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More than half of Brits feel overworked in their jobs, new data reveals

New statistics released this week show that millions of Brits feel overworked in their job, struggling to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

According to a new employee wellness study from Jukebox Marketing, an international PR agency, 53 per cent of British workers complain of being overworked.

This is not only damaging to the health of a worker, but also affects performance in their roles. Managing their working day effectively will help reduce physical and mental health risks, alongside boosting productivity levels.

For any professional, a healthy work-life balance is vital. Whether that’s completing a daily walking target, or spending time with their families, workers must find time to switch off from their job tasks. Failure to separate their home life from the office can result in an inability to maintain a balanced diet, struggle with an unhealthy sleep pattern, and keep a consistent exercise routine. This can lead to serious physical health issues down the line, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

An unhealthy work-life balance can also lead to higher levels of stress, which may result in forced time off work – a recent study found that a fifth of Brits in the past year have needed time off work due to high stress levels. This only leads to a decline in work performance, alongside growth levels for your business. Concerningly, 38 per cent of workers have also admitted to feeling less productive at work due to lack of sleep.

Jukebox has released a report on employee wellbeing and how workers are able to balance their work-life schedule. Here are the findings of the report:

  • 72% say their first morning drink is coffee or tea

  • 44% regularly eat lunch whilst working, as they feel they do not have time to have a full lunch break

  • 41% do not have time to keep fit with the stresses of work and life

  • 47% say their current job role makes it difficult to achieve 10,000 steps a day

  • 60% now make their lunch at home more than ever before due to rising food costs

  • 52% regularly read work messages, emails, or take work calls outside of their contracted hours

  • 38% say their workload pressures limit their daily quality time with their family

Many UK employees are relying on caffeinated drinks to cope with tiredness at work. However, while a morning tea or coffee may initially wake you up, this can lead to an energy crash in the afternoon, meaning that workers will have even less time to complete job tasks, leading to higher stress levels.

It’s also not just work that is affecting the wellbeing of employees. The cost-of-living crisis has seen bills rise further this year. As a result, more than half of workers are making lunch at home more than ever before.

Stephen Jury, Managing Director of Jukebox Marketing, said: “Brits appear to be feeling the pressures of work, and, with further issues such as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, managing stress levels is now more difficult than ever before.

“An unhealthy work-life balance not only leads to physical and mental health risks for your employees, but also growth risks for your business – workers are taking time off due to stress, resulting in absences.

“If you want your business to be as strong as possible, ensure that your employees have enough time to complete basic exercise and spend time with their families. A healthier employee means a healthier business.”

Employee Wellness Report at https://jukebox.marketing/employee-wellbeing/

Bury’s Emm Bee Motorhomes to Showcase Northern Innovation at the UK’s Biggest Leisure Vehicle Event

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Bury dealership joins national line-up at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2025 in Birmingham

One of Greater Manchester’s best-known motorhome dealers, Emm Bee Motorhomes, is set to represent the Northwest this autumn at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2025, taking place from 14–19 October at the NEC Birmingham.

The much-anticipated show, organised by NCC Events Ltd, is the UK’s largest leisure vehicle exhibition, spanning eleven halls and attracting tens of thousands of visitors. It remains the only event where the full range of 2026 motorhome, campervan, and caravan models can be viewed side by side.

Leading Brands and Northern Expertise

Based in Bury, Emm Bee Motorhomes has built a reputation as one of the country’s most trusted dealerships, known for its expertise, personal service, and strong after-sales support.

At this year’s event, the family-run company will represent some of Europe’s most respected manufacturers, including HymerChaussonBailey, and Burstner. Visitors can expect a wide range of models that reflect growing demand for sustainable design, off-grid freedom, and luxury comfort.

Phillip Barker, Managing Director at Emm Bee Motorhomes, said:

“There’s a real buzz about this year’s show. Manufacturers are introducing incredible innovations for 2026, and it’s exciting to share these with customers face-to-face. The event gives people the chance to find a motorhome that truly fits how they want to travel.”

