Business

A £2 million investment by Innovate UK has successfully propelled six innovative artificial intelligence and data-driven projects into real-world application, delivering tangible environmental benefits while unlocking additional funding and commercial traction.

Part of the wider £7 million Integrating Finance and Biodiversity for a Nature Positive Future (IFB) programme led by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the grants—ranging from £250,000 to £500,000—were awarded to six projects focused on solving major environmental challenges using AI, big data and geospatial intelligence.

Among the standout projects:

Ocean Ledger has advanced its geospatial analytics platform to predict coastal defence degradation and shoreline erosion. Its modelling tools, aimed at insurers, councils and engineering firms, enable better planning for rising sea levels and storm surges. Ocean Ledger has since been selected for Lloyd’s Lab, the UK’s top Insurtech accelerator.
TierraSphere and the University of Huddersfield developed a groundbreaking AI-driven MRV (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification) model that forecasts inorganic carbon sequestration in soils, with 40 hectares already restored in rural Mexico. Future versions will integrate biodiversity, water retention and social impact metrics.
Auquan and University College London created an AI platform that quickly analyses complex geospatial nature data, significantly improving the accuracy and speed of environmental due diligence for investors.
Caledonian Climate Partners and New Gradient developed an AI-based tool that uses drone imagery to cut costs and speed up peatland restoration planning. The platform has already secured a mapping contract from the Cairngorms National Park Authority and contributes to the IUCN Peatland Programme.
City Science Corporation and Caerphilly County Borough Council delivered a geospatial land assessment tool that embeds natural capital into local planning, helping mitigate habitat loss and enhance biodiversity outcomes at a policy level.
Zulu Ecosystems and Severn Trent Water introduced a suite of land use optimisation tools to model how nature-based interventions can improve flood resilience, drought response and water quality. Their River Idle catchment model identifies areas for habitat restoration that also support carbon, biodiversity, and water management targets.

Catherine Makin, Innovation Lead for Green Finance at Innovate UK, said the projects were already demonstrating powerful use cases: “Each project addresses a crucial environmental need — from coastal conservation to water resilience and peatland restoration. We’re delighted to see real progress in unlocking nature-positive investment and the fact that several projects have already attracted follow-on funding speaks volumes.”

The projects have also shown strong commercial promise. Two are already in talks with new investors, while several have secured contracts or pilot schemes to expand their reach.

Ocean Ledger’s CEO Paige Roepers added: “Support from Innovate UK accelerated our development dramatically. We’ve created product-ready workflows and been invited to join Lloyd’s Lab, which helps us showcase our solution to major insurers and customers.”

With nature-positive investing gaining urgency and momentum globally, these six projects are seen as trailblazers for how AI and data can tackle environmental degradation—delivering both financial and ecological returns.

Read more:
Six pioneering AI and data projects hailed for real-world environmental impact after £2m Innovate UK backing

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on any country that supports the BRICS alliance and its policies that “go against American interests.”

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump declared: “Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy.”

The warning comes as BRICS leaders meet in Rio de Janeiro and double down on their calls to reform global financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and reduce reliance on the US dollar. Finance ministers from the bloc jointly criticised global tariffs—such as those imposed by the US under Trump—as harmful to international economic stability.

Originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the BRICS bloc expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Together, the group now represents more than half of the global population and has grown increasingly vocal in its criticism of US-led economic dominance.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, BRICS ministers condemned recent military strikes on Iran—including those carried out by the US and Israel in June—calling them a violation of international law. They also took aim at “unilateral protectionist measures” as disruptive to the global economy.

Trump, who has long criticised BRICS for trying to challenge Western influence, has made economic nationalism and trade tariffs a centrepiece of his foreign policy. He previously threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they proceeded with plans to create a shared currency to rival the dollar.

Tensions have escalated further after Trump’s recent remarks and the bloc’s push for a “multipolar” world order. Analysts warn that his latest tariff threats could deepen global trade rifts and force key US allies into difficult positions if they wish to maintain relations with both Washington and rising powers like China and India.

While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa attended the Rio summit in person, Chinese President Xi Jinping was notably absent, with Premier Li Qiang representing him. Russian President Vladimir Putin joined via video link due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

With geopolitical tensions and trade disputes intensifying, Trump’s warning may set the tone for further economic confrontation between the US and BRICS members—many of whom play critical roles in global energy, manufacturing and finance.

