Business

Read more:
How cross-border comparison platforms are quietly influencing UK consumer expectations

Market volatility often strikes fear into the hearts of many investors. When prices swing wildly, headlines scream about crashes, corrections, and chaos.

Yet, for the prepared and informed investor, volatility isn’t just turbulence—it’s opportunity. The key lies in knowing how to navigate these shifts strategically. Here are 10 ways you can profit from market volatility instead of fearing it.

Buy Quality Stocks at a Discount

Volatile markets often create temporary price distortions. Strong, profitable companies can see their shares drop simply because investors panic. This gives long-term investors a chance to buy quality at a discount.
Focus on companies with solid balance sheets, low debt, and consistent earnings. Think of volatility as a seasonal sale—if you believe in a company’s long-term potential, buying during downturns can yield exceptional returns when stability returns.

Trade Volatility Itself

For more active traders, volatility isn’t just a condition—it’s an asset. There are instruments like the VIX (Volatility Index) and VIX futures that allow traders to speculate directly on volatility.
When markets grow uncertain, the VIX tends to spike. Savvy traders who anticipate this can profit by holding long volatility positions or by trading exchange-traded products (ETPs) linked to volatility. However, these instruments are complex and often short-term, so they’re best for experienced investors.

Use Options Strategically

Options thrive in volatile markets to understand how to invest in stocks. Higher volatility increases option premiums, creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
If you expect big moves, buying calls or puts can provide leveraged exposure with limited risk. Conversely, if you expect prices to stabilize, selling options—such as covered calls or cash-secured puts—can generate income from inflated premiums.
Options trading requires knowledge and discipline, but when used properly, it can turn volatility into a consistent profit source.

Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

One of the simplest yet most powerful strategies during volatility is dollar-cost averaging—investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, regardless of market conditions.
When prices drop, you buy more shares; when prices rise, you buy fewer. Over time, this smooths out your purchase price and reduces the emotional burden of timing the market. DCA is ideal for long-term investors in mutual funds, ETFs, or retirement accounts.

Diversify Across Asset Classes

Diversification is an investor’s best defense—and offense—against volatility. When equities swing, other assets like bonds, commodities, or real estate may move differently.
Adding uncorrelated assets such as gold, Treasury bonds, or defensive sectors (like utilities and healthcare) can stabilize returns. A well-diversified portfolio not only reduces downside risk but also positions you to capture gains from various market segments moving independently.

Short-Selling or Inverse ETFs

If you believe the market or a specific sector is due for a fall, short-selling allows you to profit from declining prices. However, short-selling requires borrowing shares, and potential losses are theoretically unlimited.
For most investors, inverse ETFs offer a safer alternative. These funds rise when their underlying index falls, letting you hedge your portfolio or speculate on downturns without the complexities of shorting individual stocks.

Invest in Defensive Stocks

During turbulent times, not all sectors are hit equally. Companies providing essential goods and services—like consumer staples, healthcare, and utilities—tend to perform better because demand for their products remains stable.
By rotating part of your portfolio into these defensive stocks, you can reduce volatility exposure while still staying invested. Many of these companies also pay consistent dividends, offering income even when capital gains are uncertain.

Capitalize on Dividends and Yield Opportunities

Volatile markets often push investors toward income-producing assets. Dividend-paying stocks, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), and bond funds can provide steady cash flow even as prices fluctuate.
When stock prices fall, dividend yields rise, creating opportunities to lock in attractive income streams. Focusing on companies with a history of increasing dividends—known as Dividend Aristocrats—can help you combine growth with stability.

Stay Liquid and Be Patient

Cash is often overlooked as an investment tool, but in volatile markets, liquidity is power. Holding cash reserves allows you to act quickly when opportunities arise—such as buying undervalued assets or rebalancing during market dips.
The ability to deploy cash strategically, rather than being forced to sell at a loss, can make the difference between surviving volatility and profiting from it. Patience, in this context, becomes a competitive advantage.

Use Technical Analysis to Identify Entry and Exit Points

In fast-moving markets, timing matters. Technical analysis—studying price charts, trends, and volume—can help traders identify when to enter or exit positions.
During volatility, momentum indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Moving Averages can signal oversold or overbought conditions. While technical tools aren’t foolproof, combining them with fundamental insight helps traders make more informed decisions.

Turning Fear Into Profit

Market volatility can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also what keeps markets dynamic and full of opportunities. The greatest investors—from Warren Buffett to George Soros—have all profited during turbulent times not by avoiding risk, but by understanding and managing it.

The key is preparation. Diversify, manage risk, stay informed, and keep emotions in check. Panic selling and chasing trends are common mistakes that destroy wealth. Instead, develop a strategy that fits your goals and risk tolerance.

