Pinterest data shows searches for ‘hanging plants indoor’ have reached a three-month high, reflecting the growing popularity of suspended greenery in interior design. Habulous, a British artisan homeware company, has responded to the trend by launching its own collection of ceramic plant hangers.

The planters, crafted from British clay, provide a stylish and sturdy home for indoor and outdoor plants. They are available in four signature colours—Pale Pink, Cornflower Blue, Off White, and Light Yellow—alongside a bold Cotton Candy option.

Nicky Edmunds, Founder and Creative Director of Habulous, says hanging planters offer a practical way for people to incorporate nature into their homes, particularly when space is limited.

“Hanging planters are perfect for those who want to get their biophilic fix but are tight on space,” she said.

“They can be affixed to ceilings, hung from mantlepieces or below shelves, bringing a touch of greenery to bedrooms, home offices, or living spaces. In fact, they’re a clever solution for adding life and style to any area, big or small. Their current popularity speaks to our innate desire to connect with nature.”

Biophilic design—the concept of integrating natural elements into indoor spaces—is increasingly influencing home décor trends. The rise in demand for hanging planters highlights how homeowners are looking for flexible ways to incorporate plants without taking up floor space.

Unlike mass-produced alternatives, Habulous’ planters are handmade, ensuring each piece has a unique finish. The brand prides itself on sustainable craftsmanship, using British clay to create long-lasting home accessories.

The new collection is available now, with prices starting from £28.

The post Habulous Launches Handmade Hanging Planters Amid Trend appeared first on EMC UK.

Germany holds the largest share of the Fortune 500 Europe list, with 79 companies, followed by the UK with 77, France with 67, and Switzerland with 36. However, nearly half of the 500 companies come from these four nations.

Despite Germany’s dominant representation, the most profitable companies are increasingly found in smaller countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, and Ireland. Even in southern Europe, companies from Spain and Italy have shown marginally better profitability than the regional average.

Fortune 500 Europe Top 10 Companies:

1. Volkswagen (Germany)
2. Shell (UK)
3. TotalEnergies (France)
4. Glencore (Switzerland)
5. BP (UK)
6. Stellantis (Netherlands)
7. BMW Group (Germany)
8. Mercedes-Benz Group (Germany)
9. Electricité de France (France)
10. Banco Santander (Spain)

Grethe Schepers, Lists Director for Europe at Fortune, commented on the pressures facing European companies, saying: “The 2024 Fortune 500 Europe list highlights the good and the bad, illustrating the challenges around innovation and competitiveness. While profits are up 7.6%, the decline in female leadership is worrying, with just 6.2% of companies now led by women, down from 7% last year. The technology sector, which accounts for only 2% of the total list revenue, continues to shrink in terms of profits and employment. In contrast, the financial sector has seen a significant boost, thanks to higher interest rates.”

Alex Wood Morton, Executive Editor for Europe, echoed these concerns, noting that the list mirrors trends seen in the US 20 years ago. “Europe is at a crossroads. This year’s ranking shows a strong presence of oil, gas, and car manufacturers—similar to the Fortune 500 in America two decades ago. The challenge for European companies now is to innovate at scale. Those that can adapt and embrace new technologies will thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.”

The release of the Fortune 500 Europe list coincides with the Fortune CEO Forum 2024, held in London today. This exclusive, invitation-only event will bring together 40 CEOs to discuss key business issues. Topics on the agenda include the responsible use of AI, improving European competitiveness, the transition to green energy, and navigating the changing landscape for consumers and workers.

The Fortune 500 Europe ranking is based on total revenues from the latest available fiscal year. Companies must disclose financial data and report to a government agency to qualify for inclusion. Revenue figures are presented as reported, with no adjustments made for changes in accounting practices.

The post Volkswagen Tops Fortune 500 Europe Amid Shifts in Profits and Leadership appeared first on EMC UK.

The survey shows that 28% of UK small businesses reported an increase in revenue over the past three months leading up to July 2024, a significant rise from 15% in January 2024. This growth is attributed to the expanding role of ecommerce, with 45% of businesses now generating more than half of their sales online, up from 41% in April 2023. Looking forward, 31% of businesses expect further growth in their online sales over the next quarter.

The data also indicates a reduction in cost pressures, with only 50% of businesses reporting rising operating costs over the past three months. This marks the lowest figure since the survey’s inception and suggests that more businesses are successfully converting revenue growth into profit.

As the autumn budget approaches, small businesses are expressing caution. There is speculation about potential changes to dividend tax thresholds, corporation tax relief, and other key tax policies, which could significantly impact their operations.

