Ghosting is not just a dating phenomenon: by James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, delves into the problem of ghosting in business.
The term ghosting is widely known or referred to in the world of dating, when a person suddenly or unexpectedly experiences an end to all contact or interaction with a person – a date or partner. Any attempts to gain a response or engage in communication is fruitless.
However, the world of dating is not the only place it is experienced. It seems that ghosting is increasingly prevalent in the world of business. Its escalation, perhaps in part, is a legacy of lockdown when we worked remotely and were less connected to people, with face-to-face interaction switched to more faceless and less personal digital interactions. Hybrid and remote working, which has been more widely adopted post pandemic, may also be a contributor. So too may be the wider use and adoption of digital communication and working practices.
Everyone also seems to be busier than ever, and juggling workload and work pressure has meant people don’t do or can’t do things the way they might have in the past. It is perhaps a little cynical to think that standards, behaviours and ways of working are just not what they used to be.
How then might you experience ghosting in the workplace?
Interviews – you invite someone to attend for an interview, they accept but fail to turn up and don’t tell you they are not attending or make any contact.
Hiring – you make a job offer and give a start date, but the person doesn’t turn up or tell you they are not starting.
Quitting – someone decides they no longer want to stay in your employment and without going through due process leaves without notice.
Leavers – an employee is let go or leaves by agreement and prior to their departure they are given the cold shoulder or experience a sense they are not a part of the team or organisation.
Prospects – you have pitched or quoted for some business. The process seems to be going swimmingly then it ends abruptly, and you hear nothing and get no response.
Networking – you meet someone at a conference, networking event, or connected with them on LinkedIn and seem to really hit it off, agree to get in touch but never hear from them again or get a response.
Meetings – how many of us have sat in meetings and experienced the person more interested or engaged in their mobile phone? When it comes to online meetings there seems to be a host of people that neither have their camera or sound on – are they ‘in the room’?
Emails, calls and texts – you try to communicate with someone but find you get no response from a work colleague, someone you line manage or external contact.
Ghosting behaviour certainly adversely impacts the performance and productivity of an organisation, as well as, if widely experienced or prevalent, has a negative effect on culture, morale, recruitment and behaviours.
Perhaps it might be understandable, if not acceptable, in difficult situations. It does seem to be increasingly rife in circumstances where individuals prefer or just don’t want to deal with things, either because it is outside their comfort zone, it makes them anxious or more anxious, they avoid or can’t deal with conflict, might get a kick back, they are just too busy or even perhaps because they don’t care. It may even be learnt behaviour from more senior colleagues or peers.
Managing or considering how your business or organisation might be affected by ghosting surely is a matter which cannot be ghosted. Whilst individuals may have experienced some work-related ghosting few have probably considered its more widespread impact.
See this column in the January issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
2025 Business Predictions: Daniel McNerney, Managing Director, See Limited
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Daniel McNerney, Managing Director at See Limited.
The built environment industry has faced significant challenges with skills shortages in 2024, and this will continue in 2025.
Action will need to be taken to reverse this trend in order to avoid impact on the completion time and cost of a project. Apprenticeships will also have a part to play in combatting this. However, there is a need to make information on apprenticeships accessible for businesses, with greater support offered to help them start this journey. Early engagement with young people at schools and colleges will be key in helping to promote the industry and demonstrate the variety of opportunities and roles available.
When it comes to trends, bringing the outside in and connecting buildings and its occupants with nature – otherwise known as biophilic design – has been a design staple over the last few years. This will continue to evolve throughout 2025 and we predict that more curved furniture and walls will feature, creating a sense of warmth in a space rather than harsh, rigid lines.
Architects and interior designers working in the UK’s built environment industry will also need to commit to incorporating more sustainable practices in their work and creating spaces that mitigate the impacts of climate change, while also improving human wellbeing. With so many certifications out there, it will be important for them to identify relevant and accredited documentation routes to pursue in order to meet industry standards. Ideally, they should conduct a lifecycle analysis to form an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
By having environmental data available about the lifecycle of materials, key decision makers will be best equipped to make informed decisions about the materials they select so that they can track their own carbon footprint.
