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Microsoft Awards Managed Partner Status to BCN

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Microsoft Awards Managed Partner Status to BCN

MANCHESTER, UK, July 30, 2026 – Microsoft has recognised BCN as a Microsoft Managed Partner, reinforcing the company’s position as one of the UK’s leading providers of Microsoft technologies. The recognition highlights BCN’s expertise in cloud, data, cybersecurity and AI transformation, while marking another step forward in its strategic collaboration with Microsoft.

Becoming a Microsoft Managed Partner enables BCN to deepen its engagement with Microsoft’s account teams, improving collaboration around customer priorities and creating more opportunities to deliver joint solutions. The recognition also reflects BCN’s continued investment in technical excellence, Microsoft certifications and a proven track record of supporting organisations across the UK mid-market.

Rob Davies, CEO at BCN, said: “Achieving Microsoft Managed Partner status reflects the capability, commitment, and customer outcomes our team has delivered over many years. More importantly, it strengthens our ability to help organisations navigate one of the most significant technology shifts of our generation.

“Our ambition is simple: to help customers realise tangible business value from AI, data, cloud and security technologies through practical, secure and measurable transformation. This closer alignment with Microsoft enables us to bring even greater expertise, innovation and support to organisations looking to accelerate their digital and AI ambitions.”

Liz Leigh-Bowler, Director Partner Development at Microsoft UK, said: “As organisations increasingly look to harness the power of AI, partners like BCN play a critical role in helping customers innovate with confidence. We’re thrilled to welcome BCN as a Microsoft Managed Partner and look forward to accelerating our shared growth and customer success.”

As businesses continue investing in AI, automation and intelligent technologies to improve productivity and efficiency, BCN’s strengthened relationship with Microsoft enhances its ability to guide customers from initial planning through to successful implementation and measurable outcomes.

BCN remains focused on helping organisations unlock the full value of Microsoft’s technology portfolio through an AI-first transformation strategy. Its capabilities include Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Copilot, Security, Data & AI and Managed Services, allowing customers to benefit from end-to-end expertise throughout their transformation programmes.

The company has also integrated Microsoft AI technologies into its own day-to-day operations before deploying them for customers. This practical experience enables BCN to share proven best practice, real deployment knowledge and practical recommendations that reduce risk and accelerate adoption.

BCN’s Microsoft credentials further underline its capabilities. The company has achieved all core Microsoft Solutions Partner designations, earned multiple advanced specialisations and was among the first organisations globally to receive Microsoft’s Support Services designation. These achievements demonstrate BCN’s commitment to maintaining deep Microsoft expertise while helping customers achieve lasting business value from their technology investments.

Winchester cleaning business honoured for excellence in customer care

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Winchester cleaning business honoured for excellence in customer care

WINCHESTER, UK, July 21, 2026 – Squeaky Clean Homes has received recognition for its commitment to delivering exceptional customer service after taking home a top award at this year’s Winchester Business Excellence Awards.

Squeaky Clean Homes, based in Winchester, won the Service Excellence Award during the Winchester Business Excellence Awards 2026.

The company was established in 2012 by former NHS nurse Rebecca Hopkins. It offers professional cleaning services for homeowners, commercial premises, property agents, public sector organisations, and private and commercial holiday accommodation.

Speaking about the achievement, Rebecca said: “We are over the moon to have won the Service Excellence Award, which recognises exceptional customer care.

“Thank you to our wonderful team, and to everyone who took the time to nominate us.”

Rebecca spent 18 years working in the NHS, including as a senior matron, before deciding to pursue a new career. As a mum of three, she launched the business to create greater flexibility for her family.

She said: “I had just completed a Masters Degree in Management and Leadership and felt I could use my skills in a new way by starting a business that would give me more flexibility around my growing family.”

Environmental responsibility remains a key priority for the business.

Rebecca said: “We take our environmental impact very seriously, which is why we offer a professional range of cleaning products, including a plant based range on request.”

The company serves customers throughout Winchester and the surrounding area.

The awards ceremony was held at Winchester Cathedral on June 18. The Winchester Business Excellence Awards recognise the achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs from across the Winchester district.