Volatility is a constant in modern markets—fueled by geopolitics, interest rates, technology shifts, and investor psychology. You can’t control it, but you can control your response. Whether you’re a long-term investor buying discounted assets or an active trader capitalizing on price swings, there’s always a way to turn volatility into profit.

In the end, volatility rewards the disciplined, punishes the impulsive, and favors those who see beyond the noise. If you can stay calm when others panic, volatility becomes not a threat—but your greatest ally.

Read more:
Market Volatility: Here Are 10 Ways to Profit

Building a workplace team that operates efficiently and harmoniously is one of the greatest achievements for any organization. Effective teams don’t just complete tasks, they inspire collaboration, boost morale, and drive innovation.

Developing this kind of synergy doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional effort, trust-building, clear communication, and shared goals that align with the company’s vision.

When a team functions effectively, each member’s strengths complement the others. Ideas flow more freely, productivity increases, and the work environment becomes more supportive. Whether your business operates in an office, remotely, or in a hybrid model, understanding the fundamentals of teamwork can help you build a group that performs at its best.

Establishing Clear Goals and Defined Roles

Every great team starts with clarity. Without well-defined objectives, employees may struggle to understand priorities or measure progress. Leaders should communicate the team’s mission and expectations from the outset, providing direction while allowing room for creativity and individual contribution.

Clarity extends beyond big-picture goals. Team members need to know their specific roles and how their work connects to others. When responsibilities overlap or remain unclear, confusion and frustration can arise. To prevent this, leaders should outline each person’s duties and establish accountability measures.

Modern collaboration tools can help maintain visibility. For example, teams managing multiple projects or deadlines can use a Virtual Scrum board for agile sprints to organize tasks, track progress, and visualize workflows. This digital approach enhances transparency, ensuring everyone knows what stage a project is in and who is responsible for each part. The result is smoother communication and fewer bottlenecks.

Fostering Open and Honest Communication

Communication forms the foundation of every effective team. When employees feel comfortable expressing ideas and concerns, creativity flourishes, and misunderstandings decrease. Leaders should model transparency by sharing updates regularly, providing feedback, and encouraging team members to do the same.

Regular check-ins, whether weekly meetings or informal one-on-one discussions, help maintain alignment and address issues early. In hybrid workplaces, using multiple communication channels such as chat platforms, video calls, and shared workspaces ensures that no one feels left out of the loop.

Equally important is active listening. Encouraging employees to listen attentively to one another promotes empathy and understanding. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to contribute confidently and collaborate effectively. Constructive dialogue builds trust, allowing the team to handle conflicts with professionalism rather than defensiveness.

Building Trust and Accountability

Trust is the invisible glue that holds a team together. Without it, collaboration suffers and productivity slows. Establishing trust requires time, consistency, and respect. Leaders play a crucial role by being dependable, keeping commitments, and demonstrating fairness. When employees see that leadership values integrity, they’re more likely to emulate that behavior.

Accountability complements trust. Team members should meet deadlines, deliver results, and take responsibility for their mistakes. When accountability is shared rather than enforced through fear, it fosters a culture of improvement. Instead of blaming others when challenges arise, effective teams focus on solutions and collective learning.

Recognizing achievements, both individual and team-based, reinforces this culture. Public acknowledgment of hard work motivates employees and reminds them that their contributions matter. A workplace built on trust and recognition becomes a space where people feel secure enough to innovate and take risks.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity in the workplace enhances creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making. Teams that include individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives are better equipped to find innovative solutions. Inclusion, however, ensures that diversity translates into active participation and respect.

Encouraging open dialogue about different viewpoints allows team members to learn from one another and challenge their assumptions. Leaders should cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of role or experience. Offering equal opportunities for input and advancement demonstrates that all voices matter.

Training programs that focus on communication styles, unconscious bias, and cross-cultural awareness can strengthen inclusivity efforts. A team that celebrates differences builds a stronger foundation for collaboration and long-term success.

Encouraging Autonomy and Empowerment

Micromanagement stifles creativity and motivation. Instead, empowering team members to make decisions within their areas of expertise fosters ownership and initiative. When employees feel trusted to lead parts of a project, they become more engaged and committed to its success.

Empowerment doesn’t mean a lack of structure, it means providing the resources, training, and authority necessary to perform effectively. Leaders should establish clear expectations while giving employees flexibility in how they achieve them. This balance allows for accountability without unnecessary oversight.

Encouraging autonomy supports professional development. Employees gain confidence as they take on responsibilities and develop new skills, contributing to both their growth and the team’s collective strength.