Mortgage and Finance Arena finds new home for 2025
An independent Derby mortgage and financial advice firm, celebrating 10 years of service, has moved into new Pride Park premises ready for one of its busiest times of the year.
Suzanne Bradshaw, managing director of Mortgage and Finance Arena, said advice on debt consolidation and unsecured business loans is in demand during January when the post-Christmas credit card bills land and self-assessment tax bills are due.
Suzanne said: “We offer advice on all mortgage and financial situations apart from pensions and savings and every year we find January is the time when people focus on their finances and getting them in order, either following Christmas or ahead of the tax bill.”
Suzanne, who set up the company in 2015, has moved it into new premises in the Melbourne Business Court in Pride Park, ready for 2025 to be a year of growth.
“We’ve built this company on repeat business but now we are expanding and getting more new clients,” said Suzanne, who has had a lifelong passion for property and gave her first advice on a mortgage aged 18.
“When this office became available and I had a break in my agreement on the previous premises, it just felt right to take the leap and move here into such a prominent place, right across from Pride Park Stadium.”
And while the business is settling into its new home, Suzanne is expecting Spring to be the time clients will seek advice on properties.
The rise in mortgage rates in 2022 has slowed the market for people moving property but there is still strong demand for advice from first time buyers, those who are self-employed or with more complex financial circumstances looking to renew their deals, and for equity release.
“I think people are now getting used to the mortgage rates and so we may see that market pick up soon,” said Suzanne. “But there is still a strong demand from first time buyers and lenders out there with offers to help people get on the property ladder…the ‘bank of mum and dad’ is also becoming more popular.”
And parents are using equity in their own properties to help their children, with an increase in demand for advice on equity release so they can free up money to raise the deposits their adult children need to fly the nest.
Suzanne said: “People’s finances are now more complex, and I think that is why they like to have personal, tailored advice from us. We know the lenders and the offers out there which are right for a person’s individual needs and circumstances. We are looking forward to supporting more people with their financial decisions from our own new home in 2025!”
Nottinghamshire-based soft home furnishings company set to enter administration
Nottinghamshire-based Home Curtains UK Limited, an importer and retailer of soft home furnishings, is shortly to enter administration following a challenging period of rising costs and declining consumer demand, with Dean Nelson of PKF Smith Cooper to be appointed as administrator.
Founded in 1986, Home Curtains offers a wide range of curtains, accessories, lace, and custom-made voiles to customers across the UK and Europe.
The business has been unable to withstand the pressures of the current economic environment. The increases in costs, including those related to raw materials, shipping, and energy, coupled with inflationary pressures and reduced consumer spending, has led to the business struggling to maintain profitability.
A Director of Home Curtains UK Limited issued the following statement: “It is with great regret that we announce that Home Curtains UK Limited is to shortly enter Administration.
“This decision has been incredibly difficult and not taken lightly, and like many businesses in the retail and home furnishings sector, we have been deeply affected by the rising costs of trade and reduction in consumer discretionary spending.
“We want to express our gratitude to our incredibly long serving employees, for their hard work and dedication, and our loyal customers. We remain optimistic that a solution may be found to preserve elements of the business and its legacy.”
Dean Nelson, Head of Business Recovery and Restructuring and Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “Home Curtains UK has faced significant challenges over recent months, including rising costs and an unfavourable economic environment.
“We are working closely with the company’s management team to explore all available options to secure the best possible outcome for all stakeholders.
“It is my intention to trade the business over the next couple of months, undertaking substantial price reductions, to maximise sales over our substantial quality stock ranges, and I would urge the trade and public to take advantage at this challenging time for the company.”
Nottingham software company named top for AI
Nottingham-headquartered software company, Ideagen, has been named a ‘Leader’ in the Verdantix Green Quadrant: EHS Software 2025 scoring highly in both AI integration, document management and quality management.
Since the explosion of AI in 2022, the market has undergone a pivotal shift, as AI features start to redefine the value users can extract from EHS software.
Ideagen’s innovative AI integration earned a top score of 2.5/3.0 for its ability to enhance efficiency and support decision-making. From risk classification to action plan creation, Ideagen’s AI-powered features were recognized for the way they support users with tools that streamline processes and deliver actionable insights.