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Trump threatens 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS

Abound, one of London’s fastest-rising fintech stars, has posted a 25-fold surge in profits as borrowers increasingly turn to its AI-powered loans platform over traditional lenders.

In the 12 months to February, the startup reported net profits of £7.5 million, up from just £300,000 the previous year. Revenues jumped 151% to £66.8 million, driven by growth in both its direct-to-consumer lending arm and its B2B technology offering.

Founded in 2020 by Michelle He, formerly of EY, and Gerald Chappell, a former McKinsey partner, Abound uses artificial intelligence to assess affordability. Instead of relying on traditional credit scores, it analyses customers’ bank transaction data to determine what they can reasonably repay.

The company focuses on borrowers often underserved by high street banks and also licenses its proprietary AI engine, Render, to other lenders across Europe.

Chappell said the company’s rapid growth demonstrated that “our technological shake-up of the lending sector is not only commercially viable but scalable.”

He added: “With structurally higher interest rates and sluggish economic growth, traditional credit models are under pressure. We’re proving that AI-driven affordability assessments can offer both better customer outcomes and robust profitability.”

Abound has now provided over £900 million in loans and secured £1.6 billion in debt funding from global institutions including Citi, Deutsche Bank and Waterfall Asset Management. Backers also include Silicon Valley firm Informed Ventures and West Coast Capital, the investment vehicle of Scottish billionaire Sir Tom Hunter.

The company’s latest results will be seen as a bright spot for the UK’s fintech scene, which was shaken last month by the announcement that payments giant Wise plans to move its primary listing to New York.

As fintechs mature, investors are increasingly demanding sustainable profits — and Abound’s pivot to profitability at scale is likely to boost its standing as a leader in AI-powered consumer finance.

The company’s focus on automation and affordability may also place it firmly in the sights of traditional lenders looking to modernise their own credit operations — or potential acquirers seeking access to proven AI infrastructure.

Read more:
Profits soar at AI lending fintech Abound as borrowers turn away from traditional banks

More than 23 million people in the UK believe they could be entitled to compensation for mis-sold car finance, according to a new survey, as the country braces for a landmark Supreme Court decision that could unlock tens of billions in redress.

The poll, conducted on behalf of consumer law firm Slater and Gordon, found that 45% of UK adults think they may be due compensation for a car loan taken out between 2007 and 2021. The potential fallout has drawn comparisons to the notorious payment protection insurance (PPI) scandal, which resulted in more than £50 billion in payouts to consumers.

The car finance controversy centres on “secret commission” arrangements between lenders and car dealers — deals where brokers received undisclosed commission payments for arranging car loans. In many cases, those payments incentivised brokers to push borrowers towards more expensive finance packages, inflating costs without the customer’s knowledge.

The scandal escalated in October 2023, when the Court of Appeal ruled that undisclosed commissions were unlawful, expanding the scope of an ongoing Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigation. Lenders including Santander UK, Barclays, Lloyds, and Close Brothers could collectively face redress liabilities of up to £44 billion, according to some analyst estimates.

The FCA has been working on a redress scheme since January 2024, under which lenders would examine historic contracts to determine eligibility for compensation. However, concerns are mounting over missing customer records — many banks have routinely deleted data older than six years, meaning that claims dating back to the early years of the affected period may be harder to prove.

The Slater and Gordon survey also reveals widespread public scepticism about whether lenders can be trusted to oversee the compensation process. 40% of respondents said they would consider taking legal action if dissatisfied with the outcome of their claim.

Elizabeth Comley, chief operating officer at Slater and Gordon, warned that unless the redress scheme is perceived as fair and comprehensive, it risks becoming mired in legal challenges:

“The FCA is trying to put things right, but there’s a risk that a redress scheme leaves many people disappointed and keen to challenge the process. That sort of backlash would be bad for everyone — the scandal would drag on for years, the courts would be inundated, and the public would be denied the clear resolution they want.”

With the Supreme Court ruling expected this month, the industry, regulators and consumers alike are preparing for what could be one of the most significant consumer finance rulings in recent memory. If the court upholds the earlier judgement, it could pave the way for a wave of claims — and another costly reckoning for UK banks.

