Month: February 2024

In the realm of professional development, few things hold as much promise as real, tangible growth. Samantha Sloan, Founder and Director of 123 People Development explains why the secrets behind lasting transformation is paramount and the core ethos and driving force behind her business.
 What sets your company apart?
Our unique selling proposition (USP) lies in our coaching programme, which not only instills a profound shift in mindset and behaviours but also ensures that this transformation endures over time. Through meticulous psychometrics, we chart a course towards sustainable learning, focusing not merely on tasks or processes, but on the individual themselves. Moreover, our Learning Management System (LMS) fosters reflective learning and practice, solidifying newfound knowledge. It’s a true investment in both time and money.
How do you address the primary concerns of your clients?
Our mission is to make learning stick. Unlike superficial training exercises, we deliver real change that resonates long after the workshop doors close. By challenging entrenched beliefs and fostering autonomy, we disrupt conventional thinking, nurturing both personal growth and enhanced performance.
What prompted the inception of your business?
Initially, my desire for greater flexibility led me away from the corporate sphere. However, as our business flourished, it became apparent that we were making a tangible impact on workshop participants. We have a knack for unlocking latent potential, that untapped essence within each individual.
Can you outline your brand values?
Our values underpin everything we do:
Growth: Nurturing confidence in performance through an understanding of behaviors.
Rejuvenation: Embracing dynamic thinking as the key to reinvention.
Passion: Fostering a relentless pursuit of improvement.
Empowerment: Unleashing the potential within to cultivate a culture of growth.
Does your ethos guide your decision-making?
Absolutely. Our mission, to leave things, especially people, better than we found them, serves as our compass.
How crucial is team culture to your operations?
Team culture is the cornerstone of any successful enterprise. Our collective skills and shared vision shape our approach, fostering effective communication and alignment with our values.
How do you express appreciation to your team?
Sometimes, a simple thank you suffices. Acknowledging their contributions and recognising their positive impact goes a long way.
Do you communicate directly with your consumers?
We strive for clarity and simplicity in our messaging, ensuring our consumers grasp our offerings effortlessly.
Regarding economic challenges, how do you handle pricing?
Despite rising overheads, we’ve maintained our price points, prioritising value for our clients. Virtual training costs remain consistent, reflecting our commitment to accessibility.
How frequently do you assess performance metrics?
After each workshop, we meticulously analyse data to gauge personal growth and mindset shifts—a crucial aspect of our continuous improvement strategy.
Is technology integral to your operations?
Technology enhances our efficiency and effectiveness, enabling seamless workshop delivery and optimising the learning experience.
What’s your perspective on competition?
Healthy competition fuels innovation and growth, keeping the industry dynamic and evolving.
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Embrace hard work, maintain a thirst for knowledge, and stay true to your vision. Clarity of purpose is key.
How do you unwind amidst the pressures of leadership?
Aviation is my sanctuary. Whether it’s watching planes or attending airshows, it’s where I find solace and inspiration.
Do you prefer short-term or long-term planning?
We typically operate on a 6-12 month planning horizon, balancing agility with strategic foresight.
What’s your eco-strategy?
Partnering with Blue Marble allows us to offset carbon emissions—a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship.
 What are your goals for the next year?
Introducing new courses, expanding our professional network of coaches, and providing further training opportunities are top priorities on our agenda.
Read more:
Secrets of Success: Samantha Sloan, Founder and Director, 123 People Development

