following its ongoing, successful delivery, at VINCI’s New Victoria scheme for end client Muse Developments. Starting on site in November, and running through to September 2024, the company will also utilise its internal offsite manufacturing team, to provide a modularised roof top plant room amongst other modular items, including risers - to the value of three quarters of a million pounds. Greg Simm, Managing Director for HE Simm Engineering in the North, comments: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract, especially as it comes off the back of the work we are currently undertaking at New Victoria." “It will be the largest commercial scheme delivered by the Northern Engineering Division and we are looking forward to getting going in November.” Gareth Simm, Chief Executive Officer for the company, adds: “This contract award plays well into our continued diversification strategy, which sees more and more of our work completed in sectors including commercial, industrial and healthcare, whilst also staying true to our roots of delivering the very best MEP in the UK residential sector.” HE Simm was founded in 1948, 75 years ago this year. Since then, it has become recognised as a leading player in the design, delivery and installation of MEP, Fire & Security, Maintenance and Offsite Manufacturing capabilities across numerous sectors, for many long-term clients.

Forest Holidays and The Prince’s Countryside Fund have celebrated the success of their Rural Start-Up Fund, which has supported entrepreneurs and start-up businesses based in the rural areas of Britain since 2020. Bringing together the successful applicants whose businesses range from paddleboarding to plants, the business owners have shared two days together (14 and 15 June) at Forest Holidays, Delamere, to enhance their businesses, discuss learnings to date and introduce their work to like-minded entrepreneurs – including a paddleboarding session with SUP Lass Paddle Adventures. The business owners who took part in the event are: 1. Jamie Bending of Ergrownomics, based in Herefordshire, who was awarded funding in 2020 for a concept he began developing in 2011- a business specialising in the production of spatially-efficient growing systems and planters for home use. 2. Caroline Dawson of SUP Lass Adventures, who was awarded in 2023. Caroline owns SUP Lass, which was established in Nercwys, North Wales in 2021 during the Covid-19 lockdown, and prides itself in offering unique paddleboarding experiences that combine paddleboarding with local food, accommodation and the countryside. 3. Vicky Smith of West End Barns who was awarded in 2022. Vicky began West End Barns in March 2021 by selling homemade ice cream from the farm gate to people walking by during lockdown. Today, it’s a full-scale farm shop and favourite among locals in Harpenden. Charlotte Thorogood, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Forest Holidays said: “We’re proud to support local start up businesses. The last couple of days have been a great way to collaborate and learn from one another. The Start up Fund is just the beginning; we’re excited to watch these brands grow, and we want to continue to be involved in their journey.” Inspired by our royal founder, the PCF acts as a catalyst, enabling change and developing resilience through a unique network of grants, community-led projects and practical guidance. This is the reason Forest Holidays teamed up with The Prince’s Countryside Fund to create the Rural Start-Up Fund, an exciting opportunity for rural businesses to receive financial support as they embark on a new business venture. A total of £5,000 has been awarded to winning businesses or shared between a number of rural startups per year since the programme began. In addition, as part of the Rural Start-Up Fund, the successful applicants receive mentoring support from a relevant expert in the Forest Holidays team to further guide and support them. Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “The Prince’s Countryside Fund is delighted to be able to offer these opportunities to build innovative and community-led businesses through our partnership with Forest Holidays. It is great to be able to see how the entrepreneurial skills of the business owners are helping rural communities, and the importance of continued learning from our partnership with Forest Holidays informs the development of a sustainable business.”

The Lord Mayor and Admiral of the Humber is to stage his Lord Mayor’s At Home event at the Guildhall next month. The free event will allow residents to meet Councillor Kalvin Neal following his recent appointment to the prestigious role, as well as enjoying a cuppa and a piece of cake. It will take place in the magnificent Banqueting Hall of the Guildhall from 10:30am to 12:00pm on Saturday 15th July. There will be the traditional plant display, which this year has been sponsored by KWL, and the plants will be sold off in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal Fund, which this year benefits Hull4Heroes and Dove House Hospice. The Lord Mayor said: “I’m really looking forward to welcoming people to this event, which we traditionally hold each year." “It’s a great chance for us to get together, and to raise some money for good causes." “I’m really keen to meet as many people as possible in such a wonderful setting.”