Ideagen also posted the highest scores of any vendor for document (2.5/3.0) and quality management (2.4/3.0) and was described as having made ‘monumental strides’ since the 2023 report.
Speaking about the news, Ideagen CEO, Ben Dorks, said: “The Green Quadrant is widely regarded as one of the most influential comparisons of EHS platforms in existence, so we are incredibly proud of the momentum we have made in strengthening our position as a ‘leader’.
“Our commitment to innovation is at the core of everything we do. Our investment in AI and focus on delivering a dynamic, user-friendly platform ensures we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers, and it’s great to see that reflected in this ‘leader’ status.”
Businesses’ profit growth to stall following rising employment costs announced in Autumn Budget
New research from business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP finds that, following the increases announced in the Autumn Budget to employer National Insurance Contributions and National Minimum Wage, UK businesses’ profit growth expectations remain low and many are looking to review employee costs across the board including implementing hiring freezes.
The firm’s latest Business Outlook Tracker, which surveyed 800 UK businesses in December 2024, finds that the increasing employment costs announced in the Budget are one of the biggest challenges for businesses heading into 2025, along with attracting and retaining top talent.
Over half (52%) of the businesses surveyed anticipate that they will have to reduce hiring or cut jobs and offer reduced or no pay increases and bonuses to their employees, due to the increasing cost burden. Two thirds (66%) also plan to review their employee benefits offering, with 16% expecting to reduce their investment in employee reward and benefits over the next six months.
Over half (54%) of respondents also think it likely that their business will need to pass on the impact of these higher employment costs to customers by increasing prices.
The research shows that medium-sized businesses are more affected by these changes than larger businesses. More medium-sized businesses plan to cut jobs (55%), freeze or reduce hiring (55%) and pass on cost increases to customers (56%), compared to their larger counterparts (42%, 43% and 47% respectively).
Medium-sized businesses’ confidence in their funding position has been on a steady decline over the last year and remained stagnant in December, at –9 percentage points (pp) lower than the start of this year.
While the changes announced in the Budget are already resulting in them looking at ways to cut costs, almost two thirds (65%) of medium-sized business respondents anticipate that their business will need to apply for additional funding next year. Of these, almost one in four (23%) say it will be needed to cover increasing employment costs.
Despite these planned changes to try and manage costs, medium-sized businesses’ confidence in their profit growth remains subdued and has dropped significantly compared to February (-21pp). Almost half of the medium-sized business respondents (43%) now expect their profit levels to decline over the next six months.
This contrasts to the profit growth expectation of large corporates – where only 26% of respondents expect profits to decline. This corresponds to their overall confidence around the outlook of the UK economy with 92% of large corporates being optimistic compared to 72% of medium-sized businesses.
Matt Buckingham, Midlands Practice Leader, Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “Attracting and retaining talent is one of the key drivers of growth in the Midlands and the pressures employers are feeling around cost inflation and tax changes need to be managed carefully.
“When reviewing employee benefits packages, transparency and clear communication around any changes is essential. Employees should understand how they will be impacted by any changes and what new or revised benefits are available, otherwise take-up rates could be lower than hoped for, along with any associated employer National Insurance savings.
“While employers should ensure that they’re doing everything they can to keep costs down, offering a competitive reward and benefits package is still essential. A comprehensive review of benefit costs to ensure best value is achieved from insurers will help ensure they’re maximising the return on any spend and help businesses to both manage increases and continue to recruit high-quality employees.
“Employee expenses can be a considerable cost to a business. The changes announced in the Autumn Budget have prompted many employers to consider how they can deal with increased employment costs, but it’s important for businesses to remember that there’s often scope to make savings that will help to offset some of them.
“Taking advantage of employment tax exemptions may help them to maximise any spend, along with understanding any tax-free benefit options. The ability to offer benefits such as work-related training or purchasing holiday can also enhance a business’ employee value proposition, often with little or no additional cost.”
Also commenting on the results, Schellion Horn, Head of Economic Consulting, Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “Our previous Business Outlook Tracker was undertaken just before the Autumn Budget, at a time when the Chancellor was looking to manage expectations around the fiscal challenge ahead so as not to cause too much market instability on Budget day.
“It might have been expected that business confidence in the economy, investment potential and profitability would rebound after this – however that’s proven not to be the case.
