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North West Business Remain Optimistic About Their Trading Outlook As Confidence Falls
Business confidence in the North West fell by ten points to 49% in September. Firms’ own trading outlook dropped by one point to 57%, while optimism in the economy decreased by 19 points to 41%. Overall UK business confidence fell 12 points in September to 41%
P.ublished 30th September 2026
Businesses Are Racing To Adopt Ai. But Are Employees Being Left Behind?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
AI is moving rapidly from an experimental technology to an everyday part of business, reshaping how organisations communicate, make decisions, manage employees and interact with customers. But as businesses race to capture the productivity and efficiency gains, another issue is becoming increasingly important: trust.
P.ublished 30th September 2026
Paxon Launches As Bnode's Unified Global 3PL Brand
Chris Peeters
Bnode has officially launched Paxon, its unified third-party logistics (3PL) brand, bringing together leading logistics businesses across Europe, Asia and North America. Combining eCommerce fulfilment and point-of-sale logistics expertise, Paxon helps brands simplify complex supply chains and expand across markets.
P.ublished 30th September 2026
Business Gives Burnham A Cautious Welcome – But Says The Budget Is The Real Test
Andy Burnham Photo: Gov.UK
Britain's business leaders have broadly welcomed Andy Burnham's first Labour Party Conference speech as Prime Minister, praising his willingness to confront difficult choices on pensions and public spending – while making it abundantly clear that warm words will count for little unless next month's Budget eases the pressure on firms.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
Streaming Shift Plays Into Zoo Digital's Hands As First-Half Revenues Climb
Back catalogue fuels the recovery ZOO Digital Group plc, the AIM-listed localisation and digital media services partner to the global media and entertainment industry, expects first-half revenues of at least $23.0 million, an increase on both halves of the previous financial year.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
UK & EU Business Join Forces On Made In Europe
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is backing a joint statement from its Chambers in Europe for the UK to be part of the EU’s emerging ‘Made in Europe’ framework. The statement warns that treating the UK as a conventional third country would ignore decades of co-operation and the deeply integrated supply chains between the UK and EU.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
Integra Buildings Set For Record Year As Modular Construction Business Invests In Growth
Modular construction business Integra Buildings has forecasted record financial performance as it prepares for a special year in 2027 and a major programme of investment. The Yorkshire-based company is on track to deliver turnover of over £55m and pre-tax profits exceeding £6m in 2026 – both figures the highest in the company’s near 30-year history.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
Freeths Delivers 83% Revenue Growth Over Five Years
Law firm Freeths has announced record financial results for the year ended 31 March 2026, with turnover rising by more than 12% to £187.6 million and, despite a significant investment programme, profit up 8.2%. The results mark Freeths’ fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth, with turnover increasing by 83% over the past five years.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
Burnley At Centre Of Manufacturing AI Debate
Kevin Smith of Made Smarter North West, Leon Calverley of Door4, Mark Edwards of Seriun and Darren Bentham of The AI Works share practical advice on how manufacturers can adopt and get value from AI
Burnley manufacturers came together with technology experts for a major debate about how businesses can harness the huge potential of AI without getting lost in the hype.
P.ublished 29th September 2026
Healthcare Business Club Launches For Independent Practice Owners
Georgina Myers
A business club for owners of independent healthcare practices across the north west is being launched next week. The Healthcare Club will bring together opticians, audiologists and podiatrists for peer learning sessions where they can discuss the challenges they face in areas such as recruitment, employment issues, marketing, tax, growth strategies and acquisitions, and gain expert advice.
P.ublished 28th September 2026
Business Leaders Tell The Chancellor: Now Show US The Money
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
John Healey MP
Chancellor John Healey's pledge to back British industry and revive workplace training won a warm reception today, but business groups were quick to add a price tag.
P.ublished 28th September 2026
Alufold Windows Celebrates First Year Of Growth With 60% Expansion At Blackburn Factory
AluFold Windows Team Marks One Year Anniversary
Blackburn manufacturer AluFold Windows is celebrating its first year at Whitebirk Industrial Estate after expanding its premises by more than 60% and growing to a team of 35 people. AluFold Windows began fabricating aluminium windows and doors from its 56,457 sq/ft facility in August 2025.
P.ublished 28th September 2026
Growth Outlook Remains Negative For The Rest Of 2026
Firms across the private sector expect activity to fall in the three months to December (weighted balance of -14%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. The latest results extend a period of negative predictions for growth that has persisted since late 2024.
