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The government has announced a £725 million overhaul of the apprenticeship system, setting out plans to create 50,000 new placements over the next three years in an effort to address rising youth unemployment and strengthen the UK’s long-term economic prospects. The reforms include a £140 million mayoral pilot programme giving regional leaders new powers to connect young people — particularly those not in education, employment or training (NEET) — with apprenticeship opportunities at local employers....

The Invest in Women Taskforce has surpassed its fundraising ambitions in a major boost for female entrepreneurship, announcing that it has now convened £635 million in commitments, more than double its original £250 million target set at launch in 2024. The milestone includes confirmation that Nationwide and the British Business Bank will join Barclays and M&G as anchor partners in the targeted £130 million first close of the groundbreaking Women backing Women Fund of Funds,...

Recent scientific work has given growers a clearer look at what truly strengthens the quality of feminised seeds, and one of the most relevant studies came from a 2024 publication in Frontiers in Plant Science. Researchers focused on how feminised seeds are made, how the plants react, and what steps actually lead to dependable outcomes. With these findings, growers can rely on approaches grounded in real research rather than continuing with practices that do not...

Taking the leap to join the world of the self-employed is equally as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. If you are new to self-employment, or you’re thinking about becoming a sole trader, then here are a few essential tips that will help you along the way. Manage Your Time Wisely Being self-employed can be incredibly time consuming. There is always something that needs to be done, it’s easy to fall behind, and it doesn’t take...

Positive working environments encourage creativity, increase productivity, reduce turnover rates, and improve overall performance. Ensuring the office is a pleasant place to work in isn’t just about keeping employees happy, it’s about ensuring the longevity of your business. With that in mind, here are five ways you can improve the working environment. Focus on the Physical Workspace The area in which a person works can significantly influence their wellbeing and concentration levels. You should ensure...