Increasing the financial incentive for small businesses that employ an apprentice could help encourage more to do so, according to new data from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
To mark this year’s National Apprenticeship Week in England, which starts today (Monday 10 February), the business group has released statistics that found almost half (47%) of small business employers say reintroducing a £3,000 incentive would encourage them to take on apprentices.
Of those small firms that currently employ an apprentice, almost three quarters (73%) say the financial incentive could mean taking on more in the future.
Currently, employers are given £1,000 when they hire an apprentice under 19 years old. FSB is calling on Government to use the summer’s Spending Review to update this to a £3,000 incentive for those hiring an apprentice under 25 years old, exclusively for SMEs.
FSB data also highlighted that 36% of small business employers who currently employ apprentices say reduced admin or paperwork would encourage them to take on more. FSB wants Government to introduce a standardised way of tracking both on and off the job training that apprentices do. This is currently done by apprenticeship providers, all of which have differing approaches, creating more work for employers.
Latest Government statistics show that although the number of apprenticeship starts has increased overall, lower-level apprenticeships, which are traditionally done by smaller firms have fallen. More needs to be done to encourage more small firms to take on entry-level apprentices.
FSB is calling on Government to set targets to increase the number of apprenticeship starts in small businesses across the parliament.
Tina McKenzie, FSB Policy Chair, said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to shine a light on all the fantastic small businesses out there that currently employ apprentices – nurturing their skills, while at the same time growing their business.
“Our members who employ apprentices often tell us how they help fill skills gaps in their team, and also bring in fresh new ideas.
“We’d love to see the starts numbers increasing and more small firms taking on apprentices, particularly at the entry-level. Our research shows what a difference bringing back the £3,000 incentive, which was briefly introduced during the pandemic, would make to the numbers. The Government has an opportunity to make a difference on this at the Spending Review in June.
“With so many struggling with the admin side of taking on an apprentice, it’s clear time and resources are in short supply for small businesses, most of which don’t have a separate HR team. Providing financial incentives would help to offset this.”
WBR Group further strengthens market position with strategic hires
WBR Group, the independent provider of SSAS administration and tax advisory services, has appointed three new members to its sales team.
Charlie Dewey joins as Director of Distribution with Nick White and James Cannon joining as Business Development Consultants. They join Alan Godbeer, SSAS Sales Director who has been with the firm for 15 years and has a deep understanding of DBSSAS.
Charlie will report to David Santaney, Chief Commercial Officer at WBR, and Nick and James will report to Charlie, as will Alan.
These appointments mark a significant step in WBR Group’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional SSAS services and continuing to expand its market presence and coverage of the UK.
Charlie Dewey joins from the SIPP and SSAS platform specialist, Curtis Banks, having spent almost 14 years at the firm, most recently as the Head of Sales.
He brings a wealth of experience in the SSAS sector and will be instrumental in driving the growth of WBR Group’s SSAS book, ensuring that advisers and new direct clients receive the highest level of service and support.
He will work closely with Peter Collier, Director of Marketing and Brand, and Caitlin Southall who recently joined WBR Group as Head of SSAS Proposition. Charlie will be covering the Leicester and Midlands area and London.
Nick White joins from Wesleyan where he was Regional Sales Manager for Yorkshire and the Northeast. He has over 17 years’ experience and has a robust background in sales and client management.
Nick has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth and build strong client relationships. Prior to his tenure at Wesleyan, Nick was the Regional Sales Director at WestBridge SSAS, where he successfully expanded the firm’s market presence in the same region.
James Cannon has over 22 years’ experience in the specialist pensions sector and joins WBR from Embark Group, where he excelled as a Corporate Relationship Manager. In this capacity, he managed institutional sales and supported both new and prospective clients, showcasing his strong relationship building skills.
With a proven track record in the financial services sector, James has consistently driven growth and delivered outstanding service and previously worked at Rowanmoor. His expertise and dedication to client satisfaction will be invaluable as he takes on the role of Business Development Consultant for the Northwest of England.
