UK manufacturers on edge over potential US tariffs

April Lara
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UK manufacturers on edge over potential US tariffs

A new survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit highlights growing concerns among UK businesses about potential US tariffs. The research, conducted between January 20 and February 7, surveyed over 1,000 firms, including more than 250 manufacturing exporters.

While the US had imposed tariffs on Chinese goods and announced plans for levies on Canada and Mexico during this period, no new charges had been placed on UK imports. Despite this, 10% of all businesses surveyed believe US tariffs would have a significant impact, with around 22% expecting a slight impact. Among manufacturing exporters—the most vulnerable sector—28% anticipate significant disruptions, while 34% foresee a minor effect.

Trade policy experts warn that the global tariff landscape is shifting, requiring a measured response from UK policymakers. With tariff quotas set to expire in a month, businesses are urging the government to adopt a flexible approach while avoiding unnecessary retaliatory measures.

Despite the uncertainty, analysts point to the UK’s strong trade relationship with the US, particularly in services, which remain unaffected by tariffs. However, businesses could face broader economic disruptions if global trade tensions escalate. Companies are advised to monitor shifting trade patterns, particularly in sectors like textiles and footwear, and remain vigilant against unfair trading practices.

Sheffield manufacturer of energy saving technologies falls into administration

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield manufacturer of energy saving technologies falls into administration
GWE Group Ltd, the Sheffield-headquartered voltage optimiser manufacturer, has fallen into administration. Formed in 1994, the business, which rebranded to ZERON in 2024, offers a range of energy saving technologies trusted by major players such as Kellogg’s, IKEA, ASDA and Amazon. GWE Group Ltd had been experiencing significant cash flow issues, with the company making a loss on a monthly basis. While the firm had been marketed for sale, attracting various interested parties, a deal was not achieved. The company has ceased to trade with 18 staff being made redundant. Ryan Holdsworth and Danielle Shore from Leonard Curtis were appointed as Joint Administrators of GWE Group Ltd on 30 January 2025. Ryan Holdsworth said: “GWE Group Ltd was experiencing significant cash flow issues in the lead up to administration. This was a combination of non-payment by one of its debtors, and orders not materialising – having been promised at the end of the year. The Company was making a loss on a monthly basis, which was not sustainable.” He added: “The business was marketed for sale by external agents, which did attract various interested parties, but no sale was concluded. As a result, the Company has ceased to trade with all 18 staff unfortunately being made redundant. “A sale of the Company’s assets is being undertaken by our agents BPI Asset Management.”

Amazon expands UK apprenticeship program with 1,000 new roles in 2025

April Lara
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Amazon expands UK apprenticeship program with 1,000 new roles in 2025

Amazon is rolling out more than 1,000 new apprenticeships across the UK in 2025, reinforcing its push to develop in-house talent across engineering, cyber security, HR, and marketing. The initiative is part of the company’s long-term strategy to upskill workers and strengthen its operational workforce. A Doncaster-based family highlights the program’s impact, with four members now working in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

Since 2013, Amazon has trained over 6,000 apprentices and currently employs 2,000 in the program. It has also invested £11 million since 2021 to fund over 1,000 apprenticeships for small businesses and the public sector.

Apprentices earn between £28,000 and £30,000 annually, with additional benefits such as private medical insurance and a company pension. The program provides a pathway for employees to advance into specialised roles within the company’s logistics and tech-driven operations.

UK economy grows, beating expectations

Tess Egginton
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UK economy grows, beating expectations
Easing the risk of a recession, the UK’s economy saw fractional growth in the final quarter of 2024. According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have risen by 0.1% in the October to December period, following no growth in the previous quarter. It beats expectations of a contraction of -0.1%. Across key sectors, growth in services (0.2%) and construction (0.5%) output led the way, while production fell by 0.8%. Monthly data, meanwhile, shows GDP expanded 0.4% in December, above expectations of 0.1%, largely because of growth in the service sector. Responding to the figures, Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “News that there was a modest up-tick in growth in the weeks running up to Christmas is far preferable to the alternative but flat growth registered across the final quarter will not come as a surprise to many small firms. “The fall in production in the last quarter shows that evidence of a feel-good factor from the end of last year is sadly lacking, with members telling us they are finding trading conditions difficult, to say the least. “With tax changes coming up in April, and the looming Employment Rights Bill which is set to put a big dampener on small businesses’ willingness to take on staff, any economic uplift that has been carried over from last year will be a help, but more must be done to offset turbulence. “The recent cut in the base rate is a good sign, but will not by itself be enough to give small businesses the confidence they need to choose to invest in their operations, which is what is needed for long-term, substantial and sustainable growth in GDP. “The Government has loudly stated its commitment to growth, which we agree with, but we need to see words turned into actions in the shortest possible timeframe, so that this positive momentum can snowball into a virtuous circle of investment, productivity gains, and greater prosperity in every part of the UK.”

Hull recruitment agency acquired by growing group

Stuart Pearcey
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Hull recruitment agency acquired by growing group
Nicholas Associates Group has acquired Hull-based recruitment agency Smart Temporary Solutions Limited. David Kitney, Owner of Smart Temporary Solutions Limited, said: “After nearly five successful years building and leading Smart Temporary Solutions, the time has come for me to step away from the business and pass over the reins. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved – establishing a strong reputation for delivering a great service and operational excellence in blue-collar recruitment. “Joining forces with Nicholas Associates Group ensures that Smart’s clients, candidates, and employees will continue to thrive under the leadership of a well-respected, national organisation. I leave the business in great hands, which was important to me and look forward to seeing its continued success as part of NA Group.” Paul Smith, CEO of Nicholas Associates Group, said: “Smart Temporary Solutions has developed an outstanding reputation in the blue-collar recruitment market, and their innovative approach aligns perfectly with our vision for the future. This acquisition enables us to expand our reach, enhance our service offering, and continue providing best-in-class talent solutions. We are excited to welcome the Smart team into the NA Group family and look forward to working together to drive further success.”  

