The University of Lincoln has maintained its position in the UK top 10 for student start-up businesses, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). This recognition highlights the institution’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among its students and graduates. HESA’s analysis, which looked at data spanning 2014 to 2024, revealed that the University has supported the establishment of more than 1,000 student businesses during this period. Students and graduates have access to an extensive range of business incubation support services, from workshops, digital resources, and working spaces, to funding and networking opportunities – these have been crucial facets to the University’s support success. Reece Leggett, Business Incubation and Growth Manager at the University of Lincoln, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see the University of Lincoln once again placed in the top 10 for student startups. Working closely with students and graduates, my team and I provide a service which encourages entrepreneurship, helping budding young business owners to shape their vision into something tangible. “The Student Enterprise team, alongside colleagues across the University, feel fortunate to work with students and graduates across all levels and disciplines who are determined, passionate, and show true entrepreneurial spirit. This not only benefits our university community but also has positive impacts across our region and business ecosystem. “We’re excited about the planned activities to support these startups thrive and to witness the impact they’re making, not just in Lincolnshire but also nationally and internationally.” Oliver Whitehead, third-year student at the University of Lincoln and owner of Synx Games Ltd, explained: “I can’t speak highly enough of the support offered through Student Enterprise, and I was pleased to see Lincoln had once again ranked in the UK top 10 universities for graduate start-ups.” “I’ve personally benefitted from multiple streams of support through Student Enterprise; particularly their 1-2-1 mentoring, networking events and access to grant funding, and would recommend their services to any student or graduate looking to start a business.”

Frasers Group is partnering with Australian footwear and apparel wholesaler Accent Group to launch Sports Direct stores across Australia and New Zealand. Over the course of a 25-year agreement, Frasers Group will target up to 100 locations.

The move is part of Frasers’ international growth strategy and will increase Sports Direct’s total store footprint by around 14%. The rollout will begin with an initial 50-store launch, backed by proceeds from an increase in Accent Group’s stake. Frasers recently lifted its shareholding in the company to 19.57%.

The store network will carry a mix of Frasers-owned labels such as Everlast, Slazenger, and Karrimor alongside global brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. Accent will lead local operations, leveraging its existing infrastructure and brand relationships to support the expansion.

This marks a deeper integration between the two businesses. Accent also acquired Frasers Group’s MySale marketplace, consolidating Frasers’ retail interests in the region.

Frasers operates more than 500 Sports Direct stores in the UK, 170 in Europe, and 35 in Malaysia. Early investor response was positive, with Frasers shares rising slightly following the announcement.

Over 130 businesses in West Northamptonshire have received direct support through the Growth and Innovation Programme, a 10-month initiative delivered by the University of Bedfordshire and West Northamptonshire Council. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the programme was designed to help established businesses adopt new strategies, technologies, and sustainable practices.

The support included tailored consultancy, academic-led student projects, and subsidised graduate placements. More than 30 expert-led workshops, covering topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, and strategic planning, were also held.

A £325,000 grant fund was allocated to 30 selected businesses to help them invest in technology, product development, and operational upgrades to improve their long-term resilience and competitiveness.

The initiative has reinforced the value of collaboration between higher education and local government in providing practical support to the business community.

UK business confidence dropped sharply in the first quarter of the year, driven by rising tax burdens and growing concern over new US tariffs, according to new data from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

The ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor recorded a reading of -3, the weakest level since the final quarter of 2022 and a marked decline from the previous score of 0.2. The fall reflects growing pessimism among UK firms, particularly over increased costs and the global trade outlook.

More than half of surveyed businesses cited tax as a key challenge, with 56% highlighting it as a growing pressure—an all-time high for the index. The April rise in employer National Insurance contributions added to financial strain, alongside increases in energy bills and the national minimum wage.

The introduction of new US tariffs has also heightened trade uncertainty. Although initially announced as sweeping reciprocal measures, the tariffs were scaled back to a 10% baseline for most countries, including the UK. Nonetheless, the policy shift has added to concerns around global trade costs.

Companies also reported weaker expectations for domestic sales growth this year, forecasting the slowest pace since late 2022. This is despite a modest uptick in sales during the first quarter.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) GDP figures showed an unexpected 0.5% rise in February, following a flat January. However, the broader economic environment remains fragile.

The ICAEW noted that businesses are holding back on hiring and training investment to cope with sustained cost pressures, a move likely to impact productivity in the months ahead. The next ONS labour market update is expected on Tuesday, followed by new inflation data on Wednesday.