For more information about Squeaky Clean Homes and its services, visit the company website.

Caroola Climbs to 34th in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, Ranking Above the Bank of England and NHS

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Caroola Climbs to 34th in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, Ranking Above the Bank of England and NHS
The North West accountancy and payroll group has now appeared in the national rankings for six consecutive years, rising from 50th to 34th over the past three
WARRINGTON, UK. July 30th, 2026 – Caroola Accountancy has been ranked 34th in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026, up from 40th last year. It is the sixth consecutive year the firm has appeared in the rankings, which are compiled by High Fliers Research and assess employers on the creation of new apprenticeships, diversity of their programmes and successful completion rates.

The ranking places Caroola, a specialist accountancy provider headquartered in Blackpool and Warrington, above a number of significantly larger organisations including the Bank of England, NHS, Lloyds Banking Group, Capita and NatWest. Within its own sector, the firm ranked ahead of accountancy practices Wescotts, Menzies, Monahans, Azets and PKF Francis Clark.

Caroola’s trajectory within the rankings has been consistently upward. The firm entered the Top 100 in 2021, reached 50th by 2023, climbed to 40th in 2025 and now sits at 34th.

Much of the improvement in Caroola’s ranking can be traced directly to the work of Katie Wild, Accountancy Academy Manager, who built the firm’s dedicated in-house Academy from the ground up after its founding in September 2023 at the Warrington office. Under Wild’s leadership, the Academy has supported over 30 accountancy learners across AAT, ATT and ACCA qualifications through five cohorts, achieving an average first-time pass rate of over 80%. That figure sits more than 15 percentage points above the national apprenticeship achievement rate of 65.4% reported by the Department for Education for the 2024/25 academic year.

Wild and her team have also built a clear progression pathway within the business. Several members of the Academy’s original first cohort have already reached qualified Accountant positions at Caroola, a turnaround that typically takes significantly longer at other firms. Recruitment is now open for a sixth cohort, expected to start in late summer 2026.

The Sunday Times recognition is the latest in a series of developments for the Group under Managing Director Paul Goodwin. In March 2026, Caroola Accountancy became the first UK accountancy firm to offer extended opening hours until 7pm. The firm holds an ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating of 4.8 across more than 6,400 verified reviews, and recently introduced a fully digital sign-up journey that saw online conversion rates more than double. Goodwin has described the firm’s consistent investment in its people as central to every other measure of growth the business has achieved.

With over 300 employees and a client base concentrated in London, the Group operates across accountancy, payroll and employment services under brands including SJD Accountancy, Nixon Williams, First Freelance, ClearSky Accounting, Parasol and baa accounting.

Wild, who has overseen the Academy since its inception, described the ranking as a reflection of a deliberate long-term strategy rather than a single initiative. “When we set up the Academy in 2023, the goal was never just to train people and hope for the best,” she said. “It was to build a genuine career pathway, from apprentice to qualified accountant, inside this business. The fact that we are now seeing our first cohort reach those qualified roles tells me the model is working.”

She pointed to the 80% first-time pass rate as evidence that the Academy’s approach, which combines formal qualifications with structured on-the-job training and regular monthly development sessions, is producing results that go beyond what most apprenticeship programmes deliver. “The national average is 65%. We are at 80%. That gap does not happen by accident. It is the result of the environment our Team Leaders Katie Rodgers and Simon Millington have built, and the culture across the wider business that supports it.”

Asked about ranking above the Bank of England and NHS, Wild was measured. “Those are enormous organisations doing important work with apprenticeships. What it tells me is that the quality of what we are delivering at Caroola is genuinely world class, regardless of the size of the business. That is something every person involved in this programme should feel proud of.”

Manchester Businesses Turn to Vehicle Tracking as Fleet Efficiency Becomes a Priority

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Manchester Businesses Turn to Vehicle Tracking as Fleet Efficiency Becomes a Priority

Manchester’s delivery vans, builders’ trucks, and service vehicles are quietly getting an upgrade. Not new engines. New eyes.