P.ublished 28th September 2026
Congestion Is The Biggest Headache For UK Business Drivers
With 59% driving more for work than last year and congestion ranked as business drivers' single biggest frustration
P.ublished 28th September 2026
Freeths Backs Microlub’s Growth With £7 Million Funding Round
Law firm Freeths has advised MicroLub, a deeptech ingredient solutions company, on its £7 million funding round led by Northern Gritstone.
P.ublished 28th September 2026
Heritage Scissor-Maker Whiteley Recognised For Excellence In Craftsmanship At The Artisan Founder Awards 2026
Heritage scissor manufacturer Whiteley has been named overall winner of the Excellence in Craftsmanship Award at the Artisan Founder Awards 2026, recognising its 266-year commitment to traditional scissor-making and its role in preserving an endangered craft.
P.ublished 26th September 2026
UK Maritime Regions Network Launches With Humber Buy-In To Strengthen Collaboration Across Coastal Economies
A vessel leaves Port of Immingham. ABP/ Karl Andre Photography
The Humber is part of a significant national collaboration launched on World Maritime Day, and celebrated this week. It is one of 11 founding clusters uniting to establish the UK Maritime Regions Network (UKMRN) - a new forum designed to amplify regional maritime intelligence and strengthen a joined-up approach across vital coastal communities.
P.ublished 26th September 2026
Standing Your Ground, Handling A Workplace Bully With Confidence
Ian Garner
Business Writer
Image by John Hain from Pixabay
Most people don’t expect to encounter a bully once they’ve left the school playground behind. Yet workplace bullying remains an uncomfortable reality across many organisations. It rarely appears as outright aggression; more often, it shows up through dismissive remarks, exclusion, or a steady pattern of behaviour that leaves someone feeling undermined.
P.ublished 26th September 2026
Northern Talent Tracker: This Week's Appointments
Ward Hadaway's newly qualified solicitors
Law firm Ward Hadaway has retained seven newly qualified solicitors across its offices in northern England following the completion of their training contracts.
P.ublished 25th September 2026
Retail Conditions Deteriorate Further In September
Image by Niek Verlaan from Pixabay
Retail sales volumes fell more rapidly in the year to September, while online retail sales declined at the fastest pace in nearly three years. Additionally, retailers reported cutting back on order volumes at the quickest rate on survey record (since 1983). Next month, retailers expect annual sales volumes to decline at a strong, albeit slower, pace.
P.ublished 25th September 2026
Northern High-Growth Businesses Boost Productivity As Turnover Outpaces Hiring
New High Growth 50 report reveals median turnover growth of 115%, with businesses scaling through productivity, technology and international expansion
P.ublished 25th September 2026
Changes To Taxation, Inflationary Pressures And Rising Costs Top Concerns For Cumbrian Businesses, Survey Reveal
Tax increases, inflationary pressures and rising costs are key concerns facing family, privately owned and owner-managed businesses in Cumbria, according to new research from accountancy and business advisory firm Armstrong Watson.
P.ublished 25th September 2026
AI Drives North West Growth, But Scale Remains Exception – New Research
Artificial intelligence (AI) is key to growth for North West businesses, but implementation at scale remains the exception – new research has found. Three-quarters (75%) of regional businesses surveyed as part of a report from BGF – the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor – and Beauhurst, view AI as a growth driver, outweighing the national average (66%).
P.ublished 25th September 2026
Order Books Strengthen And Output Decline Eases
Manufacturing order books improved for the second consecutive month according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Total order books were reported as below “normal” to the least extent since July 2023, with both total and export order books standing above their long-run averages.
P.ublished 24th September 2026
Innovative Offshore Wind Businesses Invited To Spin Into Northumberland
The Spin In accelerator programme is offering ambitious UK and international businesses the opportunity to establish themselves at the heart of one of the UK's leading offshore wind and clean energy clusters.
P.ublished 23rd September 2026
Aldridge Foundation And Brabners Launch A New Pathway Bringing Schools And Businesses Closer Together
The Aldridge Foundation and independent law firm Brabners, have announced a major new partnership involving Brabners’ True North network to tackle one of the most urgent challenges facing young people: the gap between education and employment.
