Seventeen companies in the UK that participated in a six-month trial of a four-day working week have decided to make the model permanent, following notable gains in staff well-being, mental health, and productivity. The trial, which involved nearly 1,000 employees across various sectors, was organised by the 4 Day Week Foundation and studied by Boston College.

During the trial, participating businesses reduced work hours without cutting pay. Twelve companies adopted the four-day week permanently, while five opted for a “nine-day fortnight,” offering employees every other Friday off. The companies ranged from housing associations to professional bodies, with team sizes varying from under five employees to more than 400.

Research showed significant benefits for workers, with 62% reporting less frequent burnout, 41% seeing improved mental health, and 45% expressing greater life satisfaction. Businesses also saw positive changes in recruitment, retention, and employee morale.

The success of the trial has led to the permanent adoption of the model by over 235 UK businesses, supporting more than 6,000 employees. Advocates believe the growing interest signals a shift towards wider acceptance, with businesses balancing productivity gains against improved work-life balance.

Aviva has concluded its £3.7 billion acquisition of Direct Line, creating a major player in the UK motor insurance market. As part of the deal, the company is giving £500 in free shares to its 32,000 employees, which includes 23,000 at Aviva and 8,500 at Direct Line. The shares will vest in three years.

The merger, which the Competition and Markets Authority cleared earlier this week, combines two of the UK’s most recognised insurance brands. Direct Line, known for its namesake brand as well as Churchill and Green Flag, will now bolster Aviva’s position, covering more than 20% of the UK motor insurance market.

Despite the growth prospects, concerns loom over job security, with Aviva having previously flagged 2,300 potential job cuts as part of a plan to achieve £125 million in cost savings annually.

Aviva’s financial terms included cash and stock options, valued at 129.7 pence per Direct Line share, plus a dividend for Direct Line shareholders. The result is that Aviva shareholders now control 87.5% of the combined company.

Fix Auto UK has marked a significant milestone by appointing its first-ever franchise in Sheffield. This expansion brings the well-established brand to South Yorkshire, filling a gap between its existing locations in Manchester East, Barnsley, Matlock, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and Grimsby.

The new franchise was founded by Dominic Burns and Yan Masterman, who began their journey in the automotive industry as teenage apprentice technicians. In 2022, they launched their business, initially operating from a family garage. As demand for their high-quality service grew, the duo quickly moved to larger premises and now operate out of an 8,000 square foot facility near Sheffield’s city centre, conveniently located close to the M1.

The new site is equipped with two spray booths, one dedicated to commercial vehicles. Despite currently repairing up to 20 vehicles per month, the team is poised to expand their capacity significantly, with the potential to double their output.

The duo’s decision to join Fix Auto UK reflects their ambition to take the business to the next level. They acknowledged the value of the network’s support to achieve their goals, having already invested heavily in their facilities, team, and equipment to meet industry standards like BSI10125. The appointment of Fix Auto Sheffield signals the next chapter for this growing business in the heart of Sheffield.

Leeds-based start-ups are gaining a competitive edge with the Go-to-Market (GTM) Launchpad, an accelerator programme designed to fast-track business growth. A partnership between the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and innovation specialists L Marks, the programme offers structured guidance, resources, and mentorship to entrepreneurs.

After an intensive bootcamp at Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation hub, ten start-ups were selected for the eight-week accelerator. They received weekly learning sessions and one-on-one mentoring with experts, while L Marks facilitated corporate engagement opportunities with industry leaders.

This initiative, backed by Leeds City Council’s Innovation@Leeds 2024/2025 programme and funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, aims to refine business models and accelerate commercial readiness.

Among the successful participants is Compost-It, a social enterprise co-founded by University of Leeds alumni Husain Alogaily and Simrun Punjabi. The company focuses on turning food waste into compost and bioenergy. The programme helped them transition from concept testing to acquiring their first set of customers and securing partnerships with local businesses, including the First Direct Arena.

Another participant, Caleb Forbes, founder of TRL Fashion Space, is helping clothing brands become more sustainable. The accelerator proved essential in refining his business model and scaling his operations.

The success of the programme highlights the growing impact of the Leeds Anchor Network, which unites the city’s major employers to drive inclusive growth and innovation. The GTM Launchpad is just one example of how collaboration can foster long-term success in the region.