Across the city, more and more companies — logistics firms, construction outfits, tradespeople, you name it — are strapping GPS trackers onto their fleets. The reason’s simple: costs are up, customers expect more, and nobody wants to waste fuel driving in circles. It’s part of why Manchester businesses turn to vehicle tracking as fleet efficiency becomes a priority rather than an afterthought.

Here’s the thing: this isn’t really news to fleet managers. They’ve watched fuel prices swing wildly for years now, alongside driver shortages and delivery windows that keep shrinking. So they’re leaning on tech to fix what spreadsheets can’t.

The tools themselves aren’t flashy. GPS gives real-time location — where’s the van right now? But the newer platforms go further: route planning, maintenance alerts, driver scorecards, reporting dashboards that spit out numbers a manager can actually use.

For firms working the M60 ring road or any of the arterial routes feeding Manchester’s commercial centers, that visibility matters. Traffic here doesn’t forgive bad planning. One wrong turn onto a backed-up route, and a driver’s burned half an hour they didn’t have.

Picture a small parcel delivery outfit running six vans across the city. Without tracking, a dispatcher is guessing — hoping traffic clears, hoping the driver took the sensible route. With it? Real-time rerouting, accurate ETAs, fewer angry phone calls. That gap is exactly why so many smaller operators are catching up to what the big logistics players have done for years.

Same-day delivery hasn’t helped matters either. Customers want to know exactly when their parcel lands — not “sometime this afternoon.” That pressure alone has pushed plenty of businesses toward tracking software they might’ve skipped five years ago.

Fleet specialists argue the payoff goes beyond saved fuel. Detailed trip data means smaller operators can compete with logistics giants on something other than price: reliability. It’s another reason Manchester businesses turn to vehicle tracking as fleet efficiency becomes a priority — not just for the big logistics names, but for the trades and service companies chasing the same contracts. Evidence beats guesswork, and accountability tends to follow wherever the data’s visible.

There’s an environmental angle too. Manchester firms face mounting pressure — from customers, investors, regulators — to cut emissions. Tighter routes and less idling do that almost as a side effect. Cut the wasted miles, cut the carbon. Simple math.

Driver behaviour is another piece of it. Harsh braking, speeding, idling too long at the curb — tracking data flags all of it, and that feeds straight into training programmes. Fewer near-misses. Less wear on the vehicle. Lower repair bills down the line.

Radius, a fleet and mobility provider operating across the UK and beyond, is one company working in this space, supplying the kind of platform many of these businesses now lean on.

What happens next? Expect AI-driven predictive maintenance, tighter integration with EV fleets, and tracking baked straight into scheduling software and customer-facing apps. The tech that once felt like a luxury reserved for big haulage operators has gotten cheap enough that almost anyone can run it.

Manchester’s economy isn’t slowing down, and neither is the pressure on the businesses keeping it moving. As more Manchester businesses turn to vehicle tracking as fleet efficiency becomes a priority across every sector — not just logistics — the ones who adapt fastest may simply outlast the ones who don’t.

Beyond glasses: Exploring vision correction and cosmetic eyewear options

Helen Greaney
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Beyond glasses: Exploring vision correction and cosmetic eyewear options

Glasses have long been the default answer to poor eyesight, but they are no longer the only practical choice. Advances in lens technology mean people can now correct their vision, change their look, or do both at once, without the frames sitting on their face all day. From daily contact lenses to specialist tinted options, the eyewear market has expanded well beyond the traditional pair of spectacles, giving people more control over how they see and how they present themselves.

Why people are looking past traditional glasses

Glasses remain a reliable option for many, but they come with limitations that contact lenses do not share. They can slip during exercise, fog up in changing temperatures, and restrict peripheral vision at the edge of the frame. For people with active lifestyles, jobs that involve physical movement, or simply a preference for a more natural look, glasses can feel like a compromise rather than a solution.

This is one reason contact lens use has grown steadily across the UK. Lenses sit directly on the eye, correcting vision without altering facial appearance or getting in the way of daily activity. They also open the door to options that glasses cannot offer, including lenses designed purely to change eye colour rather than correct sight.