Maintaining Motivation and Morale

Even the most skilled team can falter without motivation. Keeping morale high requires consistent recognition, realistic goals, and opportunities for growth. Regularly celebrating milestones, whether through team lunches, virtual shout-outs, or company-wide announcements, reinforces a sense of achievement.

Workload balance plays a major role in maintaining motivation. Overburdened employees are more likely to experience burnout, which can ripple through the entire team. Periodically reassessing workloads and redistributing tasks when necessary shows that leadership values employee wellbeing.

Professional development is another key motivator. Offering workshops, mentorship programs, or access to online learning platforms encourages continuous improvement. When employees see that the company invests in their growth, they’re more likely to stay engaged and loyal.

Managing Conflict Constructively

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but how it’s handled determines whether it strengthens or weakens the team. When disagreements arise, addressing them promptly and respectfully prevents resentment from festering.

Leaders should encourage direct, honest communication between the parties involved rather than allowing issues to escalate. Mediation can be useful when emotions run high, ensuring that discussions remain productive. The goal is to identify the root cause of the conflict and collaborate on a fair resolution.

Utilizing Technology to Streamline Collaboration

Modern teams rely heavily on digital tools to stay connected when working remotely or across time zones. Selecting the right technology can significantly boost productivity and efficiency.

Project management software, communication apps, and shared document platforms make it easier to coordinate efforts and maintain visibility. For example, cloud-based tools allow team members to update progress in real-time, ensuring that everyone remains informed regardless of location.

Encouraging Continuous Improvement

A highly effective workplace team never stops learning. Regular feedback sessions, performance reviews, and retrospective meetings provide opportunities to evaluate what’s working and what could improve.

Encouraging employees to voice their ideas for improvement creates a culture of shared responsibility. When people feel that their suggestions are valued, they’re more likely to contribute insights that lead to meaningful progress.

When every member understands their role, feels valued, and has the tools to succeed, collaboration becomes natural and productivity soars. With thoughtful leadership and a supportive environment, a team transforms from a group of individuals into a cohesive force capable of achieving extraordinary results, both for the organization and for one another.

Read more:
Keys to Creating a Highly Effective Workplace Team

In commercial construction, aluminium doors are quickly becoming the B2B material of choice for projects in which durability, aesthetics and long-term return on investment are key.

Aluminium is increasingly favoured by commercial developers, contractors, façade engineers and architects for external and internal systems, and it’s not purely about the look of the material. In almost every aspect of lifecycle economics, structural performance, and regulation compliance, aluminium doors are a better option than most of the ageing alternatives. At Aluprof, Europe’s leading aluminium systems company for commercial-grade windows, doors and façades, product design and development has been guided to perfectly align with the B2B market’s new generation of requirements, delivering material-performance for projects backed up with genuine and recognised European and global compliance.

Why Aluminium Is Now The B2B Go-To Material

Buildings have gotten bigger. The window-to-wall ratio has increased. And there’s been a step change in attention paid to building regulation over the past five years. For all of these pain points, aluminium door packages are a solution where no other material comes close to the performance and economy of the metal. Aluminium is predictable under thermal loads, supports larger glass sizes, and complements façade and curtain walling products with precision fit and aesthetics. For architects, the material allows small views, contemporary aesthetics, and wrap-around elegance to the entire elevation:

For developers and contractors, the decision is even more straightforward. Aluminium door systems and aluminium windows provide low maintenance during service life over decades, predictable performance for decades, and the best return on investment per square meter of any material. Aluminium systems simply don’t shrink, swell, or distort over time and in weather, UV, and heat/cold cycling in the way non-metal systems are prone to do. This directly feeds into replacement cycles, operation costs and owner or facility manager headaches:

Aluprof’s Winning Hand: Material Systems, Not Components

That’s problem one solved with Aluprof’s systems. Aluprof delivers aluminium window systems, aluminium door systems, curtain walling, fire-rated systems and façade solutions engineered to work together seamlessly. As a B2B partner, this means:

Matching profiles across product ranges and accessories
Planned and predictable installation flows
Reduced risk at trade interface points
Common performance data
Common compliance and testing data, CE and certificates

This matters as a pain point as radical designs and multi-trade integration are greater than ever on commercial projects. When an aluminium door system operates in the same element as windows and a façade, this reduces exposure risk at project handover and improves onsite speeds.

Thermal, Acoustic And Fire Performance — Non-Negotiable Now

The commercial sector is rapidly shifting to this higher standard of building envelope performance. Year by year, demands for insulation and requirements for acoustics are growing. How to meet them? Even classic solutions like aluminium doors from Aluprof are developing. Thanks to the use of thermal breaks, the optimal sealing, and the frame design, they are becoming more and more insulated systems that meet the needs of energy-efficient and low-energy buildings.

