Business

Kemi Badenoch has pledged that a Conservative government would strip out all net zero requirements for North Sea oil and gas operators and focus solely on “maximising extraction” of fossil fuels.

In a speech in Aberdeen on Tuesday, the Tory leader is expected to promise that her party will “get all our oil and gas out of the North Sea”, dismissing emissions reduction rules as a burden on producers that drive up household bills.

“The UK is leaving vital resources untapped while neighbours like Norway extract them from the same seabed,” Badenoch said, adding that it was “absurd” to restrict drilling in pursuit of net zero targets.

A dramatic policy shift

The plan represents a major reversal of Conservative climate policy. In 2019 Theresa May’s government enshrined the 2050 net zero target in law, aligning the UK with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rises to well below 2C.

But Badenoch has argued that hitting net zero by 2050 is “impossible” and said she would scrap obligations for oil and gas firms to cut emissions or invest in carbon capture. The approach echoes Donald Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” stance in the US and diverges sharply from the Biden administration’s clean energy subsidies.

It also puts the Conservatives at odds with the Labour government, which has committed to banning new exploration licences. A government spokesperson said: “Exploring new fields will not take a penny off bills or improve energy security, but it will accelerate the worsening climate crisis.”

Industry and political reaction

The pledge has divided opinion. Trade body Offshore Energies UK said producing oil and gas domestically was vital while the country still relied on fossil fuels. Chief executive David Whitehouse said: “The choice is clear — do we prioritise our homegrown energy or sacrifice jobs to rely on imports? While we use oil and gas, let us produce it here responsibly, alongside an accelerated rollout of renewables.”

However, environmental groups and opposition parties condemned the plan. Tessa Khan of campaign group Uplift called it “reckless” and warned it would mean “more emissions, more environmental harm and more handouts to oil and gas giants at the nation’s expense”.

Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Tim Farron branded the move “irresponsible environmental vandalism”, while Green MP Ellie Chowns said: “The best option for British jobs and growth is investment in green industries, not clinging to the technology of the 20th century.”

The bigger picture

Scientists have warned that 2024 was the first year global average temperatures exceeded 1.5C above pre-industrial levels — the Paris Agreement’s lower threshold — making it the hottest year since records began.

The Scottish government has also urged caution. Gillian Martin, Scotland’s energy secretary, said the North Sea basin was “maturing” and that a “responsible approach” required planning for a transition to new fuels while protecting the North East’s skilled workforce.

The current Labour government points to “the biggest ever investment in offshore wind and three carbon capture and storage clusters” as evidence of its commitment to both energy security and climate goals.

With energy security and climate policy set to be flashpoints in the next election, Badenoch’s pledge underlines the Conservatives’ strategy to position themselves as the party of fossil fuel expansion — even as global pressure mounts to accelerate the shift to renewables.

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Tories pledge to scrap net zero rules and extract “all oil and gas” from North Sea

Business confidence in the UK has climbed to its highest level since Rachel Reeves’ first budget last October, though leaders warn the fragile recovery could be undermined by further tax hikes in the autumn.

The Institute of Directors’ (IoD) index of optimism rose to -61 in August, up from -72 in July, recovering from a record low but still signalling pessimism overall. The IoD said directors were now less worried about investment and headcount, with exports expected to expand despite disruption to global trade from US tariffs.

Hiring and investment intentions have edged higher, offering some relief to Reeves after criticism of her £25 billion national insurance rise on employers, which many argue has weakened the labour market.

A separate survey of 500 mid-sized businesses by consultancy BDO found 74% had already exceeded their growth targets for 2025, driven by stronger consumer demand and productivity gains from AI adoption.

Anna Leach, chief economist at the IoD, cautioned that the rebound in sentiment remained tentative.

“Business leader confidence has picked up slightly from July’s record low, but only to levels seen after the 2024 budget and during the early pandemic,” she said. “Hiring and investment expectations continue to swing back and forth as April’s tax rises ripple through the economy, while cost pressures remain stubbornly high.”