Pauline Green, Head of Product Compliance & Programs at Intuit QuickBooks UK, advises small businesses to take proactive measures ahead of the budget. “If you’re considering taking a dividend, it’s wise to do so before the budget, as thresholds may change,” she suggests. Green also recommends that businesses with spare cash consider reinvesting it or exploring available tax breaks, such as those for R&D and full expensing. Additionally, she advises businesses to ensure they collect outstanding payments promptly and review their tax year dates for possible cash flow benefits.

Green also highlights the importance of addressing Capital Gains Tax, especially for businesses considering the sale of assets due to shifts towards online operations or hybrid workforces. “If you’re thinking of selling assets, it might be prudent to act before any potential changes in tax regulations,” she adds.

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, comments on the findings: “It’s encouraging to see business confidence rising, particularly with increased revenue from ecommerce and easing cost pressures. However, challenges such as limited investment and global political uncertainties remain. The upcoming budget will be crucial for the Government to demonstrate its commitment to fostering economic growth and boosting business confidence.”

In summary, the QuickBooks survey highlights a positive trend for UK small businesses, marked by rising revenues and a growing reliance on ecommerce. Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding the forthcoming budget underscores the need for businesses to remain vigilant and prepared for potential changes in fiscal policies.

The post UK Small Business Revenue Surges Amid Ecommerce Growth appeared first on EMC UK.

The surge in searches reflects broader trends in education, with maths proving increasingly popular both at the tutoring level and within higher education. Google data reveals that searches for ‘maths tutor’ have surged significantly, highlighting the growing emphasis on securing academic support as the school term begins.

In addition to the spike in tutoring queries, interest in maths degrees has also increased markedly, with searches rising by 86% over the past five years. This suggests a growing recognition of the importance of maths skills not only for immediate academic success but also for long-term career prospects.

Jenn Stull, founder of Calcworkshop, commented on these trends, stating: “The recent uptick in searches for maths tutors reflects a heightened awareness among students and parents of the essential role that strong maths skills play in academic and professional success. Whether it’s for exam preparation or building confidence in the subject, the demand for tutoring is a clear indication of its perceived value.”

Stull also highlighted the growing interest in maths degrees, noting that students are increasingly aware of the benefits of a maths education in today’s technology-driven job market. “The rise in searches for maths degrees underscores the recognition of the subject’s importance in long-term career planning. As analytical and quantitative skills become more critical in a rapidly advancing professional landscape, investing in maths education is more crucial than ever.”

This trend underscores the shifting priorities in education as students and parents seek to equip themselves with the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly competitive and technologically driven world.

For further information on the rise in maths education interest and its implications, visit Calcworkshop.

The post Searches for Maths Tutors Surge Amid Back-to-School Rush appeared first on EMC UK.

The funding boost aims to fully cover the cost of the pay rise for teachers and support staff across the country. This move represents a crucial step towards the government’s goal of recruiting an additional 6,500 teachers. However, the broader financial challenges facing the public sector mean that other programmes, including the Advanced British Standard, will be cancelled.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the difficult economic climate outlined by the Chancellor but emphasised the importance of investing in education. “The Chancellor has laid out a grim picture – our public finances are in a devastating state and tough choices need to be made to help rebuild the foundations of the economy,” she said. “But while the impact teachers have on children and young people’s life chances can’t be measured in pounds and pence, those working in education must be in no doubt about their value.”

The 5.5% pay rise, effective from 1 September, will result in an average increase of over £2,500 per teacher, pushing the median salary for 2024-25 to more than £49,000. This adjustment applies to teachers in maintained schools, though academies will retain their discretion overpay and conditions.

In addition to the pay rise, the government has announced measures to ease teachers’ workloads and improve the attractiveness of the teaching profession. The requirement for schools to use the performance-related pay (PRP) system, which has been criticised for its bureaucratic processes, will be removed from September. This change aims to simplify the pay rise process and reduce administrative burdens on schools.

The government will also clarify that teachers can use their planning time at home, enhancing flexible working options. These initiatives are part of a broader effort by the Education Secretary to rebuild relationships with education professionals, including recent engagements with stakeholders and frontline staff.

The new pay award and funding injection underscore the government’s commitment to supporting educators despite broader financial constraints. As the education sector navigates these changes, the emphasis on valuing and investing in teaching is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of education in the UK.

For more details on the pay award and funding, visit the official UK Government website.

The post Teachers and School Leaders to Receive 5.5% Pay Rise Amid Funding Boosts appeared first on EMC UK.

ISAs are special bank accounts in the UK that allow tax-free savings, making them an attractive alternative to traditional savings accounts. Unlike regular accounts, ISAs have an annual limit on how much can be contributed each tax year. For 2024/2025, the cap is set at £20,000. This allowance can be divided among different types of ISAs, but each individual is limited to holding only one of each type. Notably, Lifetime ISAs have a smaller annual limit of £4,000.