Contact lenses as a flexible alternative

Modern contact lenses are built around choice. Daily disposables suit people who want a fresh, low-maintenance lens each morning, while monthly lenses appeal to those who prefer a set routine and lower running cost. Toric lenses correct astigmatism, and multifocal lenses address the changing focus needs that come with age. This range means most people who assumed contact lenses would not suit their prescription now have a workable option.

Comfort has improved alongside choice. Newer lens materials allow more oxygen to reach the eye, which reduces dryness and irritation during long wear. For anyone who tried contact lenses years ago and found them uncomfortable, current materials are worth a second look.

Cosmetic contact lenses for a change in eye colour

Alongside corrective lenses, cosmetic contact lenses have become a popular way to change or enhance eye colour without any impact on vision. This is where brands like Freshlook have built a strong following. FreshLook contact lenses are designed to alter the appearance of the eye while remaining comfortable enough for regular wear, and the range covers both prescription and non-prescription options.

The FreshLook colorblends lens is one of the most requested styles within this category. Unlike single-tone tints, a FreshLook colorblends lens uses layered colours to create a more natural blend across the iris, so the result looks like a genuine eye colour rather than a flat overlay. This layering technique is also used across the wider colorblends contact lenses range, which includes shades from subtle hazel and grey through to more noticeable green and blue tones.

People choose a FreshLook contact lens for different reasons. Some want a dramatic change for a photoshoot or event, while others prefer a gentler shift that still looks like their own eyes on a closer look. Because the colorblends lens range spans both ends of that spectrum, it suits people who want a bold statement as well as those after a subtle refresh. Anyone curious about the full range of shades and prescriptions can find more detail through FreshLook contact lenses, which lists the current colorblends contact lenses options alongside sizing and fitting guidance.

It is worth noting that cosmetic lenses, including any FreshLook lens, still need to be treated as a medical product. Even non-prescription colour lenses sit on the eye and require the same care, fit assessment, and hygiene practices as corrective lenses. A proper fitting from an optician ensures the lens shape and curve match the eye correctly, which reduces the risk of discomfort or irritation.

Choosing the right lens type

Deciding between corrective lenses, cosmetic lenses, or a combination of both comes down to a few practical questions. Someone with a stable prescription and no interest in changing their eye colour may find a standard daily or monthly lens is all they need. Someone who wants both correction and a colour change should look at combined prescription cosmetic ranges, which are widely available and fitted in the same way as standard lenses.

Budget and lifestyle also play a part. Daily lenses cost more per unit but remove the need for cleaning solution and storage cases, which suits people who travel often or have irregular schedules. Monthly lenses cost less over time but require a consistent cleaning routine to stay safe for extended wear.

Anyone new to lenses should also factor in an adjustment period. It typically takes a few days to get used to inserting and removing lenses confidently, and an optician can walk through the process during the initial fitting appointment.

Caring for your eyes whichever option you choose

Whether someone sticks with glasses, switches to corrective lenses, or adds cosmetic lenses into the mix, regular eye tests remain the foundation of good eye health. Prescriptions change over time, and an optician can also spot early signs of conditions that have nothing to do with vision correction, such as dry eye or changes in eye pressure.

Good hygiene matters just as much as the lens choice itself. Hands should always be clean before handling lenses, and any lens, cosmetic or corrective, should be replaced according to its recommended schedule rather than stretched beyond its intended wear time. Skipping this step is one of the most common causes of eye irritation among lens wearers.

The eyewear market has moved a long way from the idea that glasses are the only option for poor vision. With daily and monthly lenses, specialist corrective options, and cosmetic ranges that let people experiment with colour, there is now a genuine range of ways to manage both sight and appearance. For many people, the right combination of these tools means better vision and more confidence in how they look, without a single pair of frames in sight.

Why Manchester businesses are rethinking employee vision care as part of workplace wellness

Helen Greaney
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Why Manchester businesses are rethinking employee vision care as part of workplace wellness

Workplace wellness has changed shape across the North West over the past few years. Flexible working, mental health support, and a wider mix of lifestyle-driven perks now sit alongside the standard benefits package at most businesses competing for talent in the region. Vision care has largely sat outside that conversation until recently, despite a growing case for its place in it.