Equally Important: Fire Coefficient

What about fire? It seems that this is the factor that the investors first begin to take into account. Mismatch for fire-rated solutions will not be possible in projects where it is easy to make construction decisions regarding the fire safety and comfort of users in the event of a fire.

Freedom Of Aesthetics As A Competitive Advantage

From the point of view of the B2B segment, it is still not enough. Buildings of the future are sold not only for technical properties, but also for aesthetics. Unfortunately, from the point of view of the end user, there is nothing to dream about when the developer is not able to propose a special project for a building where materials and solutions that do not have the required fire performance coefficient cannot be used.

Aluprof systems allow you to give architects the desired freedom of aesthetics in such a way that system performance will still be documented, verified and confirmed by certification institutions.

In Conclusion, It Is A Good Business Decision To Decide On Strength

What do we end up with? Aluminium doors — even in such mature technologies — are not only better suited to investor demand. And if we choose the product of one company, which provides a comprehensive solution at the system level when it comes to doors, windows, elevations and partitions with the fire performance coefficient, it becomes a good business solution that improves the construction process and strengthens the investment’s position in the secondary market.

Read more:
Why Aluminium Doors Are The B2B Material Of Choice For New Generational Commercial Buildings

The volume of data businesses manage grows rapidly, and with it, the demands for scalability, availability, and protection also increase.

In this landscape, cloud storage has become a fundamental component of IT infrastructure, particularly in environments that prioritize regulatory compliance and operational continuity.

Simply put, cloud storage enables files, databases, and systems to be stored on servers accessible via the Internet. More specifically, the data is hosted in data centers managed by specialized providers rather than relying on physical storage arrays or local hard drives. This makes it an efficient and flexible way to handle data, ensuring it’s always available and reducing the cost of local hardware.

How Does Cloud Storage Work?

Cloud storage systems rely on a distributed architecture, with data split into pieces and stored across multiple servers in different physical locations. This ensures that if one server stops working correctly, copies on other servers will help keep the data accessible. When a file is uploaded, it’s sent to the cloud provider’s infrastructure, where it’s encrypted, split into chunks, and replicated.  A centralized index stores metadata about access permissions and the file’s location, to ensure the system can retrieve the files rapidly later.

Cloud storage relies on web interfaces or APIs to enable access, and users can write, read, and manage data through command-line utilities or SDKs. In general, providers also offer access logging, version control, and security policies such as identity-based permissions and encryption. A notable aspect of cloud storage is that it scales depending on need, adding storage space as demand grows, and then releasing it the moment they aren’t needed anymore. This elasticity is valuable to users because it helps them manage costs without affecting performance.

Problems that Cloud Solutions Can Resolve In a Fraction Of Time

There’s a reason why cloud storage solutions for businesses have raised a lot of attention: they solve a great deal of the challenges companies face in their everyday operations:

Scalability

In business, scalability refers to a company’s ability to grow to meet increased demand. In other words, it’s about having the resources to boost revenue without a proportional increase of costs. The problem arises when the business grows, but it doesn’t have the necessary infrastructure to support this growth. It’s something that many entrepreneurs struggle with, but the good news is that cloud storage solutions are designed to address scalability issues by offering on-demand resources that can be scaled up and down depending on growth needs. This means that whenever a business expects growth, it doesn’t have to buy new hardware all the time.

Cost

Cloud providers come offer a subscription-based model, making it a cost-effective option and eliminating significant upfront capital expenditures. Thanks to its seamless setup as well as maintenance capabilities, the cloud is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses as well, and not just for large ones, because it helps them save money on utilities, hardware infrastructure, as well as other related expenses needed in traditional computing.

Data Security Concerns

The growing number of cyberattacks is showing that businesses must implement robust security measures if they don’t want to become a target as well. With cloud storage solutions, businesses get peace of mind knowing that their sensitive data remains secure. This is because they come with advanced security measures: for instance, encryption is the first line of defense which converts your data into an unreadable format, which requires a specific key to be decrypted. In other words, even if a malicious actor intercepts your data, it would be impossible for them to read or misuse the data since they don’t have the decryption key. Another feature that cloud storage solutions offer is multi-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security beyond a password, by verifying users’ identity through two or more authentication methods, be it a code or password which they receive on their phones. This way, it becomes much harder for hackers to access your cloud storage account, even if they do obtain your password.