Beyond the Vehicles: A Lifestyle Experience

The Motorhome and Caravan Show has grown into a celebration of outdoor living and travel. Alongside the huge vehicle displays, visitors can enjoy live talks, demonstrations, and hands-on driving experiences.

TV favourites Ben Fogle and Susan Calman will take to the main stage, sharing their passion for adventure and offering inspiration for holidaymakers planning their next trip.

Elsewhere, the holiday and campsite zone will feature top UK and European destinations. At the same time, hundreds of exhibitors will offer accessories, tech upgrades, and travel essentials, many with exclusive show-only offers.

Emm Bee’s Legacy of Customer Care

With over 30 years in the industry, Emm Bee Motorhomes has become a cornerstone of the UK motorhome community, offering a curated selection of new and pre-owned vehicles alongside expert advice and servicing.

“What makes the NEC show special is the chance to have real conversations,” Barker added. “We love helping people discover how motor homing can give them the freedom and flexibility they’re looking for.”

Plan Your Visit

Tickets for the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2025 are £14 for early bird bookings before 13 October, and £18 thereafter, with free parking included.
Children aged 16 and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The event runs from Tuesday 14 to Sunday 19 October 2025 at the NEC Birmingham (Halls 6–12 & 17–20).

For full details, visit www.mcshow.co.uk.

Learn more about Emm Bee Motorhomes at www.emm-bee.co.uk.

Transform Femme Launch Marks Major Step Forward in Women’s Health Services

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Transform, the UK’s foremost clinic for cosmetic and elective healthcare, has launched Transform Femme, an ambitious new initiative designed to deliver exceptional care for women experiencing a range of gynaecological concerns.

Debuting in October 2025, Transform Femme will operate from Transform’s Electiva Hospitals located in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Newcastle, and through select clinics nationwide including Birmingham and Nottingham.

This new service will give women access to outstanding GMC-registered surgeons and specialists who provide surgical and non-surgical procedures in a supportive and confidential environment. The approach unites advanced medical techniques with empathy-driven care to improve physical wellbeing and emotional empowerment.

Leading the new programme is Dr Hisham Abouzeid, a respected consultant whose dedication to patient care has earned national recognition. His work is guided by compassion, expertise, and the conviction that confidence and health are deeply intertwined.

Dr Abouzeid, Transform Femme said: “So many women suffer in silence with gynaecological issues that affect their confidence, health and everyday lives. At Transform Femme our mission is to provide a safe and supportive space where women feel truly heard. We combine medical expertise with empathy and professionalism, helping patients regain their comfort and most importantly their confidence. This is about giving women the freedom to live authentically and proudly.”

Core treatments provided by Transform Femme include: Pelvic Floor Repair; Hysterectomy; labiaplasty; and vaginal tightening amongst others.

With thousands of five-star patient reviews and a reputation for specialist-led care, Transform continues to set the standard in UK healthcare. Transform Femme is an extension of this commitment, reflecting the organisation’s patient-first ethos: “Transform treats you like a person not a procedure.”

Patients accessing Transform Femme will benefit from:

  • An exceptional clinical team of internationally recognised experts
  • Luxurious CQC registered hospitals across the UK
  • Homecare+, providing pre and post operative care in the comfort of patients’ homes
  • Rapid access to consultations, diagnostics and surgery without NHS waiting lists, usually within weeks

Transparent pricing and complete peace of mind with one fixed price and no hidden extras
Transform Femme is the latest chapter in Transform’s long-standing mission to provide patients with life-changing results through personalised compassionate and world-class care.

Manchester Female Entrepreneur Secures Major Research Project for Local Transport

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A Manchester entrepreneur committed to making public sector spending more effective has won a significant research contract with West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Dr Felicity Heathcote-Marcz, 34, is known in the industry for her role as guest lecturer at Alliance Manchester Business School and for leading the Manchester Ethnography Network for over three years. She joins Steer Consultancy to provide key insights for the region’s new Local Transport Plan.