Martin Tilley, COO of WBR Group, said: “The SSAS sector is still experiencing growth and transformation, and it’s crucial for us to stay ahead of the curve. By bringing on board Charlie, Nick, James, and Caitlin, we are not only enhancing our sales capabilities but also reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional service and expertise.
“These strategic hires and our recent strategic acquisitions of Brunel Trustees and Censeo Actuarial will enable us to better serve our clients and capitalise on the opportunities within the SSAS market and wider actuarial and legal opportunities.
“We have always believed that maintaining personal connections and offering tailored, high quality support are key to navigating the complexities of the SSAS sector. Our new team members will play a pivotal role in ensuring we continue to lead the industry and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.”
Charlie Dewey, Director of Distribution at WBR, added: “The SSAS sector is still a vibrant one and such a useful planning tool for SMEs and family businesses. So, when I was looking for my next challenge, being able to be part of the growth story of WBR was too good to miss.
“I am really looking forward to continuing the excellent work undertaken by Peter and Alan, that has seen the business grow to be the largest independent SSAS administrator in the UK. To continue this growth trajectory, and be able to support advisers and direct clients, we need to build a bigger sales team and we will continue to do this with additional hires.”
Solicitors expand reach into Chesterfield with Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre move
A firm of solicitors has expanded its reach into Chesterfield, following a move to the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre in the heart of the town.
Best Solicitors has identified Chesterfield as a place where it can build stronger connections with the local community, support new clients, and further strengthen ties with businesses and individuals throughout the area.
Ellie Whitehead, a legal advisor at Best Solicitors, said: “Our new office, conveniently located at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, is strategically positioned to make our services more accessible and convenient for everyone in Derbyshire and the surrounding areas.
“The offices themselves are modern and serviced to an amazing standard and easily accessible for all forms of travel with a car park located right next to us.
“This new location not only brings us closer to those who need expert legal advice but also allows us to extend our solicitor support to the people of Chesterfield. We are truly excited about this opportunity and the positive impact it will have on the community.”
Ellie added that Chesterfield’s recent investment in new businesses at the enterprise centres in Tapton and Dunston were also an incentive.
To coincide with the move, Best Solicitors has teamed up with an assistance dogs charity to offer free wills to people in the area.
Support Dogs is a charity that relies heavily on the donations left to the charity in wills. In fact, one in three of its life-saving support dogs would not exist without this support.
The good cause trains and provides assistance dogs to help autistic children and adults with epilepsy or a physical disability to live safer, more independent lives.
Danny Anderson, head of fundraising at Support Dogs, said schemes like free wills are hugely important to small charities. He added: “We are so grateful to Best Solicitors for being part of this scheme.
“Charities like Support Dogs rely heavily on the donations left to us in wills.
“They really do make a life-changing difference to the people we help. It leaves a real lasting legacy and tribute to their life as well.”
Get more eyes on your social media videos
There is an absolute sea of content on social media, with at least 20 million videos being uploaded daily to TikTok alone. In this crowded space, it’s simply not enough to post content regularly.
The quality of your social media videos reflects the quality of your business, and a professionally produced video can make all the difference.
Professional quality videos ensure that you are aligning your content with the high standards of your product or service, helping you stand out, while reinforcing your brand’s credibility. Sharp visuals, clean edits, and engaging storytelling grab attention and encourage viewers to connect with your business.
It’s an investment in how your brand is perceived and can create better engagement, a higher click-through rate, and ultimately, more sales.
That’s why Glowfrog Video Production, a local specialist marketing video company, provide businesses in the East Midlands with Shorts and Reels from as little as £99 each – for a complete filming and editing service. Whether you’re aiming for TikTok virality or creating polished content for Instagram, Glowfrog’s team handles everything from concept to delivery, ensuring your videos are professional, creative, and perfectly tailored to your brand.
Some of the short/reel video styles businesses can consider include:
- Promotional videos to showcase new products and services.
- Behind-the-scenes clips to add a personal, authentic touch.
- Timelapse and before/after if you offer a transformative service.
- Event coverage for highlighting key moments and generating buzz.
- Niche specific advice/tips to establish you as an industry leader.