Collaboration

Collaboration is another area where cloud storage solutions can bring lots of unique advantages. In the business landscape, remote work has become much more common these days, but it comes with various challenges which can be tackled easily by the cloud. Imagine your team being able to edit a document together in real time or sharing instant updates – these are features that can keep everyone on the same page while also saving time and can be a game-changer for your company. With cloud storage solutions, remote work will feel as connected as if your team were in the same office.  Here’s how cloud storage helps streamline workflows:

Unified platform: It helps store files and manage tasks in one place, which decreases the need to switch between different tools;
Automated notifications: It sends an alert whenever a file is updated or a task is completed, ensuring everyone stays informed;
Collaboration tools: It lets you assign tasks, establish project deadlines, and monitor progress within the platform itself;
Enhanced productivity: Since everything is accessible and organized in one place, your team can focus on getting the work done, which helps meet business goals effectively.

The Bottom Line

In today’s business landscape, where data is king, cloud storage solutions reign with iron-clad security, unparalleled access, and cost efficiency. Unlike clunky physical drives of the past, cloud storage allows you to collaborate with your team in real-time, share files easily, and scale your storage capacity with ease as your needs grow. Your data is transformed into an impenetrable code which no one else but you can decipher, files sync in harmony across all your devices, and there are no hefty upfront costs anymore.

With these features, you can say goodbye to the limitations of traditional storage solutions and embrace a more effective way to manage your data. So, take the time to assess your business’s specific needs, and let cloud storage be the foundation of your digital transformation and empower your organization to work smarter and achieve lasting success.

Read more:
Unlocking the Power of Cloud Storage for Business Growth

The UK is still grappling with what economists call the “productivity puzzle.” Since the 2008 global financial crisis, growth in output per worker has been sluggish when compared with international competitors such as the United States, Germany and France. Weak productivity holds back wages, dampens economic growth and limits our ability to fund vital public services.

The government has rightly recognised the need to kickstart growth. The Industrial Strategy identified eight key sectors with the highest potential, from clean energy to life sciences. More recently, the creation of Skills England signals a renewed national effort to boost technical and sector-specific expertise. These moves are essential, but they are only part of the puzzle.

The case for upskilling

Jules Bennington – Senior Policy Officer, Chartered Management Institute, explains that a dynamic economy depends on a workforce that can adapt, learn and innovate. Yet employer investment in training has struggled, falling by 28% since 2005, even as demand for employability skills continues to rise. Without decisive action to close skills gaps, the UK risks missing its growth ambitions.

Crucially, the challenge is not only about technical know-how. The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) has shown that essential employment skills such as collaboration, communication, organising, problem solving and decision making are fundamental to future success. These are the very capabilities that enable technical knowledge to be applied most effectively, unlocking productivity gains across every sector.

Core skills: The foundation of good management

These essential skills mirror the attributes of effective managers and leaders. They are embedded in the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Professional Standard for Management and Leadership, which sets out the behaviours, skills and competencies required to lead teams, drive innovation and manage change.

Strong management is not a “nice to have.” CMI analysis shows there are 8.4 million managers in the UK – around one in four workers. Yet most have never been trained. Our Better Managers research found that:

82 per cent were promoted without formal training, becoming “accidental managers.”
Half hold no management or leadership qualification.
One in three managers – including a quarter of senior leaders – have never received any formal management training.

International comparisons underscore the cost of this gap. Analysis shows that the UK lags behind countries such as the US, Germany and Sweden in management practices – a deficit linked to lower productivity.

Why management skills matter for everyone

Management and leadership skills are consistently identified as high-demand skills in Skills England’s assessment of where the need lies across priority sectors. The benefits of these skills extend across the economy – from advanced manufacturing to health and social care.

But good management is not just about hitting growth targets; it is also about creating good work. CMI research shows that having a supportive manager is the most influential factor in employees feeling valued and included. Effective managers are key to workforce development, staff retention, the adoption of new technologies such as AI, and the coordination of complex supply chains.

Wherever people work together, essential employment skills and good management are the glue that turns technical knowledge into tangible results.

Shared responsibility for action

Employers have a vital role to play, but they cannot close the gap alone. The steep fall in employer-funded training highlights the need for strong public policy. At the same time, businesses are calling out for higher-level skills, especially in management and leadership.

That is why CMI is urging the government to keep core transferable skills front and centre as the Apprenticeship Levy evolves into a broader Growth and Skills Levy. We need a system that allows employers to access high-quality, modular, accredited training – flexible enough to meet immediate business needs and rigorous enough to raise national standards.

A skills agenda for growth

Technical expertise will always be critical to economic progress. But without the essential employability and management skills identified by NFER and embedded in CMI’s Professional Standard, technical skills alone cannot deliver the productivity leap the UK needs.

If we want an economy that is globally competitive, resilient and inclusive, we must invest not only in people’s technical knowledge, but in how they work together to apply that knowledge. It is now time to ensure that core skills are recognised as the bedrock of productivity and good work.