Founder of research consultancy Bare Analysis, Dr Heathcote-Marcz brings extensive expertise in human-centred research. Her work ensures that transport strategies reflect the lived experiences of residents, going beyond mere data to capture what communities genuinely need.

Dr Felicity said: “Bare Analysis is delighted to be supporting WYCA and Steer with this work, and we are well on the way with focus groups and ethnographic interviews to understand the priorities of West Yorkshire residents and their responses to the policies that underpin these principles. We are working really hard to help residents, across all communities, including those who are traditionally hard to reach to have their say on the future of transport services in their area.”

Dr Felicity founded Bare Analysis in 2023 on an essentialist approach – delivering simple, essential truths which help inform decisions that lead to win-win solutions, both for the user of the services, and from the organisation too. The name ‘Bare Analysis’ was inspired by this essentialist philosophy, along with a trip to the stunning wild Beara Peninsula in Ireland, where the bare beauty of the views sparked reflection on what is essential and important in life.

She has worked with clients across a broad variety of contexts to create positive change. Her work has informed strategy and design change for local and central government, transport providers, NHS and healthcare companies, banking and ecommerce clients and asset management companies / developers.

A fifth of homeowners have moving plans ‘on ice’, says new data

One in five UK homeowners say the upcoming November Budget is putting their plans to sell on ice – amid fears of rising mortgage rates, stamp duty and potential tax changes, according to new property data.
The uncertainty comes as chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver Labour’s first full Budget on Wednesday, November 26, with expected announcements around housing, tax, and the wider economy.
Buyers and sellers alike are holding back in anticipation of reforms that could directly affect affordability, moving costs, and market stability.
New research from We Buy Any Home reveals that among homeowners concerned about affording a new property, 46% said Budget uncertainty is causing them to delay selling.
This group represents 21% of all UK homeowners surveyed. Meanwhile, 38% said they’re specifically worried about being able to afford stamp duty on a new home.
The survey of 1,004 homeowners also found:
  • 57% fear hidden moving costs like solicitors, surveys and removal vans.
  • 53% say interest rates and mortgage affordability are holding them back.
  • 26% are nervous about job security in the current economy.

Elliot Castle, CEO of We Buy Any Home, said the data reflects a market paralysed by uncertainty.

“We’re seeing a perfect storm,” he said. “People want to move – but they’re frozen by what the November Budget might bring. Will stamp duty go up? Will tax thresholds change? Will interest rates drop, or stay stuck? The lack of clarity is stalling the market.”

“It’s like waiting for a traffic light that never turns green”

While homeowners in London, the East of England, and Wales showed the most anxiety about tax changes, younger homeowners were more concerned about mortgage rates and job stability – with 68% of 45 to 54-year-olds saying they feared not being able to afford their mortgage if they moved.

And it’s not just financial concerns. The uncertainty itself – about what might or might not change – is driving a “wait and see” approach across the board.

Elliot said: “It’s like waiting for a traffic light that never turns green. People feel they can’t plan properly until they know what Rachel Reeves will announce.

“It’s understandable – no one wants to make the biggest financial decision of their lives in the dark.”

What could change in the Budget?

As Labour prepares its first full economic statement, housing experts are speculating about several possible reforms:

  • Stamp duty reform – including new bands or temporary holidays for first-time buyers
  • Capital gains tax thresholds – could be tightened for second homes and investment properties
  • Mortgage relief or homebuyer support – aimed at stimulating market confidence
  • Property taxation on second homes and landlords – part of a potential push to rebalance the housing market

But while some of these may offer relief, others could hit homeowners hard – especially if Reeves seeks to raise revenue from the sector amid inflation and borrowing pressures.

“Even small tweaks to stamp duty or capital gains can have a huge ripple effect,” Elliot said. “Buyers get cold feet, sellers delay decisions – and the whole chain stalls.”

For now, thousands of would-be movers are holding their breath. Elliot added:
“The Budget needs to bring clarity and confidence. Otherwise, we risk deepening the gridlock we’re already seeing in the property market.”