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UK car loan scandal: 23 million believe they may be owed compensation ahead of supreme court ruling

Businesses, charities and community groups have joined forces to call on the UK government to scrap VAT on all repaired and refurbished electronics — a move they argue would cut waste, lower consumer costs and boost the country’s circular economy.

In an open letter to the new environment secretary Steve Reed, 25 organisations, including Currys, Back Market, Suez, the Restart Project and a network of repair cafés across the country, urged the government to remove the current 20% VAT charge on second-hand and repaired tech items sold by businesses.

The coalition says this policy change would encourage more people to choose pre-owned or repaired electronics over brand-new ones, helping households save money and curbing the UK’s growing e-waste problem. At present, VAT is applied at the same rate to a professionally refurbished smartphone or laptop as it is to a brand-new model.

“If we want to reduce e-waste by making refurbishment the norm, refurbished products must be as accessible as possible,” said Katy Medlock, UK general manager at Back Market, a global online marketplace for refurbished tech. “Cutting VAT would directly benefit consumers by lowering prices, making it a no-brainer for more people to choose sustainable options.”

The call for reform comes as ministers face growing pressure to overhaul policy to support the UK’s net zero and circular economy goals. With electronic goods accounting for a large share of consumer waste, campaigners say VAT reform would help remove one of the biggest barriers preventing people from embracing more sustainable consumption.

Cost and convenience remain key concerns, says Dr Adam Read, chief external affairs and sustainability officer at Suez UK, one of Britain’s largest waste and recycling companies. “People don’t go out and buy electronics in person anymore — they hit a button on their phone and a new toaster turns up 24 hours later,” he said. “Repair feels slow, uncertain and hard to access. But if you could get the same item for half the price from a trusted repair service, the demand would be huge — especially among students, lower-income families and frugal consumers.”

Fiona Dear, co-director at the Restart Project, said the VAT cut could unleash innovation and unlock growth in the “repair economy”. “There’s huge appetite from businesses and communities to keep more products in use — but it’s often harder and more expensive than it should be. Making repair and reuse simpler and cheaper would accelerate this movement.”

Advocates point out that the proposed tax cut would not only benefit consumers, but also create thousands of green jobs. Estimates suggest growth in the reuse and repair sector could generate 31,000 new jobs by 2035, rising to over 80,000 by 2040, many of them skilled, local roles in retail, logistics, and electronics.

“Young people are already signing up for courses in these trades,” said Read. “Repair and reuse roles will be just as vital to the future economy as carpenters and plumbers are today.”

The proposal comes as Labour’s new government pledges to make the UK economy greener and more resilient. But campaigners warn that policy action must move faster to match the ambition.

In response, a Treasury spokesperson said: “The government is committed to reducing waste, which is why our circular economy taskforce will help develop a strategy for England with a roadmap to increase the reuse and recycling of electrical equipment. The chancellor makes tax policy decisions at fiscal events. We do not comment on speculation around future changes to tax policy.”

The signatories of the letter hope the upcoming Autumn Statement will be the moment when ministers finally act. For now, all eyes are on the Treasury — and whether it will seize what campaigners are calling a “low-cost, high-impact” opportunity.

Read more:
Businesses and charities urge UK to scrap VAT on refurbished electronics to tackle e-waste and cut household costs

For those who love grilling and cooking at home, getting the temperature just right can make all the difference. Whether you’re aiming for a perfectly seared steak or a succulent roasted turkey, knowing the internal temperature is crucial for both safety and flavor.

A reliable meat thermometer is an indispensable tool, but in an increasingly connected world, why settle for cumbersome wires when you can have smart, wireless freedom?

That’s where the INKBIRD INT-14-BW Wireless Meat Thermometer comes in. We put it to the test during various backyard barbecues and holiday feasts to see if it truly delivers on its promise of consistent perfection. After our thorough evaluation, it seems this device may just be the best wireless meat thermometer out there.

First Impressions & Design

Out of the box, this meat thermometer feels robust and well-designed. The main unit is compact, featuring a full-view high-definition screen with adjustable backlight, making it easy to read at a glance, even in dim conditions. The four true wireless probes are lightweight yet substantial, feeling durable in hand. The inclusion of a strong magnetic base on the unit is a thoughtful touch, allowing for easy placement on an oven, grill, or fridge.