Nearly half of IoD members (47%) said the heavier tax burden had damaged their finances, while 59% complained specifically about the national insurance rise. More than three-quarters (76%) said they remained concerned about the wider economy despite August’s improvement.

The CBI warned separately that business activity is expected to contract in the next quarter, with professional services, retailers and manufacturers all signalling a slowdown.

Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist at the CBI, said: “Firms are already shouldering the cost of the government’s fiscal decisions. The autumn budget must not add to that strain with further tax rises that risk undermining investment and growth.”

Economists estimate Reeves must close a fiscal gap of up to £40 billion through either spending cuts or tax increases. Options under review reportedly include reforms to property taxes and adjustments to inheritance tax.

Labour pledged in last year’s election not to raise the main rates of income tax, national insurance contributions or VAT. That has left Reeves relying heavily on business taxation to repair the public finances.

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the economy grew by 0.3% in the three months to June, outperforming forecasts. But business groups warn that higher costs, regulatory pressures and uncertainty over fiscal policy continue to weigh on investment plans.

For now, confidence has bounced off record lows. But with tax hikes still on the table, business leaders fear the fragile recovery could prove short-lived.

Read more:
UK business confidence rises to highest level since budget, but Reeves’ tax plans spark concern

Seventeen years after its launch amid the global financial crisis, the Lewes Pound, the UK’s last surviving local currency, has ceased circulation.

First issued in 2008 in the East Sussex town of Lewes, the currency became a symbol of independence and community resilience, created to support small businesses and keep money circulating locally. But the steady rise of cards and digital payments has finally brought the experiment to an end.

The Lewes Pound was launched just as Lehman Brothers, capturing the imagination of the press and public. Organisers had hoped for 100 buyers and 25 participating businesses; instead, 400 people bought the first run of 10,000 notes, and 75 shops signed up. The quirky notes — including a £21 denomination — featured figures such as radical philosopher Thomas Paine, who lived in the town.

Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Towns movement, which inspired the currency, recalled the launch night at the Lewes Arms pub: “It was such a magical, amazing evening. It was beautiful.”

Despite its charm, some retailers admitted the scheme was cumbersome. Shops needed dedicated till space, and residents who lived outside Lewes found it difficult to spend. As cash use declined — from half of UK transactions in 2009 to a quarter by 2019 — enthusiasm waned.

David Skeet, who runs Lewes Flea Market, described the scheme as “a little bit haphazard”, but said he liked the idea. Frances Sterry of Cheese Please said it may have been “a kind of gimmick”, but one that celebrated independent business.

Supporters point to the social impact of the Lewes Pound. A donate-a-drink initiative at the Lewes Depot cinema redirected funds to food banks, giving families the means to buy from local shops. Susan Murray, former mayor and one of the scheme’s organisers, remembered a grandmother who used the currency to buy her grandchildren Christmas books for the first time.

“It just feels like a year of mourning,” Murray said of the closure, shortly after the death of her husband. “But the currency changed lives.”

The Lewes Pound was part of a wave of UK local currencies including the Totnes, Brixton and Bristol Pounds, inspired by Transition Towns and earlier schemes in the US and Canada. The movement even influenced Europe: after the Totnes Pound appeared in the 2015 French documentary Demain, dozens of French towns launched their own currencies.

Hopkins said the “rise of plastic” sealed the Lewes Pound’s fate, but argued its principles remain vital: “The thing about local currencies was they stayed in that place. Jeff Bezos couldn’t hoard Lewes Pounds.”

About £10,000 of remaining backing funds will now be donated to local organisations including the Friday Food Market and Lewes Climate Hub.

Miles Jenner of Harvey’s Brewery, one of the first adopters, reflected: “In Lewes there is always a swirl of enthusiasm around anything slightly off the norm and makes us stand out as being different. I don’t think any of us thought it would change the world, but it was something everybody got behind.”