- Customer testimonials that build trust and reinforce your brand’s reputation.
- Short how-to videos to offer value while positioning your business as an expert.
Logistics firm launches biodiversity project at Northamptonshire headquarters
XPO Logistics, a provider of end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, is launching a project to enhance biodiversity around its sites in the UK and Ireland.
The ‘Nature Network’ project is a key part of XPO’s ethos to improve sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions across the business and within the microclimates around each depot. The company’s headquarters at Crick in Northamptonshire will be the first site to implement changes through the project, with plans to roll it out across multiple sites in 2025.
Around 20 varieties of wildflowers are being sown across two acres of land at Crick, along with 50 trees, all of which are native to the UK. This includes blossoming trees, fruit trees like apples and damsons, and large canopy tree varieties to encourage nesting birds. Once available, any fruit grown onsite will be offered to the canteen.
XPO Logistics’ headquarters in Crick will soon have another benefit—honey made by bees in hives on the site. One hive is currently in place, but a maximum of five will eventually be on the site. The honey produced will be provided to the cafeteria and offered to staff and visitors.
Wildflowers and herbs – which will be available again for the cafeteria or staff to use – will be planted in 30 planter boxes and 20 wall box racks.
A wormery will also take care of some of the cafeteria waste, while bug hotels and hibernation houses will help insects and hibernating species find a safe home. The shrub hedge—which will run 80 metres along the fence line with neighbouring company sites—will also provide extra natural habitats and cover for animals and insects.
XPO Logistics’ Crick site is also beginning a new landscaping regime, which includes less cutting of grass and of the existing trees in the main car park area. This will also help to encourage wildflower growth. The pond area will also be enhanced to encourage amphibians, invertebrates, and insects to become part of a thriving ecosystem and ensure a Biodiversity Net Gain.
While each of these measures will improve the environment for the animals and insects in and around the site, it will also benefit the colleagues who work there, creating a more natural, relaxing atmosphere for them to enjoy during breaks.
Staff are also encouraged to volunteer during the working day when appropriate to develop the ‘Nature Network’ project, meaning their time used to nurture nature on the sites will be covered by the business, providing an additional benefit.
Dan Myers, managing director—UK & Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “Each of these initiatives is a small step to improving the local environment and habitat. The passion the team has shown for enhancing biodiversity has been inspirational. This is another small step in addressing the overall sustainability of our business.”
9 in 10 East Mids businesses face skills gap
A new report into the 2025 skills and recruitment outlook of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in England reveals nearly nine in 10 (87% of businesses) in the East Midlands are anticipating some kind of skills gap within their business, with the biggest at entry level (35%).
Now in its third year, the Skills Horizon Barometer, launched by the Skills for Life campaign and featuring commentary from local business TG Sowerby Developments, also found that SMEs are more likely to have noticed a skills gap at entry level than in specialist areas (32% versus 23%). However, concerns about retaining staff have decreased since last year – a third (32%) of SME employers cited it as a worry this year, compared to two fifths last year (40% in 2024).
More widely across England, when it comes to specialist skills, opportunities with AI are firmly on the radar for the year ahead, as nearly a quarter (23%) are poised to train their staff in AI related skills or recruit those with knowledge in the field. The research found one in five (19%) are regularly using AI in day-to-day operations, with a further 20% using it occasionally. One in five (19%) also say experience in AI is an asset on a CV for potential new recruits.
While AI knowledge is high on the recruitment agenda for SMEs, they are also looking beyond the skillset to find human characteristics or transferable skills that are the right fit for their organisation too. The top five to pique the interest of employers in the East Midlands for 2025 are:
-
A good work ethic (38%)
-
A quick learner (35%)
-
Ability to work under pressure (27%)
-
A team player (25%) / confidence (25%) / adaptability (25%)
-
Strong digital skills (19%)
Exploring the type of candidates East Midlands SMEs are looking for reveals employers looking to offer opportunities to those early on in their career, but crucially candidates who have some experience (43%). While a fifth (20%) of businesses still look to hire those from traditional academic routes, such as university, a sixth (15%) of firms would hire straight from school or college, supporting young people with relevant training to build up their skills, and 32% would look to hire candidates with experience from a different field.