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Paying off different types of debt more efficiently: 7 helpful tips

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It’s common to juggle different kinds of debt throughout life, such as credit cards, personal loans, car payments, or a home mortgage, each with its own terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions.

Some debts are short-term with high interest, while others span many years with more manageable payments. Since what works for one type of debt may not be effective for another, it’s important to understand the details of each so you can handle them wisely.

On the other hand, ignoring debt or lacking a clear repayment plan can quickly lead to serious problems like a damaged credit score and mounting fees. Thankfully, technology has made managing payments more convenient. Your Maya credit card payment, for example, can be quickly settled using your e-wallet funds directly through the app.

Despite these tools being available, however, some people still struggle to stay on top of multiple obligations. That’s why having a clear and efficient repayment strategy is essential to avoid falling behind and to work toward financial freedom.

In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to help you pay off various types of debt more effectively.
1. List down all your debts to stay organised
Keeping all your debts in one place is a simple yet powerful way to stay on top of your finances. Use a notebook or a spreadsheet to record each loan or credit account you have, including key details like due dates, monthly payments, outstanding balances, and interest rates. Having a clear overview helps you stay organized, avoid missed payments and late fees, and reduce the stress that often comes with managing multiple types of debt.

2. Prioritise high-interest debt first
When managing multiple debts, it’s smart to focus on those with the highest interest rates first. These debts tend to grow faster and end up costing you more if left unpaid. By paying off high-interest debts early, you reduce the total interest you owe and free up funds to address your other financial obligations.

This strategy is especially important when comparing debts like credit cards and car loans, since credit cards typically have higher interest rates. If you’re managing both, it makes sense to prioritise paying off your credit card balance while continuing regular payments on your car loan. Overall, focusing on high- interest debts first helps prevent interest from accumulating and keeps your total debt more manageable.

3. Make more than the minimum payment
Paying only the minimum on your debts mostly covers the interest and barely reduces the amount you actually owe. If you stick to minimum payments, it can take years to clear your debt and you’ll end up paying much more in interest over time. Thus, whenever possible, try to pay more than the minimum to lower your principal faster and shorten the duration of your loan.

If your monthly loan payment is Php 10,000, for instance, then adding an extra Php 2,000 whenever possible can help you pay it off faster and reduce the total interest you’ll pay. Even small additional payments, made consistently, can ease the long-term financial burden and help you gain more control over your debt.

4. Create a budget and track your expenses
Having a clear picture of where your money goes each month can make a big difference when you’re dealing with multiple debts. By tracking your expenses, you can identify areas where you might be overspending and make small adjustments. Additionally, paying close attention to everyday costs like restaurant meals, transportation, or small online purchases can reveal spending habits that quietly drain your budget. This awareness can help you make more mindful choices, cut unnecessary expenses, and redirect those savings toward your debt payments.

5. Consolidate debt 
If you’re dealing with multiple debts, consolidating them into a single loan with a lower interest rate or more favourable terms can help simplify your finances. Rather than keeping up with several due dates and varying interest rates, you’ll only have one monthly payment to manage. This makes it easier to stay on track. Just make sure that the new loan genuinely offers better terms so you don’t end up stuck with higher costs or a longer repayment period than necessary.

6. Avoid taking on new debt
While you’re working hard to pay off your existing debts, try to avoid adding new ones. It’s easy to fall into the trap of taking out a new loan to cover unexpected expenses, but doing so can delay your progress and increase stress. Instead, aim to build a small savings cushion. Having a financial safety net can help you handle emergencies without relying on new debt while you focus on paying what you already owe.

7. Use windfalls or bonuses to pay debt
When you receive extra money, such as a year-end bonus or tax refund, consider putting it toward your debt instead of spending it all. Making a lump-sum payment can significantly reduce what you owe and lower the amount of interest you’ll pay in the future. While it’s tempting to use bonuses to treat yourself, applying some or all of that money to your debts can help you reach financial freedom much faster. Even using just a portion of your extra cash can make a noticeable difference.

Managing different types of debt can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it becomes much more manageable. By tracking your spending, and following a clear repayment strategy, you can steadily regain control of your finances. The key is to stay consistent, make thoughtful decisions, and take intentional steps that bring you closer to a debt-free future.

