97% expect strong year for UK business
An overwhelming majority of UK businesses are expecting 2015 to be as good as, if not better than, 2014, with just 3% predicting a worse year, according to an economic outlook survey by Silicon Valley Bank.
UK scheme to promote alternative lenders to be running by 2016
(Reuters) – A British government scheme requiring banks to refer small firms rejected for loans to alternative finance providers should be up and running by next year, the managing director of the British Business Bank said.
Now is the time for business to engage apprentices
Having been ignored for decades, apprenticeships are back for good. According to the government, ‘over 2.1m people have started apprenticeships this Parliament, with a six-fold increase in higher apprenticeships started since 2009-10’. The number is planned to increase and there’s an apprenticeship voucher scheme on the way, scheduled for roll-out in 2017. In yesterday’s Budget from Chancellor George Osborne, the apprentice wage went up by 57p an hour to £3.30 – equivalent to an annual salary increase of over £1,000 for a full time worker.
UK airport conference to unite trade associations
The first united UK aviation conference is to be held this autumn bringing together the sectors main trade associations.
Office of Asian Fire Service Association opens
Director General, Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122), Dr. Rizwan Naseer inaugurated the first International Office of the Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA) of the United Kingdom at the Emergency Services Academy to enhance the capacity of the trainers, revise curriculum of training, and strengthen mutual cooperation between the AFSA and Rescue 1122 in future.
Simon Powell appointed South-West representative of British Antique Dealers’ Association
Simon Powell has been appointed South-West regional representative for the British Antique Dealers’ Association.
Glamorgan wicket-keeper Mark Wallace re-elected as Professional Cricketers Association chairman
Glamorgan wicket-keeper Mark Wallace has been re-elected as the chairman of the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
Liverpool Commonwealth Association bids to boost trading links
The Liverpool Commonwealth Association will be officially launched next week in a bid to strengthen trading links between the city and UK Commonwealth countries.
CJAM strengthens its team with two senior appointments
CJAM is strengthening its team with two senior appointments. Yvonne Lidgate joins as business development manager to help generate new business opportunities for CJAM’s marketing and association management clients, while Lucy French joins as Account Director to develop and lead creative, high impact marketing campaigns.
UK vehicle manufacturer association makes call to “stop demonising diesel”
The UK Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is lobbying the UK government and local authorities to encourage adoption of new Euro IV diesel vehicles and improve air quality.