The recent announcement to substantially increase the national minimum wage by April 2024 brings both opportunities and challenges for businesses and employers across the UK. While this significant boost aims to elevate the standard of living for millions of workers, it's imperative for businesses, charities and organisations, especially smaller ones, to strategise and adapt to this change proactively. Here are some viable strategies to navigate this shift:1. Budgeting and Financial Planning: Businesses should reassess their financial models and budgets to accommodate the increased wage bill. Analysing cash flows, identifying areas for potential savings or efficiency improvements, and revisiting pricing strategies...

22 November, 2023

The British Independent Retailers Association has expressed its support for today's report announcement by Ofgem's for the regulatory changes proposed to address ongoing issues with energy supply to smaller businesses.As part of its Summer Retail Package, Ofgem has revealed it will be asking the government for more to be done to address the issues in the energy market for business customers.Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, emphasised the importance of transparency in energy bills, especially amid recent significant increases in energy costs.He said: "This report highlights that Ofgem recognise ongoing issues with energy supply to smaller businesses. We support their recommendations especially as earlier this...

26 July, 2023

Residents living in private homes (both owned and rented) with a gross household income of less than £31,000 are being encouraged to apply for a government grant to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes.ECO4 Flex is a government scheme, funded by energy companies, that supports households on lower incomes or those particularly vulnerable to the impacts of living in a cold home.Funding is available for things that can improve the energy efficiency of your home, including insulation and heating systems.Improving the energy performance of your property through different methods could save you hundreds of pounds in fuel bills...

12 July, 2023

Motorists are being put in the driving seat to find the best fuel prices as the government prepares to force retailers to publicly fess up to how much they are charging at the pump.   In a win for consumers, they will be able to compare prices in real time in any area of the UK, through a new fuel price reporting scheme. Drivers will be able to easily identify those charging fair prices and those failing to pass on savings from falling wholesale costs.   The government will change the law to force retailers to comply by providing up to date price information, which is...

03 July, 2023

Expert advice on coping with the mental health impact of the rising cost of living is once again being offered.The free Talking Therapies webinars, run by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), will offer useful advice, practical ideas, and general coping strategies to help people who are worried about budgets.Whether it’s managing worry, problem solving, tips on self-care, or practical support available locally, the online sessions aim to help.The Financial Stress Webinars take place on:Tuesday 28 February – 6pm-8pm Tuesday 28 March – 6pm-8pmSign up to view the webinar by completing the online registration form at www.nhft.nhs.uk/talkingtherapiesOr you can register...

17 February, 2023

Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has today given energy bosses a deadline of Tuesday to report back to him on what remedial action – such as providing compensation – they plan to take should they have wrongfully installed prepayment meters in the homes of vulnerable customers.It comes in the wake of British Gas admitting fault as a result of the Times investigation which showed even those with small children or medical conditions have not been shown forbearance, with reports of debt collectors breaking into homes to install the equipment.But these findings by The Times newspaper follow several reviews by...

05 February, 2023

Struggling households in West Northamptonshire who work but are on a low wage can apply for the Government's Household Support Fund and potentially receive £250 in cash.West Northamptonshire Council is urging residents on a wage of £400 or less to visit the Household Support Fund page on their website or to call on 0300 126 7000 to check if they are eligible for the payment, which is paid into a bank account in two instalments.This scheme aims to support those who have not received any of the £650 Cost of Living Payment (paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324) and...

19 January, 2023

The government announces the new “Energy Bills Discount Scheme” for UK businesses, charities, and the public sector from April.Scheme will provide a discount on high energy costs to give businesses certainty while limiting taxpayers’ exposure to volatile energy markets Businesses in sectors with particularly high levels of energy use and trade intensity will receive a higher level of support.A new energy scheme for businesses, charities, and the public sector has been confirmed today (9th January), ahead of the current scheme ending in March. The new scheme will mean all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive...

10 January, 2023

A leading human resources consultancy are suggesting ways that employers can help their workforce to manage the cost-of-living crisis.Kettering-based HR Solutions have reassured business owners that looking after their employees doesn’t have to cost as much as they might think.CEO Greg Guilford said: “The cost-of-living crisis is currently affecting everyone across the UK. Wages have gone up dramatically but for some struggling workers it’s still not enough to meet rising costs.“While individuals are battling to make their wages stretch, business owners are also struggling as they face the same increased cost challenges.“These employers, particularly small business owners, might not be...

04 January, 2023

There is still NHS support if you need it but please help us to help those with the most urgent health needs. Please only call 999 or go to A&E in life threatening emergencies.With on-going industrial action, NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board is reassuring patients what options are available to them, and what actions they can take to support their local NHS during this time.It is likely that 999 call handlers will be very busy tomorrow and NHS 111 call centres will have fewer staff, and response times across the system are expected to be longer than normal. Hospitals are...

20 December, 2022

New scheme to help passengers save on bus fares launched for over 130 routes.millions of people across England will be able to travel by bus for £2 from 1 January to 31 March 2023, thanks to £60 million in government funding to cap single tickets people can save almost a third of the average £2.80 bus fare, while in some rural areas tickets can reach over £5 for a single journey over 130 bus operators outside London will be part of the scheme, taking an estimated 2 million cars off the road and reducing emissionsPassengers are being encouraged to...

19 December, 2022