Manufacturing is at a crossroads. While negative headlines often dominate the conversation, there has been a growing sense of confidence emerging within the sector. Menzies and the CICM hosted a roundtable discussion at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, which brought together key individuals in the industry to discuss the challenges and potential solutions shaping the future of manufacturing. Three key themes were discussed: recruitment and retention, supply chain challenges, and the growing threat of fraud. One of the primary concerns addressed in the roundtable was recruitment and the retention of skilled staff. There has been a shortage of skilled workers, which has become increasingly evident as traditional career paths in construction and engineering have become less in demand. Many manufacturers struggle to replace a workforce that is aging, with the retirement of experienced employees leaving a considerable gap in skills. Furthermore, the impact of Brexit has meant that there has been a steady decline in returning European workers, which strengthens the challenges faced with staffing.   Another significant concern was the decline of apprenticeships. Many businesses have chosen to shift towards in-house training rather than relying on external apprenticeship schemes, especially as training facilities in Wales remain few and far between. Some firms are having to send trainees further afield for the required skills development. This, alongside the evolving workplace expectations, has evidently reshaped employment trends. Employees are continuously prioritising work-life balance over overtime and financial incentives, which makes retention more challenging as a result. In South Wales, a lack of clear career pathways for young people has led to lower retention rates among the 16-24 age group. Roundtable participants agreed that to attract and retain talent, manufacturers must strengthen their employer branding by offering flexible work policies, fostering social engagement initiatives, and providing clear career progression opportunities.   Supply chain difficulties were another key area of discussion during the roundtable. The post-Brexit landscape has increased reliance on European suppliers, leading to greater instability and uncertainty. Many businesses have also become increasingly more dependent on China, which has therefore, contributed to an increase in carbon footprints and disruptions caused by major holidays and logistical delays. Roundtable attendees emphasised the further supply chain risks posed by public sector contracts, which require businesses to conduct careful due diligence in order to minimise potential issues. In response to these uncertainties, manufacturers are needing to reassess their supply chain strategies to build greater resilience and adaptability.   Fraud and cybersecurity emerged as ongoing threats within the manufacturing industry, as highlighted by many roundtable participants. Businesses are facing an increased rate of getting targeted by highly developed phishing scams and AI-driven cyberattacks, which inevitably leads to financial losses and operational disruptions.  Despite the growing risks, cybersecurity awareness remains low in countless organisations, making them open to attacks. Roundtable attendees agreed that to combat these threats, manufacturing firms must apply tight security measures, educate their employees on potential risks, and invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies to safeguard sensitive information.   Despite the challenges and threats discussed, there has been remarkable developments within the manufacturing sector. Young talent is entering the workforce, bringing fresh and innovative ideas as well as enthusiasm. Countless businesses have successfully adapted to Brexit-related disruptions, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in their supply chain strategies. Companies that survived the aftermath of COVID-19 have come out stronger, with more streamlined operations and improved efficiencies. Collaboration across industries have also expanded, fostering knowledge-sharing and driving innovation.   The Welsh manufacturing sector continues to operate well in exports, specifically in high-tech industries. Moreover, emerging investments in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, as well as advancements in science and technology, are leading the way for astounding transformation. These developments indicate a promising future for manufacturing, as long as businesses continue to embrace innovation and adaptability.   Looking forward, the manufacturing sector must stay proactive in addressing its challenges while capitalising on opportunities for growth. By embracing technological advancements, redefining recruitment strategies, and fostering a culture of resilience, businesses can navigate the developing landscape successfully. The discussions at the CICM roundtable highlighted the importance of collaboration, forward-thinking strategies, and a commitment to continuous improvement. With the correct approach, the manufacturing industry can thrive in an ever-changing economic environment.

Email remains a primary communication tool for 81% of people, making it a prime target for cybercriminals who send 3.4 billion phishing emails daily. In 2024, phishing attacks increased by 28%, driven by AI, leading to data loss, financial damage, and reputational harm. Here are five tips to enhance email security, including using AI, DMARC, and DKIM.

Purchasing property at auction can be an exciting and potentially cost-effective way to invest in real estate. However, it also carries its own set of risks and complexities. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, it's essential to be fully prepared—especially when it comes to securing auction property finance.

Half of all UK companies have suffered a cyber-attack in the last 12 months, and it can just take 37 seconds for a criminal to take over your systems.

Niels Bohr — “Prediction is difficult, especially if it’s about the future.”

SHW has today entered into a definitive merger agreement with Bonsors Penningtons to expand its reach across the South West London region.