The Changing Shape of Workplace Wellness in Manchester

A Wider Range of Benefits Becoming the Norm

A standard benefits package once meant a pension contribution and a handful of paid holiday days. That has shifted toward something broader, with mental health support, flexible hours, and other lifestyle-driven perks now a common expectation rather than an added extra. Manchester businesses face particular pressure to stand out on benefits, given the level of competition for skilled staff across the wider region.

The Regional Talent Market and Why Benefits Matter More Here

A tight labour market across Manchester and the wider North West has pushed businesses to compete on more than salary alone. Smaller and mid-size businesses in particular use benefits as a way to hold their own against larger firms with bigger pay packets, since a well-rounded package can make up ground that a smaller salary offer cannot.

Where Vision Care Has Been Left Out

Vision care rarely appears on a standard benefits list, unlike gym memberships or private healthcare, which have become fairly common additions. This gap has largely gone unnoticed until screen-heavy roles made it more relevant, and it remains one of the more overlooked areas of an otherwise expanding benefits conversation.

The Business Case for Vision Care

Screen-Heavy Roles and Rising Digital Eye Strain

Office and hybrid roles have grown increasingly built around screen use, with entire workdays now spent in front of a monitor across meetings, tasks, and communication. A link exists between prolonged screen time and reduced focus, more frequent errors, and general fatigue by the end of the day, all of which affect output in ways that rarely get tracked back to their actual cause.

Hybrid Work Adds Another Layer

A hybrid schedule often means an inconsistent workstation between a home setup and an office desk, with different monitor heights, lighting, and seating arrangements depending on the day. Eye strain frequently goes unaddressed under these conditions, since a workspace that changes from day to day rarely gets the same attention a single, permanent setup would receive.

Industries in Manchester Most Affected

Sectors with a heavy reliance on screens, such as finance, marketing, and professional services, make up a large share of the Manchester business scene. These industries stand to gain the most from an early focus on vision care, given how much of a typical workday in these roles takes place in front of a screen.

The Cost of Ignoring It

Physical discomfort at work carries a documented connection to higher rates of sick days. A less visible cost also sits in reduced accuracy and slower output, both of which tend to build gradually and rarely get tracked back to their actual source.

What a Basic Vision Benefit Looks Like in Practice

Eye Tests as a Starting Point

Covering or subsidising regular eye tests offers a simple, low-cost benefit that encourages early detection of vision problems before they affect day-to-day work. A small nudge from an employer, such as a reminder to book a test, often achieves more than most people expect, given how easily an eye test gets pushed down a personal to-do list.

Discounts and Access to Everyday Eye Care

A staff discount on glasses or the right contact lenses makes for an easy addition to a benefits package, and this kind of perk tends to see higher uptake than more elaborate wellness offerings that require a bigger time commitment from staff.

Screen-Related Eye Care Guidance

Simple internal guidance on screen breaks, lighting, and workstation setup pairs well with a vision benefit rather than replacing it. A short guide shared once across a business costs very little and gives staff something practical to act on straight away.

Building It Into Existing Health Benefits

Vision care can also be added as an extension of an existing private healthcare or cash plan benefit already in place at a business. This route often costs less than starting a new benefit from scratch, since it builds on a structure that already exists rather than adding an entirely separate system.

How Manchester SMEs Can Introduce This Without a Big Budget

Starting Small and Building Up

A basic vision benefit added to an existing wellness package tends to work better as a starting point than a standalone initiative built from the ground up. Partnering with local or online providers keeps costs manageable, particularly for a smaller business without the budget of a larger employer.

Learning From Larger Manchester Employers

A number of bigger local employers have already added vision-related perks to their benefits packages, often as part of a broader private healthcare offering. Smaller businesses can adapt elements of this approach without the same budget, focusing on the parts that offer the most value for the lowest cost, such as a basic eye test allowance or a discount partnership.