NFER’s final report in the Skills Imperative 2035 programme will be published on Tuesday 25 November.

Read more:
Building core skills for a productive, high-growth economy

The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Historically focused squarely on safety and efficacy, the sector is now embracing a new priority: sustainability.

This shift is driving a revolution in pharmaceutical packaging, with companies actively seeking greener alternatives that reduce environmental impact without compromising the integrity of medical products. The move towards sustainability is not just a trend; it’s becoming a core part of business strategy, reflecting a broader awareness of corporate environmental responsibility.

This change is fuelled by several factors. Consumers and regulators are demanding more eco-friendly solutions across all industries, and pharmaceuticals are no exception. At the same time, innovations in material science are making it possible to develop packaging that is both sustainable and meets the stringent requirements for protecting sensitive medications. As a result, the industry is seeing a surge in new materials and designs aimed at creating a healthier planet.

This article explores the rise of sustainable pharmaceutical packaging. We’ll look at the key drivers behind this movement, the innovative materials leading the charge, and how the industry is adapting to balance sustainability with safety.

Why the Green Shift in Pharma Packaging?

The push for sustainable packaging in the pharmaceutical world is multi-faceted, stemming from regulatory pressures, consumer expectations, and a growing corporate commitment to environmental stewardship.

Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Goals

Governments and international bodies are setting ambitious environmental targets, and the pharmaceutical industry is taking note. Regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy are compelling companies to rethink their packaging strategies. Companies that proactively adopt sustainable practices are not only ensuring compliance but also positioning themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Growing Consumer and Investor Demand

Modern consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever. They are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company’s environmental credentials. This extends to the healthcare sector, where patients and consumers prefer products from brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Similarly, investors are prioritising companies with strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. By investing in sustainable packaging, pharmaceutical firms can enhance their brand image, build customer loyalty, and attract investment.

Corporate Responsibility and Brand Reputation

Beyond compliance and market demand, many pharmaceutical companies are driven by a genuine sense of corporate responsibility. Integrating sustainability into their operations is a way to align their business practices with their mission of improving human health. A strong commitment to sustainability can significantly enhance a brand’s reputation, fostering trust among patients, healthcare providers, and the wider community. It shows that a company cares not only for the health of individuals but also for the health of the planet.

Materials Leading the Sustainable Charge

Innovation is at the heart of the sustainable packaging movement. The industry is exploring a range of materials that offer environmental benefits while ensuring product safety.

The Return of Glass Packaging

Glass is making a major comeback as a preferred material for pharmaceutical packaging, thanks to its excellent sustainability credentials. It is infinitely recyclable without any loss of quality, making it a cornerstone of the circular economy.

Amber glass bottles, in particular, are highly valued in the pharmaceutical industry. They offer superior protection for light-sensitive medications, preventing degradation from UV and blue light, which is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of many drugs and supplements. The inherent inertness of glass also ensures that there is no chemical interaction between the packaging and its contents, preserving the purity of the product. By choosing glass packaging, companies can offer a solution that is not only safe and effective but also fully recyclable and environmentally responsible.

Innovations in Plastics and Bioplastics

While the industry aims to reduce plastic dependency, innovations are making plastics more sustainable. The development of mono-material packaging, made from a single type of plastic, simplifies the recycling process.

Bioplastics, derived from renewable sources like corn starch or sugarcane, offer another promising alternative. These materials can be biodegradable or compostable, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating plastic pollution. While challenges related to their barrier properties and end-of-life processing remain, ongoing research is paving the way for their wider adoption.

Paper and Paperboard Solutions

Paper-based packaging is another key area of innovation. Sustainably sourced paper and paperboard are being used to create secondary packaging, such as cartons and inserts, that are easily recyclable. Some companies are even developing paper-based blister packs and bottles as alternatives to their plastic counterparts. These solutions help reduce the overall plastic footprint and align with consumer preferences for renewable materials.

Looking Ahead: A Greener Future for Pharma

The transition to sustainable pharmaceutical packaging is well underway, driven by a convergence of regulatory pressure, consumer demand, and corporate initiative. While challenges remain in balancing sustainability with the rigorous safety and functional requirements of medical packaging, the industry is demonstrating a strong commitment to finding innovative solutions.

From the reliable and recyclable nature of glass to the cutting-edge potential of bioplastics, the future of pharmaceutical packaging is set to be greener. By embracing these changes, the industry can not only reduce its environmental footprint but also strengthen its role as a key contributor to global health and well-being. The journey is ongoing, but the direction is clear: a healthier planet and healthier people go hand in hand.

Read more:
Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging on the Rise

Energy giant SSE has announced a landmark £33 billion investment programme to modernise the UK’s electricity infrastructure, describing it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to transform how power is generated, transmitted and distributed across the country.