A significant amount of new employment legislation is coming into effect in April 2024, all of which will have implications for employers. Here are the key changes you need to know about.
Family-friendly rights
Flexible working
Currently, an employee needs 26 weeks’ service to make a flexible working request. For requests made on or after 6 April 2024, this will become a day-one right, and employees will be able to make two requests in a 12-month period rather than just one. Employers will need to consult with employees before rejecting a request and deal with requests more promptly because their time for responding will be reduced from three months to two.
Carer’s leave
Employees will have a new right to carer’s leave if they need to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need. This will be a day-one right to one week’s unpaid leave a year. It will apply when the employee gives notice to take leave on or after 6 April 2024. They do not need to provide proof of why leave is required. Employees will not need to take the leave all at once, but they will need to take a minimum of half a day at a time.
Paternity leave
Employees will have more flexibility when taking paternity leave on or after 6 April 2024 and can split their two weeks’ leave into two separate blocks of one week. Currently, they have to take it all at once. Employees will be able to take the leave at any time during the first year following the birth or adoption instead of having to take it in the first eight weeks. The Government has reduced the notice required before each period of paternity leave to 28 days.
Extended redundancy protection
At present, an employee on maternity, adoption or shared parental leave, whose role is being made redundant, has priority over other employees in being offered any suitable, alternative role if one exists. This protection will extend to pregnant employees where the employer is notified of the pregnancy on or after 6 April 2024. The protected period is 18 months from the child’s date of birth. For maternity and adoption leave ending on or after 6 April 2024, there will be an “additional protected period” ending 18 months after the birth or adoption. The same provision will apply when shared parental leave of six consecutive weeks or more has been taken.
Statutory rates and limits
National Minimum Wage
From 1 April 2024, workers aged 21 and over will be entitled to the National Living Wage. Currently, it only applies to workers aged 23 and over. The new hourly rates will be:
– National Living Wage £11.44
– Aged 18-20 £8.60
– Aged 16-17 or Apprentice rate £6.40
Statutory sick pay
On 6 April 2024, the weekly rate will increase to £116.75.
Statutory maternity, adoption, paternity, shared parental and parental bereavement leave pay
From 7 April 2024, the weekly rate will increase to £184.03 or 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings if this is less than the statutory rate.
Employment Tribunal limits
For dismissals effective from 6 April 2024, the new limit on a week’s pay – used for calculating the basic award and statutory redundancy pay – will be £700. The maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal will be £115,115.
Changes to holiday entitlement and pay

There will be a new accrual method to calculate statutory holiday entitlement for part-year and irregular-hours workers whose leave years begin on or after 1 April 2024. Holidays will accrue at a rate of 12.07% of hours worked at the end of each pay period.
Employers will be permitted to pay rolled-up holiday pay to part-year and irregular-hours workers (if they choose to), and again, this applies to leave years beginning on or after 1 April 2024.

Employers should review their HR policies and procedures and Staff Handbooks to reflect these legislative changes. Those contemplating redundancies will need to understand the implications of the extended redundancy protection, and how to manage the scenario when more than one individual has “priority” to a suitable vacancy.
Read more:
A guide to the imminent changes to employment law

Christian Horner, the team principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, has been cleared of misconduct following an independent investigation  following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female employee prompted an inquiry by team owners Red Bull.
The 50-year-old Horner has been vindicated by an independent barrister tasked with reviewing the evidence.  The statement from a Red Bull spokesperson read: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
“The complainant has a right of appeal.
“Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.
“The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.

“Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”

This development will come as a significant relief for Horner, especially with the Formula 1 season opener in Bahrain looming this weekend.
The intense media scrutiny that ensued after Red Bull Austria confirmed the internal inquiry about three and a half weeks ago has reportedly taken a toll on Horner, even affecting his personal life with his wife, Geri Halliwell. Despite the strain, Horner expressed gratitude for his wife’s support during the team’s car launch event in Milton Keynes. However, sources suggest the situation has been challenging for her.
The allegations against Horner, which included claims of controlling behaviour, led to a comprehensive ten-hour interrogation by legal counsel in London. Horner vehemently denied any wrongdoing throughout the process and continued his duties amidst the scrutiny. Notably, both Horner and his accuser were observed working at the Milton Keynes office earlier this week.
Pressure from sponsors, notably Ford, intensified the situation, with calls for a swift resolution to the crisis. However, reports suggesting additional allegations of sexual misconduct based on purported messages sent by Horner have not been substantiated by evidence in the complaint itself.
The recent passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, the Red Bull co-founder and a staunch supporter of Horner, has left the team principal more vulnerable. While Horner reportedly retains support from majority owner Chaleo Yoovidhya, opinions within the team hierarchy regarding his future remain divided, potentially leading to changes instigated by Red Bull Austria.
Amidst the uncertainty, reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen refrained from publicly endorsing Horner, emphasizing the importance of trust in the ongoing process. Verstappen highlighted the short-term impact of leadership changes on race performance and stressed the need for clarity in long-term decision-making.
Lewis Hamilton, when asked about Horner’s continued involvement amid ongoing investigations, emphasized the importance of addressing allegations seriously while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment within the sport. He underscored the significance of this moment for Formula 1 to uphold its values moving forward.
Read more:
Christian Horner cleared of allegations of inappropriate behaviour