For many, the Lewes Pound’s legacy is not in what it bought, but in what it represented: pride in place, resilience, and the power of local communities to think differently.

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Lewes Pound, UK’s last local currency, comes to an end after 17 years

One of the UK’s leading tech investors has urged pension funds to increase backing for British scale-ups, warning that too much of the upside from high-growth firms is flowing overseas.

Saul Klein, co-founder of venture capital firm Phoenix Court, said that the UK has become Europe’s leading hub for “thoroughbreds” — fast-growing tech firms with revenues above $100 million — but suffers from a chronic lack of domestic growth capital.

According to Dealroom data, the UK now has 191 venture-backed thoroughbreds and more than 600 companies generating revenues above $25 million. By contrast, only 20 per cent of the funding for these businesses comes from UK investors, leaving 80 per cent of the returns to overseas backers.

“For over a decade, venture capital has been gripped by unicorns,” Klein said, referring to start-ups valued at over $1 billion. “But the real test of a company is not valuation, it is fundamentals. The UK now has more than 800 scale-ups generating over £25 million in revenues — more than France, Germany and the Netherlands combined — making us second only to Silicon Valley.”

Companies highlighted as UK thoroughbreds include Revolut, Monzo, Tide and Multiverse. In earlier eras, Klein noted, firms such as Monzo and Revolut would already have listed on the public markets. Today, he argued, investors must view long-term growth as the true benchmark of success.

Europe is estimated to lag the US by $57 billion in later-stage growth funding, according to Dealroom. Klein said UK pension funds had a unique opportunity to fill this gap, both to boost domestic returns and to build long-term value for savers.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is already trying to encourage pension schemes to invest in private companies through her Mansion House accord. Klein said reforms could unlock as much as £200 billion of committed capital for scale-ups, with the British Business Bank now operating at “the scale of a sovereign wealth fund”.

“With the chancellor’s reforms, there is significant upside if local authority funds reach equivalent levels of commitment,” Klein said. “Yet only 20 per cent of the capital backing UK scale-ups is domestic. When these firms succeed, 80 per cent of the upside flows overseas to fund pensions and infrastructure abroad.”

Klein, whose firm Phoenix Court backs 54 UK scale-ups, said pension funds should see British tech as the engine of jobs, productivity and growth. “Britain must back the very businesses that are creating jobs, driving productivity and powering its future,” he said.

The warning comes as Reeves faces pressure to balance the books without stifling growth in the autumn budget. For many in the industry, unlocking domestic capital for UK scale-ups is seen as critical to ensuring Britain remains globally competitive in technology and innovation.

Read more:
Pension funds urged to back UK tech scale-ups as billions in returns flow overseas

The digital transformation of modern enterprises has created an unprecedented attack surface that extends far beyond traditional network perimeters.

As organisations increasingly rely on interconnected devices and systems, two critical security disciplines have emerged as essential components of comprehensive cyber defence: IoT cybersecurity and sheep dip cyber security. Understanding these complementary approaches is vital for any organisation seeking to protect its digital assets in today’s threat landscape.

The Growing IoT Security Challenge

The Internet of Things has revolutionised how businesses operate, with billions of connected devices now forming the backbone of modern industry, infrastructure, and smart enterprises. From sensors monitoring critical infrastructure to automated machinery on factory floors, these devices drive unprecedented efficiency and innovation. However, this hyper-connectivity has also created vulnerabilities that traditional security measures struggle to address.

IoT cybersecurity encompasses the protection of these interconnected devices and the networks they operate within. Unlike traditional computing systems, IoT devices are often designed with minimal processing power and memory, leaving little room for robust, built-in security controls. This constraint makes them particularly attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to infiltrate networks, disrupt operations, or access sensitive data.