Sheffield firm secures planning permission for more than 100 homes in Maidstone

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield firm secures planning permission for more than 100 homes in Maidstone
Henry Boot land promotion and planning business, Hallam Land has secured outline planning permission on appeal for 112 homes on a freehold site in Yalding, Maidstone, Kent. Hallam acquired the 23 acre site in 2018, recognising its potential in a high demand housing area. The site was later included in the Emerging Local Plan, and in November 2023, Hallam submitted an outline planning application in line with this allocation. Despite Maidstone Borough Council adopting its Local Plan (2021 – 2038) in March 2024, it did not make a decision on the application. Hallam appealed in May 2024 on the basis of non-determination and successfully secured approval in December 2024. The planning consent for the site includes 112 homes (40% of which are affordable), new landscaping, habitat creation, and publicly accessible green infrastructure, with over 20% Biodiversity Net Gain calculated for surrounding habitats.

Plans to build a ‘stronger economy and stronger communities’ outlined in NE Lincs

Michael Fisher
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Plans to build a ‘stronger economy and stronger communities’ outlined in NE Lincs
The new Freshney Place Leisure, Foodhall and Market scheme and supporting other development is central to the council’s commitment to growing a stronger economy.
Members of North East Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet have unanimously supported the authority’s proposed Budget, Finance and Business Plan for the financial year starting on April 1, 2025. This plan will now progress to next week’s Full Council meeting for discussion and vote. A key detail recommended and approved at last night’s cabinet meeting was a core Council Tax increase of 1.98% and the application of a 2% Adult Social Care precept. The overall proposed plan reflects the aims and objects set out in the new Council Plan, which will come into effect from April 1. This puts a ‘Stronger Economy’ and ‘Stronger Communities’ at the heart of the authority’s vision. Priorities to achieving this vision are outlined and include:
  • The continued transformation of Children’s Services. The plan details how current work is having a ‘positive impact on outcomes for our children and young people, as well as supporting financial sustainability’.
  • Again, with a focus on transformation, attention will be put on Adult Social Care where innovative solutions will be explored. This will help to meet an increase in demand and complexity of care.
  • Continuing with a ‘commercial approach’ to grow a strong and sustainable economy. It details how major investments, such as the redevelopment of Freshney Place, are progressing and will support the borough at a time of economic challenge.
  • A pledge to ensure the capital programme is reviewed regularly to ensure schemes remain viable. This approach, adds the report, will help ensure plans remain ‘affordable, sustainable and prudent’.
The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, says: “As Leader of this Council I am pleased to be able to support a plan that delivers a balanced budget.”

Student housing portfolio relisted at £30M after price reduction

April Lara
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Student housing portfolio relisted at £30M after price reduction

Beachrock has significantly lowered the asking price for a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) portfolio, now seeking £30 million after initially marketing the properties at £90 million. The portfolio comprises over 1,000 student beds across Coventry, Nottingham, and Sheffield.

The assets are spread across Coventry, Nottingham, and Sheffield. Initially part of the offering, a Cambridge property is no longer included. The remaining properties, which vary in size and price per bed, are available for purchase individually or as a group, with offers due by March 20.

The portfolio is now priced at £26,300 per bedroom, aligning with previous market interest. Beachrock stated that the new price reflects previous interest in the portfolio, aligning with market valuations.

MJ Gleeson reports sales growth despite profit decline

April Lara
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MJ Gleeson reports sales growth despite profit decline

Housebuilder MJ Gleeson has reported an increase in home sales and revenue despite a sharp drop in profits, reflecting ongoing challenges in the UK housing market.

For the six months ending December 31, the Sheffield-based firm generated over £150 million in revenue, a 10% increase from the same period the previous year. However, pre-tax profit fell by half to £3.6 million. The company’s land division did not complete any transactions during the period but expects to finalise several deals in the coming months. It also noted that recent government planning reforms are beginning to have a positive impact.

The broader housebuilding sector has struggled with weaker demand due to high interest rates and economic uncertainty. Gleeson completed 801 home sales in the second half of 2024, up from 769 a year earlier. The company also recorded higher net reservations per site and a 4.8% rise in average selling prices, reaching £193,900.

Despite the increase in sales, profit margins took a hit due to incentives offered to buyers. Looking ahead, the company remains optimistic about a market recovery, citing strong demand in the affordable housing segment.

Businesses hear how film, nature, and a coastal walk can boost Lincolnshire tourism

Stuart Pearcey
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Businesses hear how film, nature, and a coastal walk can boost Lincolnshire tourism

Businesses at Lincolnshire’s fully-booked visitor economy conference have heard how film tourism, nature tourism and the new coastal path could boost the county’s economy.

Hosted by Lincolnshire County Council’s economic development team, the event also demonstrated the success of the Visit Lincolnshire website in showcasing everything the county has to offer. Speakers included Heather Greenwood from Location Lincs and BBC Springwatch’s Lucy Hodson, known affectionately as ‘Lucy Lapwing’. County Councillor Colin Davie said: “This was a great event to bring businesses together so they can network and share ideas and challenges. It’s a flagship event for tourism and is a good example of how we support businesses and help them navigate the challenges in the sector – of which there are many right now. “Tourism is an incredibly important part of our economy and as a council we have invested in the sector, including the Visit Lincolnshire website, and provided grants to those struggling during after the Covid pandemic. “There was a great line up of speakers at this event and I hope everyone who attended came away inspired by the future opportunities that our visitor economy businesses can benefit from.”  
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