Leading law firm Cripps has launched its first-ever Impact Report, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability, as a purpose-driven business. The report, unveiled as part of B Corp Month, outlines the firm’s achievements since becoming B Corp certified in December 2023 and sets ambitious goals for the future. Cripps’ Impact Report formalises the firm’s dedication to making a positive and lasting difference to the lives and businesses of its clients, people, communities, and the environment. By embedding purpose into its strategy and daily operations, Cripps aims to lead by example in the legal sector and beyond. Key highlights from the Impact Report The report showcases Cripps’ progress across four core pillars: Clients: Demonstrating how Cripps goes beyond solving legal challenges to act as a trusted adviser, making a meaningful impact on clients’ lives and businesses. 91% of its clients say Cripps understand their objectives, and 83% feel they genuinely care. By 2027, Cripps will develop a methodology to measure the positive difference it makes to its clients through legal services. People: Highlighting how Cripps fosters a purpose-driven workplace, to attract and retain top talent aligned with its values. The firm wants to enable easier access to the legal profession and currently has 15 solicitor or paralegal apprentices, four of whom earned law degrees with the firm’s support in 2024. Cripps wants to make the legal profession accessible to all and will be joining the Social Mobility Employer Index in 2025. Planet: Cripps has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability including improvements in carbon reporting across all sources of emissions. The firm’s leadership in the Legal Climate Forum further underscores its proactive stance on environmental issues. Cripps has reduced its own carbon emissions by 25% per employee and has introduced a new car-sharing program to reduce further. Additionally, the firm co-founded Amplifi – an initiative of 180 local business working to address the complexities of sustainability together. Cripps has been transparent with their progress towards net zero, publishing their carbon footprint report on their website. Community: Showcasing Cripps’ engagement in pro bono work, partnerships with schools and charities, and local initiatives that support social causes, amounting to over £200k, or 2% of profit. Cripps will allocate an annual allowance per employee for pro bono and volunteering time to achieve 5000 hours of positive impact in 2026. James Beatton, managing partner at Cripps, commented, “For us as leaders, and for all our people, we are motivated by wanting to be the difference for our clients and in our communities, each other and in our natural world. In all our interactions, we ask ourselves how we can give more than we take, and create a positive and lasting impact.” A call for collective action Cripps’ report serves as a call to action for other responsible businesses to collaborate in addressing social and environmental challenges. The firm embraces the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence, recognising that long-term success depends on shared efforts and collective responsibility. “Our purpose is to solve problems and champion ambitions, while making a positive and lasting difference. It’s about more than delivering exceptional client service—it’s about driving meaningful change,” said Mike Scott, senior partner at Cripps. “We invite like-minded businesses to join us to use business to create a more inclusive and regenerative economy. Together, we can create a thriving future for all.”  Read the Cripps 2024 Impact Report.

How best to navigate the complexities of the current tax and investment landscape in a volatile economic environment?

A recent survey from Helen Tuddenham Consulting, “Nurturing And Retaining Talent”, discovered that only half of organisations had tried Executive Coaching as a means to solving their leadership and business challenges. The reasons given for not investing in executive coaching varied but included cost, expected return on investment, and whether it would work in smaller organisations. Other barriers preventing organisations from proceeding include confusing and off-putting terminology, difficulties finding high-quality coaches, and a lack of accreditation and regulation in the sector. A small minority in our survey also had experience with clients not engaging in the coaching process. Yet, for those who take the plunge, the results can be transformative. Every organisation that had used executive coaching in the survey had seen benefits, and nearly half had seen direct increases in profitability as a result. This is backed up by other research showing that when done well, executive coaching can produce tangible benefits to a company's bottom line. MetrixGlobal found that this return could be up to 529% in some circumstances. To support organisations wanting to take the plunge and reap the benefits for themselves, we have published a guide that addresses some concerns and myths, explains the factors you need to consider, and takes you through a step-by-step process for making the most of your investment. Although the original research was with professional services firms, “Transforming Leaders: A Practical Guide to Coaching for Organisations” is designed for businesses of any size or industry that have yet to embark on their coaching journey. You can download a copy of the report here or to find out more, get in touch using the details below.   helen@helentuddenhamconsulting.com www.helentuddenhamconsulting.com/for-organisations

Spring Statement March 2025 Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, held the Spring Statement on Wednesday 26 March 2025. In the run up to the event, the Chancellor stated that she ‘remains committed to one major fiscal event a year to give families and businesses stability and certainty on upcoming tax and spending changes and, in turn, to support the government’s growth mission’. The Chancellor did meet her commitment that there would be no major tax announcements, but tax is only one side of the equation. The other is spending, and the Spring Statement confirmed a number of the measures recently announced, namely: • Cuts to the welfare state • Cuts to the civil service • Increase in defence spending There were also announcements about the rollout of the Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax project which are covered later in this document.

Recent reports have shown that around 17,000 British citizens owned approximately 22,000 properties in Dubai as of Spring 2022. However, data suggests that only 1,900 UK tax residents reported let property profits from a Dubai property in their 2021/2022 tax returns. Given that many of these property owners will have let out their properties rather than kept them solely for private use, many of these individuals will likely have had tax reporting requirements in the UK. If you're UK tax resident and own, or have owned, property in Dubai, it's important to consider whether you need to disclose your let property profits to HMRC.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a crucial technology, with companies eager to integrate it into their operations. Microsoft Copilot for 365 is a powerful assistant that can meet various business needs. This article addresses common questions about Copilot.

Thinking of buying a commercial property? This guide breaks down commercial mortgages in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. We'll cover what they are, how to qualify, and key things to consider, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

SHW has completed the sale of the freehold interests in three South East warehouses, for a total of c. £6.3 million.

SHW has advised law firm Birketts LLP on its expansion at One Suffolk Way in Sevenoaks, Kent, as part of the firm’s continued growth across the South East region.

With the UK government revising company size thresholds from 6 April 2025, businesses should assess how these changes could impact their financial reporting and regulatory obligations.

Combining data with AI empowers SMBs to unlock valuable insights, automate tasks, and personalise customer experiences. This dynamic duo provides a competitive edge, enhances productivity, and drives better decision-making, revolutionising the way SMBs operate.

Are you eager to enhance your digital marketing skills or dive deep into the world of Adobe's creative software? Look no further than the bootcamps offered by Creative Process Digital. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking to grow your business or an aspiring professional eager to land a job in the competitive digital world or an employer who can see the benefit of giving their employees some extra training to develop their skills, our bootcamps have got you covered.

South East businesses looking to expand overseas can now navigate the financial complexities of international trade by tapping into a global support alliance through Carpenter Box accountants.

There are some dramatic changes coming into Private Rented Sector in the form of the Renters Rights Bill which are set to be the biggest shake up of the sector for decades.