P.ublished 23rd September 2026
White Hart Hotel Unveils New Era For Conferences And Events In Lincoln
King Richard II Suite
Following the recent completion of a £multi-million redevelopment programme, Lincoln’s White Hart Hotel is repositioning itself as a key conference and events destination, attracting businesses to the city. First built as a Lodgings House for the visit of King Richard II to the city in 1386, the hotel was acquired by local businessman and keen historian, Andrew Long, in July 2022.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
Greater Regional Decision-Making Will Help Boost Growth – North West Business Leaders Say
Angela Cross
Greater regional decision-making will have a positive impact on business growth, according to research from accountancy and advisory firm BDO LLP. North West business leaders believe that giving regional mayors and local authorities increased fiscal powers will boost growth over the next three years, with the majority (87%) backing a shift in decision-making.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
University Spin Out Scales Up With Finance Yorkshire Led £1.3m Investment
Sheffield based Productive Machines is eyeing expansion in Europe and the US following investment in its patent protected manufacturing machining technology. The company is a spin out from the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and was founded by CEO Erdem Ozturk and CTO Huseyin Celikag, PhD experts in the field of machine dynamics and vibration.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
North West Businesses Confident In Outpacing Wider UK Economic Growth
North West businesses are confident about their region’s economic growth, with almost half expecting the region to outperform the UK economy over the next 12 months, according to new findings from the Lloyds Business Barometer. Almost nine in ten (88%) are confident their region will see economic growth over the next three years, with 28% feeling very confident.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
New Icelandic Ambassador Vows To Build On Strong Relationship With Grimsby's Seafood Sector
Grimsby's seafood leaders have met with Iceland's new Ambassador to the UK. Thordis Kolbrun Gylfadottir has made the Humber one of her first visits, taking in both Grimsby and Hull, just weeks into the official role. Key officials underlined the importance of trade relations between the two nations.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
Tunstall Supports Blackpool Council’s Vitaline Service Transition To Digital Solution Ahead Of Switchover
Technology enabled care (TEC) provider, Tunstall Healthcare has supported Blackpool Council’s Vitaline service to migrate more than 5,000 telecare connections onto its SaaS monitoring platform, ensuring the council's technology enabled care service is ready for the digital switchover.
P.ublished 22nd September 2026
10 In 10 Danny Sullivan
Danny Sullivan, CEO and Founder of York-based B2B SEO and cross-platform visibility agency Nomada Digital, is the latest regional professional in the hot seat as we give him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions. What does a typical working day for you involve?
P.ublished 21st September 2026
“Carbon Neutral” Banned in the EU from September 2026?
Photo credit: Tunley Environmental | Envato Elements
From 27 September 2026, businesses marketing products and services to EU consumers will be subject to stricter rules on claims such as “carbon neutral”, “climate neutral” and “carbon positive”.
P.ublished 21st September 2026
Portakabin Manufacturing Facility In York Awarded International Safety Award By The British Safety Council
The team were presented with their award by Portakabin CEO, Dan Ibbetson.
The Portakabin Manufacturing facility in York has won an International Safety Award from the British Safety Council in recognition of its commitment to keeping workers and workplaces healthy and safe during the 2025 calendar year.
P.ublished 21st September 2026
GC Angels Launches Third Cohort Of Venture Forward Accelerator Programme
VF Cohort
GC Angels, the venture capital investment arm of The Growth Company - the largest social enterprise institution in Greater Manchester - has announced the third cohort of its Venture Forward accelerator programme. The Innovate UK-backed programme supports underrepresented founders from across the North of England to prepare for their first institutional seed investment round.
P.ublished 21st September 2026
Bank Of England Holds Interest Rates At 3.75pc Amid Inflation Fears
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has voted 6-3 to keep the base interest rate on hold at 3.75 per cent, resisting pressure to tighten borrowing costs despite fresh concerns over rising energy prices and persistent inflation.
P.ublished 19th September 2026
One In 10 Small Business Owners Now Spend A Full Working Day A Week On Social Media, Study Reveals
A new study by Markel Direct, the small business insurance specialists, has revealed the growing expectations many UK tradespeople and small business owners feel to maintain an active social media presence alongside running their business.
P.ublished 19th September 2026
Sustainability Concerns Present A Serious Barrier To AI Adoption For UK Small Businesses
Only three in 10 UK small business owners (31%) say they are using AI to support their enterprises – with 27% saying they either have no plans to use it, and a further 21% saying they don’t regard AI as relevant to their business - according to new research from Novuna Business Finance.
