The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has published a transformation document which sets out what patents customers can expect over the next 12 months, and details of upcoming changes to IPO’s services as part of the One IPO Transformation Programme. There will also be a number of important changes to the IPO’s services ahead of the new service for patents being launched in spring 2024. For further information please select the following link New patents service...
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Everyone has a brain. However not everyone uses their brain at work! People often come to work and appear to leave their brains along with their coat on the coat hanger. As a result, when they see things that aren't right, problems that need sorting then they do... nothing! To run a successful high growth business, you need everyone to use their brains. But it's up to you to make this happen. You need to...
All high growth businesses need to manage cash. Most businesses swallow up cash; high growth businesses positively devour cash. In most cases, businesses that fail, do so not because of a lack of profit, but because they run out of cash. It's an old but true cliché that 'cash is the lifeblood of a business’. So treasure your cash. In particular, rein it in wherever and whenever you can. For instance: Try to negotiate instalment...
The applications for this year's Small Biz 100 are now officially open! This year Small Business Saturday is once again highlighting 100 small businesses, one a day for the 100 days leading up to Small Business Saturday, 2 December 2023. The 100 have not only received exposure on Small Business Saturday's social media channels and in the local and national press, but also joined the Small Business Saturday team in London at receptions in both...
Find out more about your rights under the Equality Act 2010 and how it protects different characteristics. Everyone in Britain is protected. This is because the Equality Act protects people against discrimination because of the protected characteristics that we all have. This information is for employees, employers, individuals using a service, any organisation using a service and the public sector. Under the Equality Act, there are nine protected characteristics: age disability gender reassignment marriage and...
From 5 to 11 June 2023 is the 100th annual Bike Week, marking a century of celebrating everyday cycling for everyone. Bike Week 100 is all about workplace cycling and encourages as many workplaces as possible to support their staff to ride during the week, it can be anything from organising an event ride to simply encouraging staff to choose the bike instead of the car. This year, the UK's largest cycling awareness week is...
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has issued its next funding call, with a total funding pot of £2 million for projects that will lead to a step-change in company growth within the offshore wind sector. Projects can focus on one or more of the following areas that facilitate company growth: Investing in new equipment or facilities to increase manufacturing or service delivery capacity or capability. Developing and implementing new operational processes that will increase...
All workers are legally entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW). This includes temporary seasonal staff, who often work short-term contracts in bars, hotels, shops and warehouses over the summer. The National Minimum Wage hourly rates from 1 April 2023 are: £10.42 – age 23 or over (National Living Wage) £10.18 – age 21 to 22 £7.49 – age 18 to 20 £5.28 – age under 18 £5.28 – apprentice Employers who do...
Thinking ahead and preparing for what the weather may bring can make a real difference. There are some simple steps you can take to stay safe and healthy at this time of year – from preparing your home or business to taking care of yourself, your family and neighbours. The Met Office have advice and guidance including: 10 things you should do now to prepare for summer - Met Office 4 tips for staying safe...
World Environment Day 2023 on 5 June is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and held annually since 1974, it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world. This year the day is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matters. The steps governments and businesses are taking to tackle plastic pollution...