Maldon-based Osea Leisure Park celebrates 90 years in business this month. Family owned and operated, the park has transformed from a camping facility for visiting pea-pickers in 1933 to the leading, innovative and community-focused business it is today. Always innovating and at the forefront of tourism and hospitality, the park has continued to move forward with this ethos and has continued to successfully grow its offering since its 80th birthday, including launching the iconic pastel beach huts located on the Blackwater Estuary, quadrupling the number of staff, doubling the size of the Deckhouse bar and restaurant, and successfully building up the meadows, a five star glamping and touring park. The Osea story began pre-WW2 in 1933, when Mabel Speakman opened the land to pea and fruit pickers for camping and to enjoy spending time with their families. Current Managing Director and Mabel Speakman’s great-granddaughter, Janie Robinson, has been directly responsible for the park's operation since 2007. Janie has continued to innovate to grow the business and pushed boundaries to develop an additional 33 acres of the park to offer luxury camping facilities on The Meadows, including the Glass House, the Royal Pod, the Malvern pod, safari tents and Shepard’s huts. Osea Leisure Park has always been part of Janie's life and she is proud of its heritage and the traditional, community values it was founded upon. The Park has been owned by four generations of the same family, great grandmother, grandmother, mother and current owner, daughter, Janie, since inception, and now provides holiday home owners with the perfect getaway, a friendly and hospitable ambience, where children can play in safe and secure surroundings. Never one to rest on her laurels, Janie bought back her Great Grandmothers home in 2015 and transformed it into a leading wedding and events venue, Vaulty Manor, which is owned by Osea Leisure Group and has a five star rating on Hitched. The employees of Osea Leisure Group work across both Osea Leisure Park and Vaulty Manor. Janie comments: “In the past 10 years, it has been so important for us to continue to innovate and find new ways to provide fun for all of the family. I am so proud of all that we have achieved including being able to employ more staff and expand our business, particularly given the challenges of the past three years due to the pandemic." “A lot has changed since 1933, but one thing that has remained constant is the need for families to have a place where they can relax, spend time together and be close to nature. We offer a home from home environment and create the community spirit that has continued to attract holidaymakers year after year to the park. We can’t wait to see what the next 90 years brings for Osea Leisure Park." Osea Leisure Park is an award winning Family Park from winning Best Campsite/Caravan Park at David Bellamy Gold awards through to gaining a four Star visit England excellence award. Today the park is fortunate to have many fourth generations of the same family as clients, including generations of the original pea-picking families. Many have grown up visiting Osea and now bring their families to the park to enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. The ideal location of Osea Leisure Park makes an abundance of outdoor activities possible including sea and fresh water fishing, the use of the beach, swimming, cycling, boating, kayaking and Kayak hire, bird watching and walking, with access to an exclusive menu and bar at The Deckhouse Bar and Restaurant. Janie and the team have worked hard to build relationships with local businesses and the community outside of the park, including holding regular family fun days and refurbishing the bar and restaurant facilities to attract more outside visitors. Supporting the local community is a priority for Osea Leisure Park and support includes sponsoring two teams at Maldon Rugby Club, where both of Janie’s children have played. In addition, Osea Leisure Park offers ownership opportunities of both new and used holiday homes, static caravans and beach huts, as well as Saltmarsh Point - an exclusive development of luxury lodges. Saltmarsh Point has 32 privately owned luxury holiday lodges within an exclusive enclave. A quiet and natural setting rich in wildlife, it is set alongside the beautiful coastline. An inspirational business women, Janie has had a successful career, including being the youngest female RAC Rally driver competing in the UK and Europe. Janie’s eldest son, Jack Robinson, is following in her footsteps and those of his great uncle from his father’s side as a racing driver, currently racing for Fox Motorsport, a local Maldon team. Jack races in a Ginetta car, who were originally friends of the family and based in Witham.

Airport parking specialist, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com), has received the exclusive ‘Park Mark Plus Award’ at its Gatwick car park, demonstrating its high-quality design and security. Awarded by the British Parking Association, Park Mark Plus is an elite award, achievable by only the highest quality car parks. APH Gatwick is the first airport park and ride site in the UK to achieve the award after undergoing a rigorous assessment by specially trained police assessors to ensure the site is safe for both car and owner. The assessment includes structural integrity, environmental credentials and exemplary customer service in addition to the mandatory requirements of the Park Mark Award such as security lighting, perimeter fencing and CCTV, as well as meeting Disabled Parking Accreditation criteria. This APH car park opened in 2019 and is located even closer to the airport than its previous site, resulting in shorter journeys for customers and faster transfer times to both airport terminals via dedicated shuttle buses. APH customers can choose from a range of parking options including Meet and Greet, Park & Ride, Self-Park and EV charging with each service ensuring vehicles are kept in a safe and secure parking space within the security-protected parking facility. Nick Caunter, Managing Director of Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) said, “Driving to the airport and parking with a proven operator is one of the easiest and most reliable methods of travelling to the airport, however we understand some travellers can feel nervous about leaving their car when going on holiday." "Sadly, there are stories published in the media around rogue operators but these stories represent a tiny minority of air travellers’ experience. The Park Mark and now the Park Mark Plus logo allows customers to choose a proven car park option and to travel abroad confident their car is parked in a safe, secure and properly managed car park.” Warren Bradshaw, Southern Area Manager for British Parking Association said, “It has been a great pleasure for me to have worked with the APH team on this journey towards achieving the Park Mark Plus accreditation, well done and well deserved.”