The challenge of IoT cybersecurity is compounded by the diverse nature of IoT ecosystems. Manufacturing environments might include legacy industrial control systems alongside cutting-edge sensors, while smart buildings integrate everything from HVAC controls to security cameras. Each device represents a potential entry point for malicious actors, and the interconnected nature of these systems means that compromising one device can provide access to an entire network.

The Physical Threat Vector

One of the most significant yet often overlooked vulnerabilities in IoT cybersecurity relates to physical access points. Many IoT devices require periodic maintenance, firmware updates, or configuration changes that are performed using removable media such as USB drives. This seemingly innocent practice creates a critical security gap that software-based protections cannot adequately address.

The use of unverified USB drives for device maintenance introduces the possibility of malware directly into operational networks. A single compromised drive used to update firmware across multiple devices could potentially disable entire production lines or compromise safety protocols. In industrial IoT environments, such attacks can result in significant financial losses, equipment damage, and even physical safety hazards.

Understanding Sheep Dip Cyber Security

This is where sheep dip cyber security becomes crucial. The term “sheep dip,” borrowed from agriculture, refers to the process of thoroughly cleaning sheep before they join the flock. In cybersecurity contexts, it describes dedicated stations or kiosks designed to decontaminate removable media before use in secure environments.

Sheep dip cyber security solutions provide a hardware-enforced approach to threat prevention. Unlike software-based antivirus solutions that run on potentially vulnerable host computers, dedicated decontamination stations operate in isolated environments specifically designed to detect and neutralise threats without risking the wider network.

These systems typically employ multiple scanning engines simultaneously, combining various antivirus and anti-malware technologies to detect even sophisticated threats. The multi-layered approach ensures that polymorphic malware, zero-day exploits, and firmware-level attacks are identified and neutralised before they can reach critical systems.

Bridging the Security Gap

The integration of IoT cybersecurity principles with sheep dip cyber security practices creates a comprehensive defence strategy that addresses both digital and physical threat vectors. This approach is particularly valuable in sectors where operational continuity is paramount, such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and healthcare.

In manufacturing environments, for example, production systems often operate on isolated networks for security reasons. However, the need to transfer production data, update control systems, or install new configurations necessitates the use of removable media. By implementing proper decontamination procedures, organisations can maintain the security benefits of air-gapped networks while enabling essential operational activities.

Compliance and Audit Considerations

Modern sheep dip cyber security solutions also address the growing need for security audit trails and compliance documentation. These systems typically maintain detailed logs of all media interactions, recording what files were scanned, what threats were detected, and what actions were taken. This documentation is invaluable for demonstrating compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

For organisations operating in highly regulated sectors, the ability to provide comprehensive audit trails for all data transfers can be essential for maintaining certifications and meeting regulatory obligations.

The Future of Physical Media Security

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of comprehensive security strategies that address both digital and physical attack vectors will only increase. The combination of robust IoT cybersecurity practices with effective sheep dip cyber security measures provides organisations with the multi-layered protection necessary to operate safely in an increasingly connected world.

Investing in these complementary security disciplines is not merely about threat prevention—it’s about ensuring operational resilience and maintaining stakeholder confidence in an environment where a single security breach can have far-reaching consequences.

Read more:
The Critical Role of IoT Cybersecurity and Sheep Dip Cyber Security in Modern Threat Prevention

C Type printing is a popular photographic printing process that produces high-quality archival photographic prints using traditional light-sensitive paper and chemicals.

Known for its durability and vivid colour reproduction, C Type printing is favoured by professional photographers and artists for fine art projects. Its analogue roots marry beautifully with modern digital imaging, offering exceptional results for c type printing globally.

This technique, acclaimed for producing images with smooth tonal transitions, is ideal for exhibitions and portfolios. As awareness and appreciation for analogue photography grow, C Type remains a vital process for those seeking authentic, high-quality reproductions.

Key Takeaway:

C Type printing combines traditional and contemporary technologies, offering superior quality and longevity in photographic reproduction.

