Demand for funding is set to rise in the next 12 months, as North West businesses set out their growth ambitions for 2025 – a new report has found.

Small businesses across the North of England are showing resilience and determination in their growth plans for 2025, outperforming many other UK regions in terms of confidence and ambition, according to new research from Novuna Business Finance.

The University of Hull has emerged as the UK's leading institution for artificial intelligence education, spearheading a northern renaissance in technology training.

In a blow to HMRC but a success for the not-for-profit sector, Philip Munn and Scott Harwood at audit, tax and consulting firm RSMUK, write that the UK courts have found that the UK VAT exemption for charity fundraising events infringed EU law, thereby granting relief to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. This marks the latest decision, post-Brexit, that considers the extent of EU influence on UK law and while this decision concerned an event that took place in 2016, it might still affect future court rulings for similar cases.

I attended a recent event, and one of the presenters represented the British Business Bank. I was surprised to hear that most business people at the event didn’t know anything about the British Business Bank (BBB). The BBB is a government-owned but independently managed economic development bank, wholly owned by the Department for Business and Trade.

ONS data that showed GDP rose by 0.1% in November 2024, following a decline in GDP of 0.1% in October.

An independent taskforce has met for the first time to ensure the North Sea’s strategic transition from oil and gas to a renewable future, while safeguarding up to 200,000 jobs. The North Sea Transition Taskforce brings together a diverse group of experts from industry, sustainability, supply chains, academia, and unions.

SimVenture has expanded into the Middle East following its win in the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards The EdTech company revenues have grown by nearly 40% this financial year. The Department for Business and Trade awards celebrate the international sales success of SMEs across the UK and are now open for entries.

Tunley Environmental is excited to announce its new strategic partnership with Algapelago, a pioneering company in marine natural capital and regenerative aquaculture. This collaboration is focused on advancing sustainable marine practices, with a particular emphasis on the potential of seaweed and kelp farming to address climate change and support nutrient cycling.

Airbnb has partnered with CAMRA to offer three cherished pubs in England and Wales a complete makeover of their spare room, valued at over £10,000. The redecoration, paired with hosting support sessions from an Airbnb Community Team advisor, is a pilot project aiming to help the pubs boost their income by welcoming more guests and to attract visitor spending to other local businesses. The project rolls out at a time when almost 200 pubs have been demolished or converted for other uses in the past 12 months due to increasing financial pressures.