Search Results for: welcome

UK marketing budgets bounce back in Q2, reversing previous decline

Stuart Mitchell

Following a reduction in marketing budgets for the first time in four years in the opening quarter, the latest IPA Bellwether Report revealed a robust rebound in advertising spending. Despite the challenges stemming from geopolitical and economic uncertainty, increased operational costs following April’s tax changes, as well as a general lack of confidence across the marketplace, the Q2 2025 IPA Bellwether Report highlights how firms adopted a resilient mindset and expanded their marketing expenditure. A net balance of +5.5% of panellists reported a rise in their total marketing budgets for…

Co-op Partners with The Hacking Games to Help Prevent Future Cybercrime

Stuart Mitchell

New initiative to identify and redirect young cyber talent announced In the wake of the recent cyber-attack it experienced, Co-op has announced a new strategic partnership with The Hacking Games, a UK-based social impact business, to help prevent cybercrime by identifying young cyber talent and channelling their skills into positive, ethical careers. Globally, cybercrime is expected to cost £12 trillion this year, and with 69% of European teenagers having committed some form of cybercrime or online offence, the initiative is part of Co-op’s long-term response to its own cyber-attack where…

Thrive Renewables secures £10 million from Triodos Bank UK to help fund growing renewables portfolio

Stuart Mitchell

Thrive Renewables plc has secured £10m of new lending from Triodos Bank UK to enable the renewable energy investment company to further its mission building new UK-based wind farms, plus solar and community-owned projects. The finance will also support longer-term initiatives, such as repowering existing assets to extend their operational life. The loan arrangement with Triodos is just one example of Thrive’s blended funding approach, focused on getting new renewable capacity built quickly and in a way that puts people and planet at the heart. This includes equity from its…

The Black British Business Awards 2025: A powerful agent for change

Stuart Mitchell

Thirty-six business leaders, innovators, creatives and trailblazers are named today as finalists for the Black British Business Awards 2025 (BBBAwards). Recognising exceptional performance of Black professionals and entrepreneurs, this is the premier UK awards ceremony of its kind, attracting nominees from some of the most prestigious global brands and founders of exciting UK businesses. Finalists this year come from companies including JPMorganChase, Goldman Sachs, Sephora, Dentsu Creative, LinkedIn and Kantar.  Now in its 12th year, the BBBAwards have already recognised more than 400 Black professionals and entrepreneurs for their contributions to…

Government plans for UK to become sustainable finance capital of the world

Stuart Mitchell

To help “unlock billions in clean energy investment”, the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has today outlined plans to support banks and large companies in developing climate transition plans when addressing the Climate and Innovation Forum as part of last months London Climate Action Week.   The UK is consistently ranked first in the world for sustainable finance, and 70% of FTSE 100 companies have already voluntarily developed many of the key elements of a transition plan. Widespread transition planning will help provide long-term certainty and clarity to help scale the sustainable…