There are four main types of ISAs available to UK residents:

1. Cash ISA: Available to anyone aged 16 and over, this ISA functions similarly to a standard savings account but with the added benefit of tax-free interest.
2. Stocks and Shares ISA: Aimed at those over 18 interested in investing, this ISA allows for tax-efficient medium- to long-term investments, often through pre-selected portfolios with varying levels of risk.
3. Innovative Finance ISA: This option offers peer-to-peer lending rather than traditional investments in cash or shares. However, it’s crucial to note the inherent risks, as there’s always a chance of losing the money invested.
4. Lifetime ISA: Exclusively for those aged 18 to 40, this ISA is designed for long-term savings, either for retirement or purchasing a first home. The government incentivises saving by offering a 25% bonus on contributions made each year.

One of the key advantages of ISAs over regular savings accounts is their tax-free status. Interest earned in an ISA is exempt from tax, unlike in a regular savings account where interest above £500 for higher-rate taxpayers or £1,000 for basic-rate taxpayers is subject to taxation. Additionally, ISAs often come with competitive interest rates, with some easy-access accounts offering up to 5%, while most high-street banks typically offer between 1.75% and 3.25%.

Another benefit of ISAs is the flexibility they offer. Funds can be withdrawn at any time without losing the tax-free status, though it’s important to check with your bank as some providers may impose fees or specific rules. However, withdrawing money can reduce your annual allowance unless your ISA is flexible, a point worth confirming with your bank.

The Chancellor’s budget announcement also introduced a new ‘British ISA’, an extra £5,000 annual allowance for investment in UK-based companies. This initiative, still under consultation, would require 75% of investment funds to be held in eligible companies trading on UK stock exchanges. Although it won’t come into effect in the 2024/2025 tax year, its introduction could encourage more domestic investment. However, questions remain about whether providers will adopt this new ISA, given its strict requirements.

While ISAs continue to be a reliable and tax-efficient way to save, the evolving landscape of savings products, including the proposed British ISA, highlights the importance of careful consideration and research before choosing the right account. As personal finance experts at Wealth of Geeks suggest, understanding the various ISA options and their benefits can help savers make informed decisions that best suit their financial goals.

For more information, visit https://wealthofgeeks.com/.

The post Experts Highlight ISAs as Best Option for Tax-Free Savings Amid New Government Plans appeared first on EMC UK.

The Horizon IT system, implemented by the Post Office in 2000, faced scrutiny as it falsely accused hundreds of sub-postmasters of fraudulent activities, leading to wrongful convictions. Despite the identification of significant accounting flaws in the software as early as 2010, the Post Office persisted in prosecuting individuals until 2015.

The controversy surrounding the scandal resurfaced during the holiday season, with an ITV drama titled ‘Mr Bates vs the Post Office’ thrusting the issue back into the spotlight. A judge-led inquiry is currently underway, delving into the far-reaching consequences of the Horizon IT debacle.

Vennells, who served as the Post Office’s chief executive from 2012 to 2019, broke her silence in a statement, acknowledging the immense toll the scandal took on the lives of sub-postmasters and their families. She stated, “I express sincere regret for the devastation caused to the sub-postmasters and their families, whose lives were torn apart by being wrongly accused and prosecuted due to the Horizon system.”

Despite maintaining her silence earlier due to the ongoing inquiry, Vennells conveyed that she had heard the calls from sub-postmasters and others demanding the return of her CBE. In an effort to demonstrate accountability, she declared the immediate return of the honour and pledged to focus on assisting the inquiry until its conclusion.

The move follows Chancellor Rishi Sunak expressing robust support for initiatives seeking to revoke Vennells’ CBE. The widespread public condemnation, evidenced by the substantial petition, underscores the gravity of the situation and the demand for accountability in the aftermath of the Horizon IT scandal.

Simultaneously, pressure is mounting on Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, a former Post Office minister, who faces accusations of neglecting to address the unfolding scandal during his tenure. Davey, in his defense, asserts that he was misled by Post Office executives at the time and took action based on the information available to him.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has entered the discourse, revealing that he is actively considering the introduction of a bill to overturn the convictions of sub-postmasters ensnared in the scandal. The potential legal intervention aims to rectify the miscarriage of justice suffered by these individuals who were wrongly accused and prosecuted based on the flawed Horizon system.

The Horizon IT scandal has sent shockwaves through the Post Office and the broader community, prompting a reexamination of accountability within the organization and the need for systemic reforms to prevent such injustices in the future. As the judge-led inquiry progresses, the return of Paula Vennells’ CBE serves as a symbolic gesture, but the pursuit of justice for the affected sub-postmasters remains at the forefront of public consciousness.

The post Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells Returns CBE Amid Horizon IT Scandal appeared first on EMC UK.