simpleminers has pioneered a transformative approach to the digital asset industry, democratising the cryptocurrency mining space by introducing revolutionary cloud mining solutions.
This groundbreaking development aims to make the digital currency mining process accessible to a wider audience by simplifying and saving people’s participation.
Founded in 2019, simpleminers is a licensed cryptocurrency cloud mining platform that has made significant advancements in the blockchain space. The company has robust, state-of-the-art mining infrastructure at industrial facilities in Iceland, Norway and Canada and currently serves more than 1.5 million users worldwide.
simpleminers strives to democratize cryptocurrency mining by providing an accessible platform that requires a minimal initial deposit, allowing users to start their cryptocurrency business without a large investment. The platform simplifies the onboarding process with a quick and easy registration process, allowing users to start mining Bitcoin within minutes.
simpleminers also offers daily yields on cloud hash contracts and offers multiple withdrawal methods on its website. Recognizing the volatility of the industry, SimpleMiners also ensures flexibility by allowing users to leave the cloud mining industry at any time, creating an environment of autonomy and risk management.
Simpleminers co-founder Jones, Nicholas Alexander explains: “Simpleminers aims to make cryptocurrency mining easy, efficient and safe for everyone. Our mission is to democratize the process and empower individuals, no matter who they are. technical knowledge or resources.”
To alleviate the complexities and large upfront investments associated with cryptocurrency mining, simpleminers have designed a variety of cloud mining plans. Each of these packages offers a user-friendly experience, transparent reporting of mining activity, and automatic daily payouts.
simpleminers lucrative cloud mining packages include:
Each package is carefully curated to meet the needs of different investors, further ensuring the platform is inclusive. Users can easily monitor their mining activities and withdraw earnings, guaranteeing a seamless mining journey from start to finish.
Participation is further encouraged by receiving $10 immediately upon registration for new users. simpleminers protects user funds and personal data with strong security measures, including DDoS and SSL protection systems, while offering comprehensive 24/7 online support.
One of the outstanding features of simpleminers is the unique affiliate program that provides 3% lifetime rewards for every referral. Jones, Nicholas Alexander, contact person at simpleminers explains: “The referral link they provide will become a lifetime recommendation for new users who sign up through them. As a referrer, users will receive referral rewards for every purchase made by the user they refer.”
simpleminers’ progressive approach will redefine the cryptocurrency mining industry, bridging the gap between the complex world of cryptocurrency mining and the average individual. This revolution ensures that digital currency mining is not just limited to a privileged few, but becomes a profitable venture for everyone.
To learn more about simpleminers innovative cloud mining platform and various packages, visit simpleminers.c.om
About simple mining machine
Simpleminers, headquartered at 102 Middleton Road, London, United Kingdom, E8 4LN, is a licensed cloud mining company with a large technology park equipped with professional Bitcoin mining equipment. Since its founding in 2019, the company has focused on providing individuals around the world with ways to earn cryptocurrency. Simple Miner believes in bringing together a group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making the most of the growing digital currency industry.
In order to make it easier for new and old users to use it, you can download the platform APP from the Apple Store or Google Store. For details, please visit the official website simpleminers.com.
Read more:
simp leminers redefine passive income opportunities with innovative cloud mining