The Perth-based company said the five-year plan, running to 2029–30, will see it raise £2 billion from investors through a share placing and generate a further £2 billion from targeted asset sales. The move is designed to fund an ambitious expansion of its electricity networks and renewable energy capacity.

Shares in the FTSE 100 group surged almost 12 per cent after new chief executive Martin Pibworth unveiled the plans, bringing clarity to how the firm intends to finance its capital commitments and marking a bold start to his leadership.

Under the new strategy, SSE’s annual investment will treble to £33 billion, with about 80 per cent channelled into regulated electricity networks, which will now form the backbone of the business. The company said it would commit £22 billion to upgrading high-voltage transmission cables across the UK — infrastructure described as “critical to connecting renewables and removing existing constraints within the electricity grid.”

A further £5 billion will be spent on strengthening lower-voltage regional distribution networks in Scotland and southern England. The remaining 20 per cent of the budget will be split between £4 billion in renewables — primarily wind and hydro power — and £2 billion in flexible gas generation and other business areas.

Pibworth said the strategy was designed to help deliver a cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy system for the UK, while also stimulating economic growth.

“Our plans are built on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to upgrade the UK electricity network,” he said. “The accelerated investment is underpinned by secure UK government regulatory frameworks and will unlock much-needed growth across the wider economy, supporting thousands of jobs over the course of the plan.”

The company said over half of the funding would come from operational cash flow, with a third financed through borrowing, leaving only around 10 per cent to be covered by equity raising and asset sales. Analysts welcomed the clarity, noting that the scale of the fundraising was smaller than many had anticipated.

Ahmed Farman, an analyst at Jefferies, said: “The new plan brings clarity on the balance sheet and the company’s growth outlook. The £2 billion equity raise is towards the lower end of the scenarios previously discussed.”

SSE operates transmission cables in the north of Scotland and distribution networks in both Scotland and central southern England. It also owns and manages a portfolio of wind farms, hydroelectric stations and gas-fired power plants.

The announcement coincided with the release of SSE’s half-year results, which showed adjusted pre-tax profits down 28 per cent to £521.5 million for the six months to the end of September. The company cited weaker performance from its renewables arm, reflecting “less favourable weather and lower hedged prices,” with hydro output reduced after an unusually dry summer in Scotland.

Despite the short-term dip in profits, SSE’s multibillion-pound investment marks one of the most significant commitments yet to upgrading Britain’s electricity networks — a move analysts say will be essential to achieving national net zero targets and unlocking future renewable capacity.

Read more:
SSE unveils £33bn plan to upgrade UK electricity networks with £2bn investor backing

The government has agreed to reconsider its decision not to compensate millions of women affected by state pension age rises, after new evidence emerged during ongoing legal proceedings.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told MPs that ministers will withdraw from a forthcoming judicial review brought by the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign, while the newly uncovered material is examined.

The decision marks a significant shift in the long-running dispute over how women born in the 1950s were informed of changes to the state pension age. Campaigners argue they were not given sufficient notice of the increases that brought their retirement age in line with men, leaving many financially unprepared.

McFadden said the new evidence relates to previously unseen Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) documents from 2007, which had not been made available to his predecessor Liz Kendall when she ruled out compensation last December.

“As part of the legal proceedings challenging the government’s decision, evidence has been cited about research findings from a 2007 report,” McFadden told the Commons. “In light of this, and in the interest of fairness and transparency, I have concluded that the government should now consider this evidence. This means we will retake the decision made last December.”

He added that had Kendall been provided with the report, she would have “considered it alongside all other relevant evidence and material.”

In March 2024, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended that affected women should receive compensation of up to £2,950 each, which could have cost the Treasury around £10.5 billion. Kendall rejected that advice at the time, saying most people had been aware of the state pension changes.

McFadden, who was appointed Work and Pensions Secretary earlier this year, stressed that the new review “should not be taken as an indication” that compensation will necessarily be awarded. However, he said the government wanted to ensure that all relevant evidence was considered before any final decision is made.

Waspi campaigners, who have spent nearly a decade fighting for redress, welcomed the announcement but urged ministers to act swiftly.

Angela Madden, chair of the Waspi campaign, said: “For 10 years we have been fighting for compensation. The Government has fought us tooth and nail every step of the way. The only correct thing to do is to immediately compensate the 3.6 million Waspi women who have already waited too long for justice.”

The issue stems from the 1995 Pensions Act, which set out plans to raise the state pension age for women from 60 to 65, and later from the 2011 coalition government legislation that pushed the age to 66 for both men and women. Campaigners say communication failures by the DWP meant many women were unaware of the changes until they were close to retirement.