What Makes C Type Printing Stand Out?

Unlike inkjet prints, C Type uses light exposure and chemical development processes, resulting in photographs that are visually rich and texturally authentic. This method ensures each print captures the full spectrum of colours, maintaining fidelity to the original artwork. These qualities make C Type printing a preferred choice for art reproduction, where capturing the essence of the original piece is crucial.

The Process of C Type Printing Explained

The process begins with digital files being converted to a light-sensitive material. Once converted, these materials undergo a chemical development process, similar to traditional photographic printing, yet effectively combined with advances in digital editing. This blending of old and new allows for impeccable detail and depth in the final print.

One striking advantage of C Type printing is its ability to produce prints with consistent results across large editions, making it ideal for galleries and museums looking for bulk or specialty printing. The meticulous nature of this process demands a high degree of skill, ensuring each piece meets the exacting standards required by discerning art professionals.

Key Benefits of C Type Printing

Long-lasting archival quality with vibrant colors.
Accurate color reproduction that stays true to the original artwork.
Rich texture that enhances the visual appeal of prints.
Flexibility in size and scalability without loss of quality.
Smooth tonal transitions ideal for high-quality art presentations.

Key Takeaway:

Combining digital precision with traditional techniques, C Type printing delivers meticulous and consistent high-quality results.

Technical Considerations and Best Practices

When preparing images for C Type printing, attention to detail is paramount. Proper file preparation, including correct colour profiles and high-resolution images, ensures that the output accurately represents the original artwork. The process benefits significantly from utilising calibrated monitors and ICC profiles for precise colour management, essential for achieving the desired results in professional art and photography.

Paper Selection: Critical for Quality

The choice of paper can significantly affect the finished print’s appearance. Each type of paper offers unique textures and finishes, from glossy to matte, affecting the final aesthetic and feel. Selecting the appropriate paper is crucial for delivering the intended visual impact, tailored to the specific needs of the artwork or photograph.

Maximising Results with C Type Printing

To achieve the best results with C Type printing, understanding the interplay between digital preparation and traditional process elements is essential. This includes careful selection of paper types and attention to environmental conditions, which can influence colour accuracy and print stability. Studios utilising a controlled environment and skilled technicians typically yield the most reliable and visually stunning results.

Additionally, working with experts who understand the nuances of the process can further enhance the final product, offering insights into achieving optimal results whether for commercial, artistic, or personal projects.

Key Takeaway:

Partnering with knowledgeable professionals and employing meticulous preparation leads to superior C Type printing outcomes.

Incorporating C Type Printing in Various Applications

C Type printing is adaptable for various applications, from single prints for personal enjoyment to bulk orders for exhibitions. The ability to scale quality output with robust archival properties makes this an ideal method for preserving art and photography works for future generations.

Case Studies: Success in C Type Printing

Gallery Displays: Museums have successfully employed C Type printing for large-scale exhibitions, ensuring colour accuracy and durability that meets conservation standards.
Artist Portfolios: Artists use this medium to create limited edition prints of their work, offering patrons museum-quality reproductions that stay true to the original pieces.

These examples illustrate the versatility and reliability of C Type printing, underscoring its value as a tool for professional and artistic expression.

Conclusion and Further Exploration

C Type printing remains a benchmark for quality in the world of photography and art reproduction. As an artist or photographer, understanding the intricacies of this process can unlock new potentials in your work, providing a rich, vibrant expression through expertly crafted printing techniques.

If you’re interested in exploring the full potential of C Type printing, consider connecting with reputable printing studios that can offer detailed guidance and professional services tailored to your creative needs. This way, your projects will not only realise their artistic vision but will also stand the test of time.

Read more:
Mastering C Type Printing: A Comprehensive Guide

Dealing with an air conditioning issue during a heatwave can be incredibly uncomfortable.