Communicating the Benefit Internally

A benefit only delivers value if staff actually know about it and use it. Simple internal announcements, whether through an email, a team meeting, or an internal wellness page, help ensure a new vision benefit does not go unnoticed. Framing it as part of a wider wellness push, rather than a standalone perk, tends to keep it front of mind alongside other benefits staff already engage with.

Measuring Whether It Is Working

Simple ways to track uptake, such as usage of a discount code or feedback gathered through a staff survey, give a business a clear sense of whether a vision benefit is actually being used. This also allows a benefit to be adjusted over time based on what staff engage with most, rather than left unchanged once it has been introduced.

The Bottom Line

Vision care remains one of the more overlooked areas of workplace wellness, despite being one of the easier and lower-cost benefits to introduce. For Manchester businesses competing for talent in a tight market, this is a small addition that can make a real difference to how a benefits package is seen, without requiring a significant shift in budget or structure to get started.

 

Landlords urged to get ahead of repairs as enforcement on housing conditions increases

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Landlords urged to get ahead of repairs as enforcement on housing conditions increases

With expectations around rental property standards continuing to rise, landlords are being advised to make preventative maintenance a priority during the remainder of 2026. Focusing on a handful of key repair areas now could help reduce future costs while keeping homes compliant and safe.

George Edwards, Managing Director of Timberwise, says landlords should not assume the quieter months mean maintenance can be postponed. Instead, he believes now is the right time to identify emerging issues before they develop into expensive structural problems.

The guidance comes after reports that landlords in England may receive civil penalties of up to £7,000 where significant hazards are left unresolved, particularly in relation to damp, mould and electrical safety.

Edwards outlines five practical priorities for landlords.

1. Investigate before repairing

Edwards says damp patches and mould growth should be treated as warning signs rather than the problem itself. Hidden leaks, poor ventilation or deterioration within the building may all be responsible, making proper diagnosis essential before repair work begins.

2. Plan inspections throughout the year

Routine checks of roofing, guttering, walls, windows, flooring and internal finishes allow smaller defects to be corrected before they become larger maintenance issues affecting several parts of the property.

3. Appoint specialists with relevant experience

Properties of different ages and construction methods require different repair strategies. Edwards advises landlords to use contractors who understand the building type and can provide a clear link between inspection findings and recommended remedial work.

4. Check for seasonal damage

Summer weather can leave properties vulnerable by drying out sealants, affecting foundations in clay soils and exposing weaknesses in roofs and external walls. Early checks can reduce the risk of water entering buildings once wetter conditions return.

5. Maintain clear documentation

Keeping detailed records of inspections and repairs provides evidence that maintenance has been carried out responsibly. Edwards says this can become particularly valuable if landlords need to demonstrate compliance with housing standards.

He believes landlords who adopt a proactive maintenance programme are more likely to avoid major disruption, while those who delay repairs often face higher costs and more extensive remedial work later.

Spray Foam Insulation Preventing Thousands of UK Homeowners from Selling or Refinancing Their Homes

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Spray Foam Insulation Preventing Thousands of UK Homeowners from Selling or Refinancing Their Homes

For many homeowners, spray foam insulation seemed like a smart investment that would improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. Today, that same insulation is creating unexpected difficulties, with mortgage lenders increasingly unwilling to approve loans on properties where spray foam has been installed in the roof. Industry specialists say removing the material professionally is often the most effective way to overcome the problem.

A growing number of homeowners across the UK are discovering that spray foam insulation can stand in the way of selling their property or securing a new mortgage. According to the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), as many as 250,000 homes may be impacted (RPSA, 2021). Many of these installations took place during campaigns encouraging households to improve energy efficiency, including schemes supported by government funding.

Why lenders are taking a cautious approach

The issue is not primarily the insulating qualities of the foam, but the effect it has on roof inspections. Once applied to the underside of the roof, the foam adheres to the timber framework, making it impossible for surveyors to inspect the condition of the wood properly. Open-cell spray foam may also allow moisture to remain in contact with roof timbers, increasing the likelihood of damp and timber deterioration over time. Recognising these concerns, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors issued guidance in 2023 to help surveyors assess properties with spray foam insulation, while mortgage providers have steadily tightened their lending criteria.