“Our research indicates that the changes to employer’s National Insurance contributions and the National Minimum Wage announced in the Budget have hit businesses hard across the board – but particularly small to medium sized businesses.
“After the last few years of having to manage costs due to high inflation, wage growth and rising interest rates, just when there is light at the end of the tunnel, the market is now faced with further cost increases and the likelihood of interest rates staying higher for longer.
“Many of the businesses surveyed are looking to pass on at least some of these cost increases to customers. This will put pressure on inflation and keep interest rates higher for longer, which in turn will place more pressure on business costs.
“However, in practice, many of these firms – particularly those in the mid-market with less market power – will be unable to pass through all cost increases and will need to resort to other measures to manage these cost pressures.
“Even with these planned changes, medium-sized businesses clearly anticipate that they will not be enough to stabilise their profitability, with almost half expecting their profits to decrease moving forward. The Bank of England has now also downgraded its 2025 growth forecasts and warned that interest rates will fall more slowly than anticipated.
“With this in mind, the focus for businesses of all sizes, but particularly smaller to medium-sized, will continue to be managing costs and streamlining efficiencies where possible.
“For those looking to access new funding, staying on top of the available grants and investments, such as from local councils, and taking advantage of them where possible could make a real difference to those looking to offset the impact of ongoing cost pressures.”
EMEC strengthens team with strategic ecologist appointment
Nottingham-based Environmental Consultancy, EMEC has appointed Steve Alton as a Strategic Ecologist.
With a BSc (Hons) in Biology and recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, Steve has spent over three decades shaping conservation landscapes across the UK and therefore brings a wealth of experience and expertise in biodiversity and conservation.
His diverse career has included roles such as County Conservation Officer for Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, UK Programme Lead for Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank Project, and Conservation Officer at Ashdown Forest in Sussex. He has also advised on habitat creation for the renewable energy sector and co-managed a wildflower seed company with his wife.
In his new role at EMEC, Steve will be advising Network Rail’s Eastern Region Biodiversity Framework on how to manage their trackside land to ensure Biodiversity Net Gain compliance.
Steve’s decision to join EMEC was driven by his recent move back to Nottinghamshire and a desire to re-engage with the local conservation community. “Rejoining Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and EMEC felt like a golden opportunity to contribute to conservation in the region where my career began,” he shared.
Dr Ed Tripp, Consultancy Director at EMEC, added: “EMEC Ecology is thrilled to welcome Steve to the team. We are confident that his extensive knowledge and passion for biodiversity will be invaluable in advancing the conservation goals of our business and those of our clients.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Steve is passionate about music—whether making it, listening to it, or watching live performances. An avid gardener, he specialises in growing exotic and carnivorous plants. He is also a fan of science fiction and fantasy literature and enjoys cooking.
Financial services optimism falls
Optimism in the financial services (FS) sector fell at the quickest pace since September 2022, according to the latest CBI Financial Services Survey. That is despite business volumes growing at a faster pace in the quarter to December.
The quarterly survey, conducted between 21 November and 9 December 2024, showed that FS firms expect a similarly quick pace of volumes growth over the next quarter. Investment intentions were mixed, with around two-thirds of firms reporting that “other” factors, mainly linked to the cost implications of Autumn Budget measures, were likely to limit investment over the next 12 months.
Key findings:
- Optimism in December, compared with three months ago, fell at the fastest pace since September 2022 (weighted balance of -28% from -13% in September).
- Growth in business volumes picked up in the quarter to December (+32%) after a modest increase in the three months to September (+6%). Firms expect a similarly quick pace of volumes growth over the next three months (+32%).
- Average spreads fell at a survey-record pace in the quarter to December (-62% from -55% in September) and are expected to decline at a slightly slower rate over the next three months (-57%).
- The value of non-performing loans increased in the quarter to December (+18% from 16% in September) at the fastest rate since March 2021. Their value is expected to rise at a broadly similar pace over the next quarter (+21%).
- Profitability fell at a more modest pace in the quarter to December (-14% from -43% in September). FS firms expect a significantly quicker drop in profitability over the next three months (-55%).
- Headcount declined at a quicker rate in the quarter to December (-25% from -15% in September). Firms expect headcount to fall at a similar pace next quarter (-26%).