Thankfully, with 24 hour aircon service, relief is just a call away. This service ensures that emergencies are handled swiftly, even in the dead of night, offering comfort and peace of mind round the clock.

Why 24/7 Air Conditioning Services Matter

When an aircon unit fails, it not only impacts comfort but can also disrupt operations, especially in commercial environments. Facility managers know that downtime means financial losses and potentially disgruntled tenants or customers. Here, a 24 hour aircon service becomes crucial, providing swift repairs that ensure systems are back up and running promptly, minimizing inconvenience. According to a study by the International Energy Agency, unexpected equipment downtime can cost businesses up to $260 billion annually, emphasizing the importance of reliable service.

Key Takeaways:

24/7 Aircon services provide safety and comfort at all hours.
Minimizes downtime and financial losses in commercial spaces.
Ensures tenants and customers remain satisfied.

Essential Benefits of Regular AC Cleaning

Clean air conditioners operate more efficiently, consume less energy, and promote healthier indoor air, which is particularly crucial in urban areas. With excessive use, dirt and dust accumulate, leading to decreased performance and higher energy bills. That’s why regular ac cleaning services are recommended. According to the US Department of Energy, properly maintained air conditioners can improve efficiency by 5-15%.

Besides extending the unit’s lifespan, regular cleaning prevents mold and bacteria buildup, which can lead to poor air quality and pose health risks. Effective ac cleaning enhances air quality, making it essential for both home and office environments.

How to Choose the Right Aircon Service Provider

When selecting a service provider, consider their experience, response time, and customer reviews. Companies with extensive experience, such as those with over 35 years in the air conditioning industry, typically offer knowledgeable and efficient service. They understand the nuances of different systems and can provide tailored solutions.

Furthermore, opting for a provider that offers transparent pricing and 24/7 availability, like the 24 hour aircon service, ensures you get honest service without hidden costs.

Factors to Consider:

Experience and expertise in the field.
Customer service and prompt response times.
Transparent pricing policies.
24/7 availability for emergency needs.

Signs Your AC Needs Immediate Attention

It’s vital to recognize when your aircon requires immediate service. Common signs include unusual noises, reduced airflow, and inconsistent cooling. Ignoring these can escalate into bigger problems, leading to complete system failures. Addressing these early with a 24 hour aircon service can prevent costly repairs. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers notes that early intervention can reduce repair costs by up to 30%.

Conclusion: Keeping Cool and Comfortable

In summary, maintaining your air conditioner through regular ac cleaning and utilising a 24 hour aircon service ensures optimal performance throughout the year. For businesses, this translates to satisfied customers and lower operational costs, while homeowners benefit from consistent comfort. For any air conditioning emergencies or maintenance, acting swiftly can save time and money.

Read more:
24-Hour Aircon Service & AC Cleaning: Beat the Heat Anytime!

These days, if you run a shop and ignore supply chain forecasts, it’s like driving downtown with no GPS. You might get by, but soon you could be stuck with piles of unsold winter coats in July, or see empty shelves when new sneaker drop hits.

Knowing roughly what folks might buy and when seems less a nice extra and more a must‑have to keep profits up. I spent a summer helping my cousin’s bike shop; we guessed orders and lost cash. So, let’s break down the basics, see real gains, and try simple tricks that can shift a business from reacting to planning.

These days, if you run a shop and ignore supply chain forecasts, it’s like driving downtown with no GPS. You might get by, but soon you could be stuck with piles of unsold winter coats in July, or see empty shelves when new sneaker drop hits. Knowing roughly what folks might buy and when seems less a nice extra and more a must‑have to keep profits up. I spent a summer helping my cousin’s bike shop; we guessed orders and lost cash. So, let’s break down the basics, see real gains, and try simple tricks that can shift a business from reacting to planning.

What is Supply Chain Forecasting?