This cautious stance has become increasingly common. A BBC investigation published in 2024 found that one in four of the UK’s largest mortgage lenders, together with every equity release lender included in its research, would not lend on homes where spray foam insulation was present in the roof (BBC, 2024). For homeowners, this can mean a house sale falling through, a remortgage application being declined or remaining tied to a more expensive mortgage deal.

Property professionals continue to raise concerns

Industry organisations have repeatedly highlighted the risks associated with spray foam insulation. In 2023, Property Care Association Chief Executive Stephen Hodgson stated that “many lending institutions, surveyors and property professionals are rightly concerned about the risks of defects that can occur as a result of poorly installed or inappropriate sprayed foam.” The association has also introduced an inspection protocol to assist surveyors evaluating affected properties.

Research carried out jointly by the Property Care Association and the Residential Property Surveyors Association concluded that it had “failed to identify any circumstances” where a roof containing spray foam insulation could receive a “clean bill of health.”

Professional removal offers a way forward

Although spray foam insulation can create significant complications, homeowners are not necessarily left without options. Removing the foam to a lender-approved standard, followed by an independent inspection of the roof structure and the appropriate documentation, allows surveyors to fully assess the roof and can satisfy lender requirements.

“People chose spray foam because they believed they were improving their homes and reducing their energy bills,” said Jack Purdie, Director of Operations at Go Green Quote. “Very few realised it could later become a barrier to selling or remortgaging. The positive news is that professional removal completed to lender standards, together with the correct evidence and certification, allows surveyors to inspect the roof properly and helps restore confidence for buyers and lenders.”

Homeowners unsure of their position can check which mortgage lenders lend on spray foam and arrange a survey to understand the cost and timeline of removal, which typically takes one to three days on site. As a rough industry benchmark, removing spray foam from a typical three-bedroom roof costs around £3,200 (Checkatrade).

About Go Green Quote
Go Green Quote is a UK spray foam removal service that connects homeowners with vetted, certified removal specialists nationwide and manages each job to a single standard, with a lender-ready certificate and full evidence pack. Eligible properties can save up to 20% on removal, subject to a site visit. More at gogreenquote.com.

Buying a franchise in the UK: What you need to know before investing

Helen Greaney
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Buying a franchise in the UK: What you need to know before investing

Buying a franchise can be an excellent way to start your own business while benefiting from an established brand and proven business model.

Instead of building a company from scratch, franchise owners gain access to systems, training and ongoing support that can make running a business more straightforward. While no business venture is guaranteed to succeed, franchising can reduce some of the uncertainty associated with starting independently.

Before making an investment, it is important to understand how franchising works, what your
responsibilities will be and whether franchise ownership is the right choice for your personal and financial goals. Taking the time to research your options can help you make an informed
decision and increase your chances of long-term success.

What Is a Franchise?

A franchise is a business arrangement where an individual purchases the right to operate under an established company’s brand. The franchisee pays an initial franchise fee and may also pay ongoing royalties in exchange for using the company’s name, products, services and business systems.

The franchisor provides guidance, training and support, while the franchisee is responsible for
managing the day-to-day operation of their business. Although franchisees own their individual businesses, they must usually follow the franchisor’s standards and procedures.

Benefits of Buying a Franchise

One of the biggest advantages of buying a franchise is entering the market with an already
recognised brand. Customers are often more willing to use a business they have heard of,
making it easier to attract sales from the beginning.

Franchise owners also benefit from established operating systems. Marketing materials,
operational procedures and staff training are often already developed, saving time and reducing the learning curve.

Many franchisors also provide ongoing support throughout the life of the business. This can
include marketing advice, business development assistance, technical support and regular
training.

Buying a franchise can also make obtaining finance easier, as lenders may have greater
confidence in businesses with a proven model.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Although franchising offers many benefits, it is still a significant investment. Before signing any agreement, it is important to carefully evaluate the opportunity.