- Firms expect to increase IT investment in the next 12 months (compared to the last 12). However, capital expenditures on land & buildings and vehicles, plant & machinery are expected to fall.
- Around two-thirds of firms reported that “other” factors were likely to limit capital expenditure over the next 12 months (65%, near last quarter’s record high of 66%). Comments highlighted that companies are most concerned about the impact of substantial cost increases from the Autumn Budget on investment.
Leicestershire businesses offered support to thrive in the green economy
A fully funded advisory service offered by the University of Leicester is launching this month to help Leicestershire’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) thrive.
City and County SMEs are invited to the launch of the GreenerFuture Leicestershire service on Thursday 23 January.
GreenerFuture has been developed by Leicestershire CAN (Collaborate to Accelerate Net Zero), an Innovate UK-funded Net Zero Living Programme project to deliver carbon reduction services across the county.
Leicestershire CAN brings together partners across the public and private sectors, academic institutions and community energy groups so that businesses can learn how to cut their costs, comply with their supply chains partners, and develop new greener products and services.
The University’s School of Business is delivering the advisory service element of the project with a website containing a raft of tools and online resources to help SMEs kickstart, continue and evidence their green journey, and including 1-2-1 sustainability consultancy and expert advice.
Professor Paul Baines, from the University of Leicester School of Business, said: “We’re delighted to offer this unique carbon reduction service to help Leicestershire businesses and other organisations become more sustainable at no cost to them.
“This service is available in only a select few counties in the whole country, so we’re very privileged to be able to offer this in Leicestershire.
“Getting fully funded support from the project is ideal for businesses looking to strip out costs in their value chain to make themselves more competitive, upskill their employees on sustainable business, or learn how to develop new more sustainable products and services.”
At the launch, guests can find out more about the expertise and resources available and hear from inspiring business owners who have already taken steps towards net zero with the help of Leicestershire CAN.
Businesses will have an opportunity to try a simple diagnostic tool to identify their sustainability journey stage and the most beneficial actions they can take, based on their business needs.
Software developer wins multi-million-pound damages inquiry against ex business partner
Leicester-based software developer THJ Systems Ltd, advised by law firm Freeths, has won a multi-million-pound damages inquiry against ex business partner Dan Sheridan.
Following a trial in July, the High Court handed its judgment down awarding £3.35m in damages after a judge ruled Sheridan had failed to properly advertise the developer’s OptionNET Explorer software.
Both THJ and Sheridan founded the business in 2010 to combine OptionNET Explorer with Sheridan’s options trading mentoring business, Sheridan Options Mentoring Corp. THJ expelled Sheridan from the business in 2016 when the relationship broke down, citing various failings on the part of Sheridan – including his failure to properly advertise THJ’s software.
In 2022, The High Court ruled that there was justification for Sheridan being pushed out of OptionNET. A judge stated that his failure to advertise “robbed THJ of a benefit it reasonably expected to receive under the LLP Agreement.”
This recent trial considered factual and expert evidence that set out the extent to which THJ believed subscriber numbers had been negatively impacted by the failure to advertise by Sheridan.
The subscriber numbers had not increased as both had forecast and then flat-lined. The High Court was asked to rule on what should have happened, ultimately concluding that THJ had been denied the ability to earn profits of at least £3.35m.
Acting for THJ, Martin Noble, Intellectual Property & Media Partner at Freeths, said: “This judgment follows on from our successful visit to the Court of Appeal 12 months ago, when it put in place an injunction against Sheridan and reiterated that copyright did in fact subsist in the screenshots of the software that Sheridan had been using.
“THJ was able to demonstrate to the court’s satisfaction that the business had been adversely affected by Sheridan’s failures and an appropriate award has been made.
“It is unfortunate that Mr. Sheridan did not take advantage of the several opportunities he was previously given to avoid the trials in this case and the associated significant costs and expense. That should serve as a warning to businesses involved in a dispute to consider alternative dispute resolution at every stage.”
Andy Mitchell, owner of THJ, added: “We are pleased that this chapter of the proceedings has been decided in our favour. It goes some way to recognising the failures by my former business partner that resulted in a very significant loss of subscribers to my software.”