Basically, forecasting a supply chain means trying to guess how many things customers will want later. We look at old sales numbers and spot patterns in the market. Then we throw in what the boss thinks might happen. If the guess is close, a shop can keep just enough stock. It can run the line at the right speed. And it makes sure the shelves aren’t empty.

Without a decent guess, two big headaches show up. First, overstocking – having way too many boxes sitting around, costing money on rent and risking stuff going bad. Second, stockouts – when a customer walks in and the item is gone, you lose a sale and maybe the shopper’s trust. Some folks say forecasts can’t catch sudden fads, so maybe a safety net is wise.

Effective forecasting, powered by robust demand planning software, bridges this gap by aligning your inventory with anticipated demand, creating a more resilient and profitable supply chain.

The Core Methods of Forecasting

Forecasting isn’t magic, it’s more like looking at what happened before and guessing what could happen next. I’ve seen teams rely on two big ways to do it, and they often mix ‘em. The first one—Quantitative—leans on numbers you can count. Folks assume the trends we saw last year will probably keep rolling, but that may mean they ignore sudden shifts. Typical tricks include:

Time series stuff, where you plot past sales and watch for ups and downs that repeat.
Causal models, which try to link demand with things like ads, the economy, maybe even the weather.

The second way—Qualitative—kicks in when you’re launching something brand‑new or stepping into a market where history’s thin. Then you ask people. You might run surveys to see if customers seem interested, or you might listen to sales reps who claim they know the crowd. Some companies even use the Delphi method, where a panel of experts writes down thoughts, revises them, and hopes to land on a common answer. That’s not foolproof, and some say it overcomplicates things, but it adds a human touch that pure numbers lack. I think it’s useful, yet it still feels a bit like guesswork.

The Transformative Benefits of Accurate Forecasting

Improving how well you guess future demand could mean more than just a tidier back‑room. It might splash out into every corner of the company and, if you’re lucky, put a few extra dollars in the bottom line. Nobody can tell the future perfectly, but even a tiny bump in accuracy may bring some solid wins.

Take a small shoe shop I know. When they stopped running out of popular sneakers, they actually sold more pairs each month. At the same time, they didn’t have to slam prices on the leftover boots that never moved. That alone kept their profit margin from slipping.

If you can trim the amount of stuff you keep on the shelves, the rent and insurance on those boxes drops, right? Less inventory also means a lower chance that something will sit there and go out of style before anyone buys it. That frees up cash for other projects, maybe a new marketing push.

Customers seem to notice, too. When the shop always has the right size in stock, people start trusting them more. They tell friends, they come back in a few weeks, and the whole thing builds a kind of loyalty that’s hard to copy.

Some studies from big universities say even a five‑percent lift in forecast accuracy can cut inventory costs by about ten percent and lift sales. But don’t count on it being a magic fix. It still needs good teamwork – sales, marketing, finance, and operations all have to read from the same forecast sheet, otherwise you’re just talking past each other.

In a world that feels more chaotic every day, a sharper forecast might give you a little clearer view of what’s coming. It isn’t a guarantee, but it could turn your supply chain into something that actually helps you stay ahead.

Read more:
Supply Chain Forecasting: Your Guide to Predicting Demand and Driving Growth

Jeremy Clarkson’s hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm is fuelling a surge in applications to agricultural colleges across the UK, with teenagers citing the show as their first introduction to careers in land management and farming.

While Clarkson is the star of the programme, admissions officers say the real inspiration for many applicants has been Charlie Ireland — the land agent and agronomist nicknamed “Cheerful Charlie”, who has become an unlikely ambassador for rural land management.

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) reported an 11 per cent increase in applications for its three-year rural land management BSc course compared with last year, with the version of the degree that includes a farm placement up 18 per cent. Applications for its two-year rural land management foundation degree rose by 14 per cent, while interest in its three-year agriculture courses climbed 4 per cent, and agricultural courses with farm placements grew 8 per cent.