INT-14-BW Spec

Beyond the sleek base station, you get 4 true wireless probes – each packing dual sensors (food + oven/grill temps). Key upgrades that outshine rivals:

Triple Connectivity: Bluetooth (91m), WiFi (unlimited router range), or local base-station mode
IP67 Waterproof Probes: Dishwasher-safe zirconia handles & food-grade steel
Fast Charging: 25 mins = 25 hours of continuous use
Extreme Temp Ranges: Food: -10°C~100°C | Ambient: 0°C~300°C
±1°C Precision: Lab-grade accuracy
Offline Data Storage: 30 minutes of offline data storage for later app synchronization
Smart App Control: Multiple alarm types (target temp, pre-alarm, high/low temp, cooking timer), 26 USDA-recommended preset meat menus, and custom temperature options

Feature
INT-14-BW
Premium Competitor

Probes
4
1

Max Ambient
300°C/572°F
250°C/482°F

Connectivity
WiFi/Bluetooth/Local
Bluetooth Only

Charging
25 minutes
60 minutes

Presets
26 + Custom
8

Connectivity & Range

One of the standout features of the INKBIRD INT-14-BW is its multi-modal connectivity. Offering WiFi, Bluetooth, and even a local mode, it ensures you’re always connected to your cook, no matter the setup. The meat thermometer provides an unlimited WiFi connection distance within 100 meters (328 feet) of your router, meaning you can monitor your roast from anywhere in your home, or even step out to the garden. For situations where WiFi isn’t ideal, the robust 91 meters (300 feet) Bluetooth connection range offers excellent flexibility. This tri-modal approach ensures consistent monitoring, eliminating the frustration of dropped signals common with less advanced units.

Accuracy

As the best wireless meat thermometer, the true power of the INT-14-BW lies in its four true wireless probes. This allows for simultaneous multi-food monitoring – perfect for grilling different cuts of meat, or keeping an eye on your main dish and side dishes at the same time. Each probe is ingeniously designed with two sensors in one, capable of simultaneous food and oven temperature detections.

Accuracy is paramount, and the INKBIRD delivers with an ultra-precise temperature control of ±1°C/±1.8°F. The internal temperature meticulously covers a range of -10°C~100°C(14°F~212°F), while the ambient temperature range extends from 0°C~300°C (32°F~572°F), making it suitable for a vast array of cooking methods, from slow roasts to high-heat grilling.

App Usability & Probe Durability

The INKBIRD app is well-designed and intuitive. Setting alarms, selecting meat types, and customizing temperatures is a breeze. The ability to view historical data and temperature graphs adds significant value for those who like to analyze their cooks. The probes themselves proved highly durable. The zirconia ceramic handles remained cool enough to touch for removal, and the stainless steel tips showed no signs of wear or corrosion after multiple uses and dishwasher cycles. The IP67 rating for waterproofing is a huge plus for cleaning peace of mind.

Real-World Testing: Putting the INT-14-BW to the Test

To truly assess the INKBIRD INT-14-BW, we subjected it to several common cooking scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Low-and-Slow Brisket (WiFi Mode)

For a 12-hour brisket smoke, long-range connectivity is crucial. We placed one probe in the thickest part of the brisket and another as an ambient air temp probe in the smoker. Connecting the unit to our home WiFi network was straightforward via the INKBIRD app. We then monitored the cook from various points in our house, and even from a neighbor’s yard, well within the 100m router range.

Observation: The WiFi connection remained consistently stable, providing real-time updates to the app. The target temperature pre-alarm was particularly useful, giving ample warning before the brisket hit its pull temperature, allowing us to prepare for the wrap. The historical data graph in the app was excellent for tracking the stall and overall cook progress. The probes handled the sustained high ambient temperatures of the smoker without issue.

Scenario 2: Sunday Roast Chicken & Sides (Bluetooth Mode)

For a quicker, multi-item oven roast, we utilized Bluetooth. One probe went into a whole chicken breast, another into a large potato, and a third into a tray of root vegetables.

Observation: Pairing with Bluetooth was instantaneous. The app immediately recognized all three probes. Monitoring multiple items on a single screen was incredibly convenient. We could set different target temperatures for each item. The Bluetooth range proved more than sufficient for moving around the kitchen and even into an adjacent living room without losing connection. The accuracy was spot-on, confirmed by an instant-read thermometer.

Scenario 3: Grilling Steaks & Burgers (Local Mode & Bluetooth)

For a fast-paced grill session, we tested the ease of use with quick-cook items.

Observation: For quick checks, the large, clear display on the main unit was invaluable, showing all four probe temperatures at a glance without needing the app. When we did use the app via Bluetooth, setting custom temperatures for different steak doneness levels was quick and efficient. The probes inserted easily into meats and cleaned up effortlessly afterwards. The dual sensors meant we didn’t need a separate ambient thermometer for the grill grate if we just needed a general idea.

The Verdict

The INKBIRD Wireless Meat Thermometer INT-14-BW is more than just a gadget; it’s a comprehensive cooking assistant. Its blend of multi-modal connectivity, extreme accuracy, robust design, and smart app features makes it an invaluable tool for anyone serious about achieving culinary perfection. From its intuitive interface to its durable, easy-to-clean probes, every aspect feels thoughtfully designed with the user in mind.

If you’re on the hunt for a reliable, feature-rich, and truly wireless meat thermometer that removes the guesswork from cooking and empowers you with professional-level precision, the INKBIRD INT-14-BW comes highly recommended. It’s an investment that will undoubtedly pay dividends in perfectly cooked meals time and time again.

Read more:
INKBIRD INT-14-BW 4-Probe Wireless Meat Thermometer Review

Nonprofits operate in a dynamic environment where managing memberships effectively is more than just a necessity—it’s a foundation for growth and impact.

With the right membership management software, organizations can simplify operations, foster meaningful relationships, and create memorable experiences for their members. But with so many tools available, how do you choose the one that aligns best with your nonprofit’s goals?

This guide dives deep into what membership management software can do for your nonproft organization, explores its essential features and benefits, and highlights top solutions.

What is Membership Management Software for Nonprofits?

Definition and Core Functions

At its core, membership management software is a digital hub that allows nonprofits to organize, track, and engage their members seamlessly. It consolidates data, automates routine processes, and provides tools to foster deeper connections with members. This combination enables organizations to focus on their mission while leaving tedious administrative tasks to technology.

For nonprofits, this means more time for impactful initiatives, whether it’s fundraising, community engagement, or advocacy. The software becomes the backbone of an efficient and member-focused operation, from tracking memberships to automating renewals.

Evolution of Membership Tools in the Digital Era

Membership management tools have come a long way. Decades ago, spreadsheets and paper records were the norm. As digital technology advanced, tools became more sophisticated, evolving into cloud-based platforms equipped with artificial intelligence, robust analytics, and user-friendly interfaces.

Today, these tools do more than just manage memberships. They enable nonprofits to deliver personalized experiences, anticipate member needs, and measure success through data-driven insights—all in real time. This evolution reflects a shift in priorities: nonprofits are no longer just managing members; they’re building communities.

Key Features of Effective Membership Management Software for Nonprofits

Not all membership tools are created equal. The best solutions provide features that go beyond basic functionality, empowering nonprofits to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.

Data Centralization and Accessibility

Imagine having all your member data—contact information, preferences, activity history—in one secure, easy-to-access place. Data centralization eliminates redundancies and ensures consistency, giving every team member a clear picture of who your members are and how they engage with your organization.

With centralized data, nonprofits can identify trends, segment their audience, and make decisions backed by insights rather than guesswork.

Automation of Routine Tasks

Repetitive administrative tasks like processing renewals, sending invoices, or managing event registrations can eat into valuable time. Membership management software automates these processes, freeing up staff to focus on high-value activities like building relationships and planning impactful programs.

By automating workflows, nonprofits can ensure consistency, reduce human errors, and maintain a professional image, all while saving time.

Member Engagement and Personalization

Today, personalization isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s an expectation. Membership software allows nonprofits to deliver tailored experiences to their members through targeted email campaigns, personalized event recommendations, and curated content.

Other Must-Have Features

In addition to the essentials, effective software might include:

Advanced Reporting: Real-time analytics to measure engagement and campaign performance.

Event Management: Tools for planning, promoting, and managing events seamlessly.

Mobile Accessibility: Allowing members and staff to connect on the go.

Benefits of Membership Management Software for Nonprofits

The advantages of adopting membership management software extend beyond saving time. Here’s how nonprofits can thrive with these tools:

Streamlining Member Onboarding and Engagement

First impressions matter, especially when welcoming new members. A good membership management system ensures a smooth onboarding process by automating registrations and providing personalized welcome messages.

Beyond onboarding, engagement tools help nonprofits stay connected with members through regular updates, event invitations, and opportunities to contribute to the cause.

Enhancing Member Communication

Effective communication is key to member retention and satisfaction. With built-in email marketing tools, nonprofits can create campaigns tailored to specific member segments.

Real-time notifications keep members informed about important updates, from upcoming events to membership renewals, ensuring no opportunity for connection is missed.

Optimizing Data Management

Managing data effectively is a game-changer for nonprofits. A centralized dashboard provides a bird’s-eye view of key metrics like membership growth, engagement rates, and revenue streams.

With robust analytics, organizations can identify what’s working, address gaps, and plan for the future with confidence.

Facilitating Revenue Generation

Membership management software often integrates with payment gateways, streamlining donation processes and enabling alternative revenue streams like selling e-books, organizing webinars, or hosting exclusive member-only events.

For nonprofits looking to diversify their income sources, these tools are invaluable.

Top Membership Management Software Solutions

The right software can make all the difference. It can transform how nonprofits operate, enabling them to connect with their members more effectively and achieve their goals with greater impact. From automating repetitive tasks to providing insights that inform strategic decisions, the right tool is an investment in both efficiency and growth. Below, we explore some of the top options that nonprofits can leverage to enhance their membership management efforts:

AC MemberSmart by Advanced Communities

One of the best membership management software for nonprofits is AC MemberSmart by Advanced Communities. AC MemberSmart is a trailblazing solution designed specifically for organizations looking to grow and engage their memberships. Being native to Salesforce and fully built on Force.com, this tool is as versatile as it is user-friendly, making it ideal for nonprofits, associations, and member-based organizations of all sizes.

Key Features

Comprehensive Member Directories: allow members to connect and collaborate through searchable profiles.

Fundraising: you can create customizable fundraising campaigns, set specific fundraising goals, track campaign performance on your Experience Cloud site without accessing Salesforce internally, and get a deep overview of all campaign data, including statuses, goals, and the amount of money raised – all inside Salesforce.

Event Management Tools: AC MemberSmart lets you organize online, offline, and hybrid events, track registrations and attendance within the Salesforce platform, customize separate event microsites, and do so much more.

Industry-Specific Benefits

Nonprofits: Strengthen relationships with donors and members while streamlining administrative processes.

Local and National Associations: Enhance coordination between chapters and provide a unified member experience.

Neon One

Neon One offers an all-in-one platform designed to help nonprofits manage memberships, fundraising, and events. With its intuitive interface and robust feature set, Neon One is ideal for organizations of various sizes.

It excels in donor management and campaign tracking, providing nonprofits with actionable insights to enhance engagement and optimize fundraising efforts. The platform also integrates with popular tools, making it a flexible choice for organizations with diverse operational needs.

GrowthZone

GrowthZone focuses on simplifying association management with tools for member engagement, financial tracking, and event planning. It’s especially popular among smaller organizations looking for an intuitive interface.

The platform offers a mobile app that enables members and staff to stay connected. It helps associations maintain strong relationships while streamlining administrative processes with features like custom member portals and automated renewals.

Conclusion

Membership management software has become a cornerstone for nonprofits striving to enhance their impact. These tools not only streamline operations but also foster deeper connections with members, paving the way for long-term success.

Read more:
Top Membership Management Software for Nonprofits: A Complete Guide

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Google’s Best Kept Secret: The Real Value of Paid Traffic

Apple’s UK tax bill surged last year as the American tech giant’s operating profits in Britain soared past £1 billion, fuelled by rising sales and the continued expansion of its local operations.

Newly filed accounts at Companies House show that Apple’s corporation tax contribution rose by nearly 62 per cent to £304 million for the year ending September 28, 2024, up from £188 million the previous year. This came as the company’s UK operating profit jumped from £822 million to £1.2 billion, while revenues increased by 35 per cent to £4.7 billion.

The strong performance was driven in part by the release of the iPhone 16 range, marketed for its improved battery life, as well as growth in services such as Apple Music and Apple TV, despite increasing competitive pressure and questions over Apple’s pace in artificial intelligence.

The iPhone maker’s tax affairs have long been a flashpoint in Europe. Last year, Apple lost a high-profile case with the European Union over €13 billion in unpaid taxes, which the EU claimed were owed to Ireland following what it described as illegal state aid. Apple, which has denied any wrongdoing, said it had “always paid all the taxes we owe wherever we operate” and accused the EU of retroactively changing the rules.

In the UK, Apple operates 40 retail stores and employs more than 7,700 people, with a significant footprint in London’s Battersea Power Station, as well as offices in Cambridge, Swindon and St Albans. Its UK operations also include television and film production facilities in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

Globally, Apple reported second-quarter revenue of $95.4 billion, exceeding analysts’ expectations despite rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain challenges. Chief executive Tim Cook has warned about the risks of relying too heavily on China for manufacturing, especially amid the US trade war, which Apple said could cost it up to $900 million.

Despite mounting competition and delays in AI deployment, Apple says it is doubling down on artificial intelligence. At its recent developer conference, senior executive Craig Federighi said the company was investing heavily in AI, with new features such as live call translation and enhanced spam call detection in the pipeline. Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, is also set for a significant upgrade after what Federighi described as a longer-than-expected development cycle.

While Apple’s AI efforts are still taking shape, its services division — which includes the App Store, Apple Music and Apple TV — continues to generate strong revenue, bringing in $23.9 billion globally in the second quarter. iPhones remained the backbone of the business with $45.96 billion in sales, alongside $7.91 billion from wearables and $7.45 billion from Mac laptops.

With Apple’s UK business continuing to grow and its tax contributions rising significantly, the company is likely to remain a key player in both the British tech economy and the wider public debate over corporate taxation in the digital age.

Read more:
Apple pays £304m in UK tax as profits soar past £1bn

Hiring appetite among UK businesses has slumped to its weakest point in 13 years, as rising taxes, policy uncertainty and cost pressures weigh heavily on employer sentiment.

According to the latest BDO Business Trends barometer, recruitment confidence has dropped to levels last seen in 2012, with companies across the UK adopting a more cautious approach to hiring amid mounting costs — including the April rise in employers’ national insurance contributions, which added an estimated £20 billion a year to payroll expenses.

Despite a modest summer uptick in output, largely driven by consumer-facing services and strong hospitality trade around major events like Royal Ascot, the broader outlook remains subdued. BDO said its findings point to “prolonged caution” among firms, with many choosing to delay hiring decisions.

Scott Knight, head of growth at BDO, said: “We’re seeing early signs of recovery in business output, largely down to the services sector who have buoyed the economy for a second month in a row. But, as we all know, we can’t rely on good weather forever.”

The survey, which captured data from 4,000 companies, also showed that overall business confidence declined in June compared to May. BDO warned that speculation over further tax hikes in the autumn budget is dampening sentiment even further — particularly after the government’s recent reversal on proposed welfare reforms, which has prompted fears of increased business taxation to plug the fiscal gap.

Separate analysis from the CBI revealed a similarly downbeat picture within the financial services sector. Business volumes fell at their fastest pace since late 2023, with profitability and optimism deteriorating. Financial firms are also preparing for a sharp reduction in hiring — the net balance of firms expecting to cut jobs worsened from +2% in March to -7% in June, with projections for September plunging to -52%.

Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist at the CBI, said: “Conditions deteriorated in the financial services sector over the second quarter, with business volumes falling and sentiment dropping sharply. Firms are bracing for tougher times, expecting to cut back on both hiring and investment.”

Concerns are also growing within the banking sector over the possibility of fresh tax rises. With the chancellor under pressure to fund revised welfare commitments and offset weaker-than-expected tax receipts, speculation has mounted that financial services could again be in the Treasury’s crosshairs.

Currently, banks pay both a profits surcharge and the long-standing bank levy, together generating £4.2 billion a year for the Treasury. Senior figures in the sector are reportedly alarmed by a leaked memo from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner earlier this year, which suggested the bank levy could be raised.

Although financial markets were relatively stable during the CBI’s survey period (May 29 to June 16), and fears around President Trump’s tariff threats had receded, the underlying business sentiment remained fragile. With both fiscal and policy uncertainty looming ahead of the autumn budget, UK employers appear increasingly reluctant to take on new staff — a trend that could weigh on broader economic recovery in the months to come.

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UK employers’ hiring confidence hits lowest level since 2012 amid tax and cost pressures