Hancocks Marks 50,000 Engagement Rings Sold with a Tribute to Manchester’s Love Stories

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Hancocks Jewellers, the oldest jeweller in Manchester, is celebrating a landmark moment with the sale of its 50,000th engagement ring – a testament to more than 160 years of fine craftsmanship in platinum and 18ct gold, and countless proposals that began with a Hancocks creation.

To honour the city that has supported it since 1860, the iconic King Street jeweller is inviting past customers to return to the store for a complimentary ring clean starting today. As part of the celebration, Hancocks is also assembling a collection of cherished customer photographs featuring Hancocks rings, offering a nostalgic glimpse of love stories spanning the decades, which will be displayed both in store and online.

Roy Lunt, owner of Hancocks Jewellers, said: “To think that 50,000 couples have begun their journey with a Hancocks ring is humbling. Our role is not only to craft beautiful jewellery, it is to be part of moments that matter. This milestone belongs to our clients as much as it does to us, and we are delighted to celebrate it with them.”

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Phil & Lynn First In Love In 70s

Among the many couples who have begun their story with a Hancocks ring are Phil and Lynn, a Manchester love story that spans nearly five decades.

Phil and Lynn first met and fell in love in the mid-1970s. Yet life took them in different directions and each married other people. Then in 2012 they reconnected. What followed was a happy chapter filled with theatre trips, weekend getaways, dinners out and fabulous holidays.

In 2017 Lynn’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, so the couple put future plans on hold and focused on creating memories with her for the next eight years. Sadly, she passed away three months ago.

“She wanted Phil and I to be together, and she would be absolutely thrilled that we are finally getting married, almost fifty years after we first met,” said Lynn.

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Phil & Lynn 2025 Celebrating Their Love With Lynn’s Mum Who Sadly Passed Away

Phil & Lynn 2025 Celebrating Their Love With Lynn’s Mum Who Sadly Passed Away
Throughout those years Phil and Lynn often found themselves on King Street on a Saturday, pausing at Hancocks’ window to admire the rings. In the summer of 2015, they stepped inside to try on an engagement ring and a wedding ring that caught Lynn’s eye. “While the ring we chose in the end changed, my choice of jeweller never wavered,” Lynn added.

When Phil proposed, the couple chose a diamond ring, a choice that felt right for them. “I absolutely love our ring, and I cannot wait for Phil to place it on my finger next month,” said Lynn. “The help during our visit to Hancocks was greatly appreciated. The team were kind, patient and made everything feel special.”

Phil has kept two photographs from the time they dated all those years ago. The couple are now gathering images for the Hancocks showcase, including a treasured group picture from the 1970s and a recent photograph together.

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Lynn’s ring

Customers can celebrate with Hancocks by visiting the jewellers at 29 King Street, Manchester, for a complimentary ring cleaning, available from today.

The company is also inviting customers to share a favourite engagement or celebration photograph featuring a Hancocks ring, either on social media via direct message, by emailing a high-resolution image and short caption to [email protected], or by visiting the store in person.