P.ublished 19th September 2026
Northern Talent Tracker: This Week's Appointments
Accountancy and business advisory firm Azets has expanded its northern operations with a partner appointment in Manchester alongside 23 trainee recruits across Yorkshire. David Tomlinson joins the Manchester corporate finance practice as partner within transaction services, following 17 years at PwC including a three-year secondment in Australia.
P.ublished 18th September 2026
Kendal College Calls On Cumbrian Employers To Grow Their Own Talent Through Apprenticeships
As businesses across Cumbria look to build the skills they need for the future, Kendal College is urging employers to consider whether their next team member could be an apprentice.
P.ublished 18th September 2026
Gilbanks Supports National Expansion With A Senior Appointment
Andrew Debenham
Premium serviced office provider Gilbanks has appointed former Instant Group senior director Andrew Debenham as commercial director as it prepares for the next stage of its national growth. Debenham brings extensive experience in driving company growth and customer retention across the property and proptech sectors.
P.ublished 17th September 2026
Grant Thornton Hosts Launch Event For Yorkshire's First Joint Trade Mission To India
Grant Thornton UK welcomed India's High Commissioner and the Mayors of West, South and North Yorkshire to Leeds last week, as the region prepares for its first-ever joint trade mission to India.
P.ublished 17th September 2026
Leeds Bathroom Retailer Expands
Sanctuary Bathrooms’ new 16,353 sq. ft. warehouse in Holbeck, Leeds Photo: Sanctuary Bathrooms.
Leeds-based bathroom retailer Sanctuary Bathrooms is expanding its operations after a record year for online revenue, leasing a new 16,353 sq. ft. warehouse in Holbeck and adding five new hires across marketing and warehouse operations.
P.ublished 17th September 2026
LHV Bank Moves To New Leeds Premises In ‘Northern Square Mile’ To Support Growing Business
FinTech bank, LHV, has moved into new, larger premises at Wellington Place in Leeds, a district increasingly known as the ‘Northern Square Mile.’ The relocation represents the Bank’s long-term commitment to Leeds, with the new office space chosen for its proximity to leading technical talent and its support for the Bank's digital-first, technology-led growth.
P.ublished 17th September 2026
Conference To Put Lived Experience At Heart Of Digital Accessibility Debate
A major conference bringing policy, industry expertise and lived experience together to tackle digital accessibility will be held in Newport this month, as new figures show more than a quarter of people in Wales are disabled. Access for All: From Policy to Reality takes place at The Riverfront Theatre on September 30th, running from 10am to 4pm.
P.ublished 16th September 2026
SimVenture Puts Yorkshire On The World Map With Global Student Competition
Yorkshire-based educational technology company, SimVenture is putting the region on the world map by bringing students from around the globe together for an international business simulation competition, with £2,000 in prize money up for grabs. SimVenture has opened entries for Evolve! 2026 - its annual global business simulation competition.
P.ublished 16th September 2026
The Padel Club Eyes Continued Growth After Raising Further £3m From NPIF II
The Padel Club, which owns and runs state-of-the-art padel centres around the UK, has raised £3m to accelerate plans to triple its footprint. The Wilmslow-founded company raised the money from NPIF II – PXN Equity Finance, which is managed by PXN Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
P.ublished 16th September 2026
Fintel Posts Double-Digit EBITDA Growth As Aim Group Sharpens Focus On Data And Technology
AIM-listed Fintel plc has reported a strong first half of 2026, with organic adjusted EBITDA up 11.2% to £11.8m and continuing revenue rising 5.3% to £38.6m, as the financial services technology group presses ahead with a strategy built around data, AI and higher-margin recurring income.
P.ublished 15th September 2026
Spencer Group Apprenticeships Open Doors Into Engineering For Young Women
(L-R) Grace Campbell, Alex Saltan, Lucie Metcalfe and Isla Thornton, and front row from left to right, Edward Mills, Jack Simms, Mason Gore and Josh Horne. Photo: Kai Bulliment, Spencer Group
Spencer Group has demonstrated its commitment to bringing more women into the engineering industry as it welcomed nine new apprentices to its growing team. Four of the new recruits are young women, meaning that, in this year’s cohort, the percentage of female apprentices is an impressive 44% - more than double the national industry average.
P.ublished 15th September 2026
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