The sharing economy is prompting a rethink of business practice. To address confusion, this transformative model is also referred to as the ‘crowd’, ‘gig’, ‘peer-to-peer’ or ‘on-demand’ economy. It operates within the context of digital technology and is based on collaborative consumption, allowing both individuals and businesses to share assets, products or services with one another.
At its core, the sharing economy rests on the principle that people can utilise their possessions, abilities and time to benefit others while simultaneously earning an income for themselves. This approach allows for goods and services to be used without the user actually owning them outright, providing a more cost-effective and often environmentally friendly alternative.
Some of the world’s largest brands have successfully adopted this model. Uber, for instance, operates as the world’s largest taxi company without owning any cars, while Airbnb, the world’s biggest accommodation provider, operates no properties.
The UK’s sharing economy is projected to be worth £140 billion by 2025 with growth primarily driven by consumer-facing brands. B2B sectors have not yet fully embraced the principles of resource sharing, despite the many advantages it offers to companies operating in these fields.
Applying a sharing economy approach requires businesses to identify opportunities or gaps in their market and act boldly. It takes confidence and can lead to positive disruption in established industries.
Share in the benefits of a shared economy
While this model is best known for its application in business-to-consumer challenges, what lessons can be applied to the world of business-to-business?
Greater value
The concept that companies can come together to share assets is inherently cost-effective, creating and amplifying value in multiple ways. For example, instead of getting tied into an expensive and lengthy office building lease, a business can reduce its costs by renting a desk within a co-working space. Desks can be flexibly added and subtracted according to demand.
Not only does the sharing economy present obvious cost savings, but it can also create significant revenue opportunities. For example, warehouse owners with unused space can sell it to logistics providers looking for storage capacity or a strategic location.
More sustainable
In a similar vein, optimising space utilisation lowers energy consumption and reduces the need for new builds. The impact of construction is significant on the environment in terms of carbon footprint and green land irrevocably lost.
Broaden reach and scope
The sharing economy approach opens new and innovative ways of thinking, which may otherwise have not presented themselves. Collaborative working offers greater diversity, global perspective and inspiration to learn from. This is especially the case for companies engaging contractors and freelancers to complete work rather than adding to the workforce with permanent staff members.
Boost agility and flexibility
Opening access to resources and expertise through the medium of technology, liberates business leaders to ideate and focus on their product in the knowledge that sufficient capacity is available without the fixed cost and return-on-investment penalties of capital-intensive models.
How fulfilmentcrowd applies these principles to logistics
The traditional approach to logistics has often been coined ‘four walls’ where a provider acquires warehouse space (purchased or leased building) and resources to satisfy demand which is uncertain or, at best, difficult to forecast. The result is underutilisation or limited capacity for growth; the profitability envelope in which a warehouse could be considered operating in optimum conditions is impossibly narrow.
The sharing economy model has enabled tech business like fulfilmentcrowd to rethink the four walls problem by accessing free space in warehouses and enabling customers to see their inventory levels through an app. Site operators generate income from their space, customers can scale-up on a completely variable cost base and fulfilmentcrowd can, uniquely, always offer capacity, a point proven during the pandemic when demand skyrocketed.
As omnichannel brands seek ways to grow revenue, export rates are rising and this is driving demand for B2B and B2C distribution in foreign markets. fulfilmentcrowd offers these customers access to a network of modern logistics hubs in key overseas locations through a single software platform and global relationship manager supported by local expertise and parcel carriers who understand conditions on the ground.
Conclusion
The B2B sharing economy is developing at pace and an increasing range of services are becoming available. Collaboration underpinned by tech and common standards is a key point of differentiation, especially for those operating in more traditional markets. As these principles continue to mature and more businesses digitalise their operations, the model will continue to gain momentum.
Read more:
Is the Sharing Economy Relevant to B2B Sectors?

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has cautioned against implementing tax cuts in the upcoming Budget unless the government can provide clear details on how they will be funded.
The warning comes amidst hints from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt about potential tax reductions, with the possibility of this being the last Budget before a general election.
The IFS emphasized that the economic case for tax cuts is weak, particularly given the current trajectory of government debt and spending. They highlighted concerns about record-high tax levels relative to the size of the economy, coupled with rising government debt that is barely projected to decline in the coming years.
Moreover, the IFS raised doubts about the feasibility of proposed spending cuts and tax increases outlined by the government, suggesting that they may not materialize as expected. In light of these challenges, the IFS recommended delaying tax cuts until a detailed spending review can be conducted.
While acknowledging the potential for tax cuts to stimulate economic growth, the IFS proposed focusing on reforming taxes such as stamp duty on property and shares, which could have a more significant positive impact on growth compared to reducing income tax or National Insurance rates.
The suggestion of tax cuts has also drawn criticism from other organizations, including the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), further underscoring the complexities surrounding fiscal policy decisions.
The Treasury responded by emphasizing its commitment to meeting fiscal rules and increasing departmental spending over the long term, particularly in areas like healthcare. However, the IFS cautioned that any perceived “headroom” in the Budget could be influenced by volatile factors such as interest payments on government debt.
As the government prepares for the Budget, the debate over tax cuts underscores the delicate balance between stimulating economic growth and maintaining fiscal responsibility in a challenging economic environment.
Read more:
IFS Urges Caution on Tax Cuts in Upcoming Budget