Bounce Back loans confusion cleared up, thanks to Parker Walsh

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AN INSOLVENCY expert has cleared up confusion over Bounce Back loans so businesses avoid finding themselves in ‘hot water’.
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme was launched in 2020 to support small and medium-sized businesses with rapid access to finances during the Covid-19 pandemic.
They were able to borrow up to 25% of their turnover within the £2,000 to £50,000 range.
But five years on, many business owners are unsure on where they stand with their loans, especially if their business has since closed.
Molly Monks (pictured), a licensed insolvency practitioner and founder of Parker Walsh, said: “Bounce Back loans helped thousands of businesses stay afloat during the pandemic.
“Now the majority of headlines about bounce back loans include stories of businesses having to pay back thousands, as the loan was claimed fraudulently.
“Not all loans were claimed fraudulently, though business owners could find themselves in hot water if they are not familiar with what is required.
“We’re often asked by directors if they’re at risk of similar criminal convictions with investigations into abuse of the Bounce Back loans.
“But as long as directors have been honest and have all their evidence and documentation preserved, they can show they legally obtained the loan. Most businesses have nothing to worry about.”
A common misunderstanding, according to Mrs Monks, is whether liquidating a company makes the loan disappear.
“If the company cannot repay the Bounce Back Loan, directors may need to consider liquidation instead of striking off. Liquidation is a formal process where an appointed liquidator handles the company’s debts, including the Bounce Back Loan, through asset sales and other means.
“Directors cannot, however, simply strike off their company and expect any outstanding loans to disappear.
“Repayment obligations remain unless lenders, guarantors or official schemes provide specific relief or a write-off.
“If you’re in a position where you’re unsure about your loan or you’ve been notified that you’re being investigated, seek a lawyer or insolvency practitioner for advice and to work out if you are personally exposed.”

Sudlow Marketing Helps UK Enterprises Navigate the AI Revolution

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Artificial intelligence is now firmly part of daily business operations, prompting small enterprises across the UK to ask a crucial question: how do we stay ahead in this new landscape?

For many, the shift towards AI has created as many challenges as opportunities. Sudlow Marketing, a trusted UK-based marketing agency, is stepping forward to guide businesses with clear, practical advice – cutting through the confusion and steering them away from buzzwords and overblown promises.

Carrie-Ann Sudlow, founder and SEO consultant, says it best:

“AI isn’t about replacing people. It’s about empowering them. Our job is to make sure small business owners understand that, and know how to use AI tools in a way that actually supports their growth, not overwhelms them.”

Cutting Through the Noise

With the internet now flooded with AI “gurus” and buzzwords, many business owners feel left behind. What started as curiosity has, for some, turned into anxiety. They’re asking questions like: Will AI take my job? Will it replace my marketing team? Will my SEO still work?

Carrie-Ann’s digital marketing agency has made it their mission to provide clarity. The team focuses on helping businesses navigate how AI affects everything from content marketing and SEO to customer engagement and data insights, without needing a computer science degree to get it.

A Human Approach to a High-Tech Future

Unlike many agencies racing to automate every part of their process, Carrie-Ann Sudlow Marketing is taking a more grounded, human-first approach. Their philosophy is simple: people first, tech second.

That means using AI to support human creativity, not replace it. From generating ideas and analysing performance data to refining SEO campaigns, AI is used as a co-pilot, not the driver.

“AI can help us understand patterns and opportunities faster than ever,” says Carrie-Ann. “But the empathy, the storytelling, the understanding of what makes a customer tick, that still comes from people. And that’s what we’ll never lose.”

This mindset has already helped dozens of small and medium-sized businesses transform their digital marketing. Whether it’s using AI tools to predict SEO trends, personalise customer journeys, or optimise ad spend, the agency’s clients are learning how to get ahead of the curve, while staying authentic.

Educating, Not Intimidating

One of the agency’s biggest focuses right now is education.

Carrie-Ann notes, “Our clients don’t want to be told they’re falling behind, they want someone to guide them through what’s changing and how they can make the most of it. We’re here to make sure AI becomes part of their success story, not something they fear.”

In an industry often accused of over-promising and under-explaining, this honest, down-to-earth approach has built deep trust. Many of the agency’s long-term clients describe their work with Carrie-Ann Sudlow Marketing as “refreshing,” “transparent,” and “finally free from jargon.”

SEO in the Age of AI

AI has shaken up how search engines operate, from Google’s AI-driven results to the way content is written and ranked. As an experienced SEO consultant, Carrie-Ann has been helping clients stay one step ahead by adapting their strategies to work alongside these changes.

“SEO is evolving fast,” she explains. “AI has changed how content is created, but it’s also changed how search engines understand it. Businesses need to know that ranking well today isn’t just about keywords, it’s about intent, relevance and trust. AI tools can help us analyse those things better, but they still need a human touch to get it right.”