The highlighted findings from the latest Skills Horizon Barometer look to help SMEs understand all the technical education training and employment schemes available to them, including Apprenticeships, T Levels, Skills Bootcamps, HTQs, as well as numeracy and digital skills courses.
James Bonsall, Director at TG Sowerby Developments, Scunthorpe said: “We look for talent with some experience and a perspective that aligns with our company values and we work with contacts at local colleges, who keep an eye out for suitable candidates for us. Hiring apprentices is great because we can source talent at the start of their career, we can mould them, teaching our ways of working and our level of standard. We find many apprentices learn these skills and then stay on for many years, so it’s a great time investment for us.
“I’d encourage other businesses who are facing skills gaps to look into the opportunities available to them via technical education. There are many options for recruiting and upskilling and we have found it to be a really valuable asset.”
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Jacqui Smith said: “Meeting the skills needs of the next decade is central to delivering the Government’s Plan for Change. Employers are key partners in our mission, helping address skills needs across sectors like AI, green tech, and construction. Using Skills Bootcamps, apprenticeships, HTQs, and T Levels, we’re supporting businesses and individuals to upskill, and establishing Skills England to find and fill skills gaps and support sustained economic growth.
“The Skills Horizon report highlights the progress we’re making together—giving people the skills they need to seize opportunity and drive growth.”
Young people in the East Midlands left in the dark over career choices, survey finds
More than four-fifths (84%) of young people in the East Midlands insist there is not enough information given to them about apprenticeships when considering their career option – a new survey by BDO has found.
Of this group, 55% say more work needs to be done to connect young people with local businesses and apprenticeship providers, while nearly a third (29%) said that this lack of information means those that already know people in certain industries and businesses have an advantage.
The Young Minds survey of just over 1,000 young people across the UK was commissioned by accounting and advisory firm BDO to provide an indicative snapshot of the career aspirations and challenges of young people, canvassing the views of those between the ages of 18-25 years old.
The survey found that nearly half (48%) of young people polled in the East Midlands still believe that attending university will provide more career choices, yet more than a third (35%) would also consider undertaking an apprenticeship after their degree to upskill, achieve a master’s degree-level qualification or to train in a specialist area or profession.
Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO LLP in the Midlands, said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in building an inclusive and highly skilled workforce of tomorrow, yet many young people in the Midlands feel they are still being denied access. This consistent lack of information and education is creating a bottleneck in new talent.
“Greater connectivity between government, businesses and the education system is needed to allow young people to make more informed decisions and to help match them with employers offering apprenticeship opportunities.
“We need to work together to ensure everyone has access to the information, training and high-quality employment they need to reach their potential.”
Fab Lanza, an audit trainee in BDO’s Nottingham office, started his school leaver apprenticeship in 2022 after taking part in ‘Explore BDO’ during his A-Levels.
He said: “There needs to be more information available to students considering their career choices. I first discovered apprenticeships through my student network when I participated in the Explore BDO Insight programme.
“After I completed my A-levels, I was fast-tracked through the application process because of my participation during the insight week. Now I’m halfway through a Level 7 apprenticeship (equivalent to a Master’s degree) and will be fully qualified within the next couple of years.”
Bassetlaw businesses join forces to unlock growth potential
Bassetlaw businesses are joining forces to unlock growth potential in the district and make the most of significant investment and major developments in the pipeline.
Bassetlaw District Council and North Notts BID have teamed up to support the creation of the Bassetlaw Business Alliance Executive Group, which will work independently, bringing businesses together to work towards the same goal, a stronger local economy.
The group met for the first time last week (31 January) at Laing O-Rourke in Worksop where attendees learnt more about developments including the East Midlands Investment Zone and the prototype Fusion energy plant project STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) at West Burton.
Rob Holder, General Manager, National Trust for Nottinghamshire and chair of the Bassetlaw Business Alliance Group, said: “I am delighted to be chairing the newly formed Bassetlaw Business Alliance Group and working with brilliant people across various sectors within Bassetlaw to support realising Bassetlaw Vision 2040.”