Next has shown interest in purchasing assets of The Body Shop, the cosmetics chain currently facing insolvency. According to sources, Next executives have reached out to administrators at FRP Advisory to explore a potential deal for parts of The Body Shop.
While Next has been monitoring The Body Shop for some time, recent discussions between the two parties may have stalled. Next, known for its acquisitions of distressed retail businesses, has previously acquired brands like Fat Face, Joules, and Made.com.
However, one obstacle to a potential deal with The Body Shop lies in the fact that its brand and intellectual property assets are not part of the administration process. Aurelius, the current owner of The Body Shop, has secured major assets such as stock and IP, which complicates any potential acquisition.
FRP Advisory, tasked with handling The Body Shop’s insolvency in the UK, is expected to decide on whether to launch an auction in the coming weeks. Aurelius, the current owner, may also consider buying back the restructured business.
If Next proceeds with a purchase, it is unlikely to retain many of The Body Shop’s British stores. Recent store closures and downsizing of the head office have resulted in job losses, part of the restructuring efforts to revitalize the iconic brand.
The struggles faced by The Body Shop under its recent ownership raise questions about underinvestment and mismanagement over the years. Once a prominent advocate for environmental causes, The Body Shop has faced increasing competition and a changing retail landscape.
Despite its challenges, The Body Shop retains significance on British high streets, and its distinctiveness, rooted in environmental advocacy, has left a lasting legacy.
As discussions continue, Next, FRP, and Aurelius have declined to comment on the matter.
Read more:
Next Expresses Interest in Acquiring Assets of The Body Shop

Consumer confidence appears to be on the rise as the balance of retailers reporting falling sales has dropped to its lowest point in ten months, signaling a potential resurgence in spending among Britons.
According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the decline in retail sales slowed in February, with a weighted balance of -7 per cent compared to January’s -50 per cent. Factors contributing to this trend include slower price increases, improved consumer confidence, and robust wage growth.
While the weighted balance index doesn’t directly measure the volume of retail sales, it reflects the balance of retailers reporting rising or falling transactions compared to the previous year. The decrease in the balance reporting increased prices further suggests a potential easing of price pressures in the retail sector throughout 2024.
Selling prices inflation in retail dropped to a net balance of 54 per cent in the year to February, the lowest level since mid-2021, reinforcing expectations of a further decline in headline consumer prices inflation from its current rate of 4 per cent.
Martin Sartorius, principal economist at the CBI, noted that while the slump in retail activity eased in February, retailers anticipate sales to continue falling next month, leading to ongoing plans for headcount reductions and investment cuts.
The employment index, reflecting expectations for job cuts, has fallen to a weighted balance of -19 per cent, indicating the sixth consecutive quarter of negative territory. Companies foresee continued job cuts in the coming month.
Meanwhile, separate figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed a notable 3.4 per cent increase in retail sales in January, the sharpest rise since April 2021. With expectations of sales picking up further this year due to reduced inflation and strong wage growth, coupled with potential interest rate cuts by the Bank of England, household finances are expected to receive additional support.
As consumer sentiment continues to improve and economic conditions evolve, retailers are cautiously optimistic about the trajectory of retail sales in the coming months.
Read more:
Consumers Show Increased Confidence as Retail Sales Decline Slows

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has cautioned that any tax cuts announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the upcoming budget are likely to be overshadowed by record tax increases over the course of the current parliament.
According to research by the economics think tank, taxes are expected to rise by an unprecedented £66 billion during this parliamentary term, effectively nullifying any potential tax reductions proposed in the budget. Despite anticipated measures such as a reduction in income tax or national insurance, the IFS emphasizes that the overall tax burden is set to reach a post-Second World War high.
The combination of freezing tax thresholds and a significant increase in corporation tax from 19% to 25% is projected to contribute to this surge in tax revenue. The freeze on income tax thresholds for six years is particularly notable, as it leads to fiscal drag, pulling more individuals into higher tax brackets as their incomes rise.
While the chancellor’s autumn statement in November included tax cuts amounting to approximately £20 billion, these were offset by reductions in departmental spending. However, the IFS has criticized the lack of transparency in the government’s expenditure plans, describing them as a “work of fiction” due to incomplete details provided in spending reviews.
Furthermore, new research from the Office for National Statistics indicates faster-than-expected population growth in the UK, altering projections for real day-to-day government spending per person. This underscores the challenge for the chancellor in balancing tax cuts with sustainable spending levels.
Martin Miklos, a research economist at the IFS, warns against further reductions in spending plans to accommodate tax cuts until the government provides clearer details on expenditure. The Treasury, however, remains focused on meeting fiscal rules and emphasizes increased funding for priority areas such as the NHS.
Amidst these fiscal challenges, all eyes are on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as he navigates the delicate balance between tax relief and sustainable public finances in the upcoming budget.
Read more:
Budget Giveaways Likely to Be Offset by Record Tax Rises, Warns Think Tank