Her team’s approach combines traditional SEO expertise, built over 15 years of hands-on experience, with new AI-driven insights. The result is smarter, more adaptable strategies that deliver sustainable results.

Leading the Way, Humbly

While “leading the way” might sound like a bold claim, Carrie-Ann would be the first to admit she doesn’t have all the answers, and that’s exactly what makes her agency different.

“We’re learning alongside our clients,” she says. “AI is moving fast, and anyone who says they’ve got it all figured out is probably bluffing. What we do have is curiosity, honesty, and a lot of practical experience. That’s what’s helping our clients move forward with confidence.”

This humility has resonated deeply with small business owners who value transparency over tech talk. It’s not about selling AI,  it’s about making sense of it.

A Call to Action for Small Businesses

Sudlow Marketing is encouraging businesses of all sizes, but especially the small, independent ones to start exploring how AI could support their marketing.

“AI isn’t something to be scared of,” Carrie-Ann adds. “It’s something to get curious about. Start small. Use it to make better decisions or save time on repetitive tasks. The key is to make it work for you, not the other way around.”

As more companies begin to see AI not as a threat but a tool for progress, Carrie-Ann and her team continue to guide the way, helping businesses future-proof their marketing without losing their humanity in the process.

About Sudlow Marketing

Founded in 2008, Sudlow Marketing is a UK-based digital marketing agency that helps small and medium-sized businesses grow online through SEO, digital strategy, and honest consultancy. Known for its jargon-free, straight-talking approach, the agency has built a national reputation for helping clients achieve meaningful results.
Now, as AI reshapes the marketing landscape, Carrie-Ann and her team are at the forefront of helping businesses understand, adapt and thrive, one practical step at a time.

Unhooked wins competitive funding to develop PR impact platform

Stockport-based PR agency Unhooked Communications has been awarded competitive funding from Innovate UK as part of the Create Growth Programme Competition 4: Small Projects, delivered in partnership with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.
The funding will support the development of an AI-powered digital platform designed to help PRs and organisations better plan, evaluate and demonstrate the impact of PR activity.

The tool will enable businesses to measure PR performance across key reputation, behaviour and commercial outcomes, offering actionable insights beyond traditional metrics, such as media reach.

Leading the technical development of the platform is Tom Parson (pictured right), founder and director of innovation business, Big Echo.
Based in Manchester, Big Echo specialises in enabling SMEs to better understand how to innovate for tangible business impact. Tom brings over 20 years’ experience designing and developing innovative digital products for purpose-led organisations, and will work with Unhooked Communications to lead the UX, prototyping, and build of the PR impact platform.

The Create Growth Programme was established to fuel innovation and growth across the UK’s creative industries.
With the sector contributing more than £115.9 billion to the economy annually and growing at twice the rate of the wider economy, the programme provides targeted support for ambitious businesses in 12 regions across England, including Greater Manchester.

This latest funding round, which saw up to £8 million awarded to creative SMEs, was highly competitive with only 6.5% of applicants successful. The grants will enable small businesses, like Unhooked Communications, to explore innovation projects that will drive commercial success and regional economic impact.
Projects, which were funded between £20,000 and £50,000, were judged on their innovation, growth potential, commercialisation plans and benefit to their regional creative cluster.

“We’re incredibly proud to be selected for this national programme, particularly as it was so competitive,” said Claire Gamble, Managing Director of Unhooked Communications. “As a business rooted in the creative economy of Greater Manchester, it’s an important step for us to start developing our own digital tools. My goal with this new PR impact platform is to transform how campaigns are designed and evaluated, making it easier for PR professionals, marketing teams and business leaders to prove the value of PR and refine strategies for the most effective results.”

Claire (pictured left) added: “Manchester has such a strong business and innovation ecosystem. Over the last year, I’ve had great support from the Turing Innovation Catalyst, Innovate UK, GM Business Growth Hub and Oxford Innovation’s Merseyway Innovation Centre, which has been invaluable in giving me the skills, knowledge and confidence to take this idea forward and achieve this milestone.”

For more information on Unhooked Communications, visit: weareunhooked.com