The alliance, made up from strategic leaders from key businesses in Bassetlaw, will have the chance to shape the district’s plans as well as receiving direct support to unlock potential growth.
Cllr Charles Adams, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, said: “We look forward to working with the newly created business alliance on growth initiatives in the district and how they can engage with these opportunities.
“We are united in the same goal, to unlock potential growth so collectively we can make Bassetlaw a better place for everyone.”
It is hoped by encouraging joined up working, it will create opportunities to attract further investment, encourage growth and promote the district on a regional and national level.
The Business Alliance Executive Group will also be holding a ‘Skills and Employment Summit’ in March, where it will look to understand the current and emerging skills and employment needs for the district, helping to inform education and training provision for the district businesses and residents.
Sally Gillborn MBE, Chief Executive at North Notts BID, said: “From our industrial areas to town centres, the Bassetlaw Business Alliance Executive Group will provide greater opportunity for businesses to share ideas, provide upskilling opportunities and collaborate towards goals that will collectively drive business growth and invigorate the local economy.”
Shop parade demolished to make way for new homes
A deteriorated and ageing shop parade in Mansfield has been torn down to make way for new homes and a green community space.
The enhanced outdoor space and 13 of the wider 22 energy-efficient homes for the project, will be built on the flattened site in the Bellamy estate, which dates back to the late 1960s. The former shop owner in the parade has now moved into and taken over the three newly built shopping units on the estate.
This is all part of Mansfield District Council’s £7.7 million housing-led regeneration scheme for the area. As well as the new homes and community space, a new through road to better connect the area is also in the pipeline.
The Mayor, Portfolio Holder for Housing Cllr Anne Callaghan, and Chief Executive James Biddlestone were joined at the demolition site by Mansfield MP Steve Yemm. Mr Yemm joined council officers to learn more about the regeneration project, and other social housing schemes the council is leading on across the district.
Works for the overall scheme are anticipated to be completed by autumn this year.
Councillor Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “It is a momentous occasion to celebrate this ageing shopping area in the heart of the Bellamy estate being demolished to make way for a new generation of homes and green space.
“We know how important it is for residents to enjoy the areas in which they live and to have pride of place in them. By removing this eyesore and giving the estate new eco-friendly homes, new shopping units, and a community green space, we are ensuring the estate, and its residents can thrive for years to come.”
The council’s in-house architects designed the 22 new homes on the site in line with the Future Homes Standard. This requires new homes to have low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions than properties built to current building regulations.
The homes, which will be available for council tenants on the housing waiting list, will include three four-bedroom semi-detached houses, eight three-bedroom semi-detached houses, nine two-bedroom semi-detached houses, and two two-bedroom detached houses. The first tenants are expected to move into the first phase of homes completed from April 2025.
The Bellamy regeneration scheme has been made possible by capital investment from the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The HRA is made up of tenant rents and must be used to build more homes as well as maintaining the housing stock across the district.
The estate’s regeneration began more than two years ago with the installation of a new play park and learn-to-ride cycle track for children, both of which opened in early 2023.
Leicester’s WBR Group acquires Censeo
WBR Group, the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has acquired Censeo Actuaries & Consultants Limited for an undisclosed sum.
Censeo will be rebranded as WBR Actuarial Limited on 1 April 2025, with the actuarial business becoming a separate legal entity wholly owned by WBR Group.
Founded in 2004 and based in Salisbury, Censeo has built a strong reputation in actuarial, investment and pension consultancy services.
With this acquisition, WBR Group continues to build on its strategy of growth through acquisition and diversification, enhancing its expertise and expanding its service offerings.
WBR Actuarial Limited will provide clients with a comprehensive range of services, including:
- SSAS and DBSSAS actuarial services
- Full services for ‘smaller’ defined benefit pension schemes (generally fewer than 1,500 members or under £50M in invested assets):
- Pensions administration and treasury
- Scheme actuary services
- Investment consultancy
- Pensions consultancy
- Trustee training
- Funeral plan trusts
- Pensions on divorce