Miles, an RAU spokesperson, said: “It’s looking like programmes like Clarkson’s Farm are having an effect. The interest goes beyond ‘I can do farming’ – there’s also rising enthusiasm for the range of professional roles involved in making farms succeed.”

At Harper Adams University, which runs its own 550-hectare working farm, staff have noticed a “ripple effect” at open days. Lecturer Andrew Black said Charlie Ireland’s role on the show had sparked curiosity among prospective students, while vice-chancellor Ken Sloan said the programme highlighted the mix of skills modern farming requires, from robotics and automation to land and property management.

“The strength of shows like this is how they show the breadth of experience needed, even for celebrities or soap stars, to make a farm work,” Sloan said. “That’s translating into a broader range of students exploring agri-food as a career.”

Plumpton College in East Sussex, which has doubled its student numbers over the past decade, has also acknowledged the “Jeremy effect”. Principal Jeremy Kerswell noted that while Clarkson’s Farm had raised awareness, growth in student interest was also the result of years of strong educational practice across the sector.

The show has also opened doors for non-farming entrants through initiatives like Kaleb Cooper’s bursary at RAU. The tractor driver turned farm manager launched the scheme in 2023 to support students without agricultural backgrounds. Successful applicants receive a £3,000 grant and the opportunity to apply for a work placement with Cooper or his partners.

Two bursaries are currently awarded annually, one funded by Cooper and the other by the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust, with discussions underway to expand the scheme.

Rupert Jones, 20, from Bournemouth, who received a bursary last year, said the show gave him confidence to pursue farming.

“For a lot of people from non-farming backgrounds, Clarkson’s Farm presented it in a way they hadn’t considered. Seeing the challenges directly from Clarkson himself made me excited about the industry. It can be daunting if you don’t come from farming, but the bursary gave me confidence.”

With applications climbing and more young people inspired by what they see on screen, colleges say Clarkson’s Farm has given British agriculture a much-needed public relations boost — and a pipeline of future farmers and land managers.

Read more:
Clarkson’s Farm credited with surge in agricultural college applications

Greg Jackson, the outspoken founder of Octopus Energy, has been appointed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to join the Cabinet Office board as a non-executive adviser, giving him an influential role at the heart of government.

The appointment marks a significant move to bring private sector expertise into Whitehall decision-making. Jackson, whose energy supplier has grown from a start-up in 2015 to a company valued at £9 billion, is expected to use his three-year term to challenge traditional thinking and push for modernisation across government.

Jackson has built a reputation for being unafraid to clash with policymakers. Only weeks ago ministers rejected his proposal to split the national energy market into regional zones, arguing it would have left households in the South East paying more while cutting bills in Scotland.

He defended the plan as a way to better align electricity prices with local supply and demand, encouraging energy-intensive industries to relocate to renewable-rich regions such as Scotland and stimulating further green investment.

Although the policy was dropped, Jackson said he would “respectfully disagree” with the decision, signalling his determination to continue pressing for reforms.

As a non-executive member of the Cabinet Office board, Jackson will provide external input to help civil servants and ministers shape long-term strategy and implementation. His appointment is part of a wider drive to bring in expertise from business and industry to improve the delivery of public services.

Jackson has already become a familiar face in Westminster. Official records show he and Octopus colleagues held 10 meetings with senior Labour ministers in the 12 weeks following the general election.

Speaking after his appointment, Jackson said: “Having been brought up with a sense of civic duty, I’m really proud to have the chance to contribute to public service. Finding ways to improve services without spending more is key to public services, the economy and our society, and if through business I’ve learned lessons on technology, delivery and organisation that can be useful to government, it’s an honour to share those.”

A former head of the Labour List pressure group, Jackson’s political connections and business track record make him a high-profile addition to Starmer’s advisory circle. With energy policy and public service reform high on the government’s agenda, his presence on the board is expected to shape thinking well beyond the energy sector.

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Octopus Energy founder Greg Jackson appointed to UK government advisory board