It is estimated that around 300,000 women affected by the policy have died since compensation was first demanded in 2015.

While McFadden has hinted at the possibility of modest welfare reforms to help balance the public finances, his decision to revisit the Waspi ruling signals a more conciliatory approach from the new Labour government — one that may seek to rebuild trust after years of contention.

Read more:
Government to review Waspi women compensation decision after new evidence emerges

The spirit of British enterprise took centre stage once again at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2025, held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, where the nation’s most innovative, resilient and purpose-driven businesses were celebrated in a glittering evening of recognition and entertainment

Following last year’s show-stopping ceremony where Trinny Woodall received the prestigious Inspiration Award, the 2025 edition continued to showcase excellence across industries, from sustainable innovation and technology to family business leadership and social purpose.

Hosted by ITV presenter Ranvir Singh, this year’s ceremony combined sophistication with spectacle. The evening began with an emotional piano performance by Lucy, the 10-year-old prodigy from Channel 4’s The Piano, setting a tone of inspiration and artistry. The event’s unique kinetic dance floor, powered by Pavegen technology, a finalist from last year’s awards, saw guests literally generate energy as they celebrated, with trees planted on a UK farm (managed by 2024 finalist Andrew Hulbert of Pareto FM) to commemorate the occasion.

Entertainment highlights included an appearance from comedian and impressionist Josh Berry, who delighted guests with impressions of political and sporting figures before being joined on stage by the real Louis Theroux for a keynote conversation.

The night also featured a message from Megan Jones, Vice Captain of the Red Roses, and a pre-recorded video from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, reinforcing the awards’ status as the benchmark of national business achievement.

The 2025 winners demonstrated the diversity and strength of UK enterprise, representing industries from tech and transport to food, healthcare, and sustainability. Among the most notable honours:
The Customer Loyalty Award: Travel Counsellors (Highly Commended: Behavet)
The Family Business of the Year: Warburtons (Highly Commended: Tulleys Farm)
The Lloyds Small to Medium-Sized Business of the Year: ADHD 360 (Highly Commended: Seven Seeded)
The Lloyds Sustainable Business of the Year: Tailored Lifestyle Group (Highly Commended: Logika Group)
The Dext Business Enabler of the Year: WRS (Highly Commended: Aim)
The Entrepreneur of the Year: Phil Anderton, ADHD 360 (Highly Commended: Helen Cannon, ISON Travel)
The Blick Rothenberg Mid-Market Growth Business of the Year: Realise Training Group (Highly Commended: Lucy Group)
The Scale Up Business of the Year: Tembo Money (Highly Commended: Rocksteady Music School)
The Lloyds Mid-Market Business of the Year: Tropic Skincare (Highly Commended: Olive Dining)
The New Business of the Year: Gigasure Services (Highly Commended: SheMed)
The Department for Business and Trade Exporter of the Year: AirPure International (Highly Commended: Paralloy Group)
The Small Business of the Year: Carnegie Group (Highly Commended: Little Soap Company)
The Innovation Award: ZED PODS (Highly Commended: DDK Positioning)
The Female Founder of the Year: Jo Tutchener-Sharp, Scamp & Dude (Highly Commended: Dr Sally Beattie and Emer Bustard, Lazy Day Foods)
The Vistage Growth Business of the Year: Modus Rail (Highly Commended: Public Digital)
The Purpose Before Profit Award: Resolve Care (Highly Commended: Scamp & Dude)
The Technology Business of the Year: Aspire Technology Solutions (Highly Commended: BigHand)
The Lloyds DE&I Champion of the Year: HaysMac (Highly Commended: Park Hall Resort and Spa)
The AI Solution of the Year: Luminance (Highly Commended: Super Benji)
The Employer of the Year: Intercity (Highly Commended: Harper Macleod)

Reflecting on this year’s event, Sarah Austin, Director of the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards, said: “The awards have become a true celebration of the people and ideas that define modern British business. From pioneering technology to community-driven leadership, our winners reflect the strength, creativity and compassion that keep the UK at the forefront of innovation. Following on from Trinny Woodall’s inspirational story last year, 2025 has proven once again that British enterprise is thriving.”

“We’re proud to provide a platform where businesses large and small can be recognised, connect, and grow — all while contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future.”

The Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards are the UK’s premier celebration of business success, recognising excellence across industries and company sizes. Supported by headline sponsor Lloyds Bank, the awards champion innovation, sustainability, and purpose-driven growth.
Since their inception, the awards have become a hallmark of prestige in the corporate calendar, offering winners not only recognition but also unparalleled networking and growth opportunities.

Read more:
Trinny Woodall’s legacy shines as British business leaders honoured at 2025 Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards