Author Archive
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NFU backs remaining in EU
The NFU has announced that on the balance of available evidence, it believes that the interests of farmers are best served by the UK’s continuing membership of the European Union. The farmers' union says it recognises and respects the diversity of views among its membership but that its position is based "solely on an evaluation of the agricultural merits of the case". The NFU also gave an assurance that it will not be actively campaigning in the ...
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Output growth worst in almost three years
Growth in output and employment was slightly higher in March compared to February, but the first quarter of 2016 as a whole was the worst in almost three years, according to the latest Lloyds Bank Regional Purchasing Managers’ Index. The business activity index for England – which tracks changes in the combined output of manufacturing and services – registered 53.7 in March, up from February’s 34-month low of 52.9 but rounded off the worst quarter of ...
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Extended tax averaging for farmers
Under new rules that come into force today (6th April 2016), farmers will be able to average their profits for Income Tax purposes from two years to five years. The move is aimed at helping farmers with fluctuating profits manage risk and the impact of global volatility, now an inherent feature of the agricultural industry. Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, comments: “Today’s reforms will ...
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Trials of wirelessly connected vehicles and driverless cars to hit UK roads
Highways England has set out plans to create a connected corridor or “wi-fi road” that will see cars and infrastructure wirelessly connected and drivers receiving advanced news of road closures or congestion warnings. The strategy builds on the announcement by Chancellor, George Osborne, in the March Budget that driverless cars will be tested on motorways by the end of ...
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Bankruptcy applications move online
From 6th April 2016 people seeking to make themselves bankrupt will no longer need to apply to the court. Instead they will complete an online application on GOV.UK, which will be submitted to an Adjudicator employed by The Insolvency Service. Online applications will be less expensive and, for the first time, will be able to be paid for in instalments. Insolvency Service chief executive, Sarah Albon, comments: “Seeking help to deal with problem personal debt is the ...
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Support for mission-led businesses
The Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson, has launched a review to increase the economic and social impact of mission-led businesses in the UK economy. Mission-led businesses use their business models to achieve both social and economic impact but do not register their mission in legal terms by becoming a charity or a community-interest company. According to the Government, growth is being driven by the millennial generation who are demanding an increased focus on social purpose in their work, how ...
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Somerset costal path opens
Some of Somerset’s most spectacular coastline is open to the public for the first time following the opening of 58 miles of coast path. The new stretch extends from Brean Down to Minehead and is the longest section to be added to the national route so far.
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Countryside Stewardship scheme open to applicants
From today (14th March 2016), farmers and land managers can apply for the Mid-Tier and Higher Tier of the Countryside Stewardship scheme, which funds projects to restore habitats, improve water quality and woodland, reduce flood risk, protect landscapes, and provide year-round food and shelter for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Natural England says it has made a number of improvements ...
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New TB measures for cattle
Further measures to protect England from bovine TB are being introduced as part of a government strategy that aims to deliver TB-free status for over half of the country by 2019. From 6th April 2016, new legislation will require farmers in the Low Risk Area of England to arrange for post-movement testing of cattle coming from the rest of England ...
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Manufacturing slide shows signs of bottoming out
The first quarterly EEF Manufacturing Outlook survey this year shows signs that the sector’s slide into negative territory may be coming to an end, with improvements reported in output and orders. Output has edged up after hitting its weakest point in six years in the final quarter of 2015. It is still in negative territory but this may not be ...