Start by understanding all of the costs involved. Beyond the initial franchise fee, there may be equipment costs, premises, stock, insurance, staff wages and ongoing royalty payments.

You should also consider how much working capital you will need while the business becomes
established. Many new businesses require several months before generating consistent profits.

It is equally important to understand your own strengths. Some franchises require strong
management skills, while others involve direct customer service or sales. Choosing a franchise that matches your experience and interests can make running the business much more enjoyable.

Researching Franchise Opportunities

All UK Franchise Opportunities will suit every investor. Spend time researching different
industries and business models before making your decision.

Look at the history of the company, how long it has been operating and whether it has a positive reputation. Find out how many franchise locations are currently trading and whether the network is continuing to grow.

If possible, speak with existing franchisees. They can provide valuable insights into the level of support they receive, the challenges they face and whether they would invest in the franchise again.

Reading the franchise agreement carefully is also essential. Understanding your obligations
before signing any contracts can prevent misunderstandings later.

Understanding Ongoing Costs

Many people focus only on the initial investment, but ongoing costs play an important role in
profitability.

Most franchisors charge regular royalty fees, which are often based on a percentage of sales.
There may also be contributions towards national marketing campaigns or technology systems.

Before investing, calculate whether the expected income is likely to cover these ongoing
expenses while still providing a suitable return.

Preparing realistic financial forecasts can help you understand what level of sales will be
needed to operate successfully.

The Importance of Training

One of the major attractions of franchising is the training provided by the franchisor. Even if you have little experience in the industry, comprehensive training can help you understand the business model.

Training often covers customer service, operations, health and safety, marketing, finance and
management.

Many franchisors also offer refresher training and ongoing development to help franchisees
improve performance over time.

Taking full advantage of these opportunities can increase confidence and improve business
results.

Is Franchising Right for You?

Franchising suits people who are happy following established systems rather than creating
everything from scratch.

While there is still room for business growth and excellent customer service, franchisees are
generally expected to operate within the guidelines set by the franchisor. If you enjoy structure, proven processes and ongoing support, franchising may be an attractive
option.

However, if you prefer complete freedom to make every business decision independently,
starting your own brand may be more suitable.

Final Thoughts

Buying a franchise can provide an exciting opportunity to become a business owner with the
backing of an established brand.

By carrying out careful research, understanding the costs involved and choosing a franchise that matches your goals, you can make a more confident investment decision. Taking time to prepare before committing will give you the best possible foundation for building a successful and rewarding business.

Winding-up petitions hit three-year high as creditors lose patience, court data reveals 

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Winding-up petitions hit three-year high as creditors lose patience, court data reveals 

Creditors are moving to shut down struggling companies at the fastest rate in at least three years, according to new figures obtained from the Ministry of Justice.

Courts in England and Wales received 7,049 winding-up petitions in 2025 – up 11% on the 6,337 lodged in 2024 and 35% higher than the 5,220 recorded in 2023, HM Courts & Tribunals Service data shows.

The pressure has intensified into 2026. Petitions in the first quarter reached 1,885, up 5% on the same period in 2025 and 66% above 2023.

March 2026 alone saw 745 petitions, the busiest March in the three-year period and one of the highest monthly totals recorded, behind only April 2025 (861) and July 2024 (843).

A winding-up petition is the most serious enforcement step a creditor can take against a company that has failed to pay its debts. If granted, it results in compulsory liquidation.

Once a petition is advertised, the company’s bank accounts are typically frozen within hours.

The new figures suggest creditor pressure is building even as headline insolvency numbers have eased.

The Insolvency Service reported that registered company insolvencies in early 2026 were running below the levels seen between 2022 and 2025.

But petitions, which precede compulsory liquidation and act as an early-warning indicator of distress, are still climbing.

HMRC is widely understood to be behind the majority of petitions, having stepped up enforcement of unpaid VAT, PAYE and corporation tax since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Molly Monks (pictured), licensed insolvency practitioner and founder of Parker Walsh, said: “These figures show the gap between the headline insolvency statistics and what is actually happening on the ground.

“Registered insolvencies may have eased but creditors, led by HMRC, are losing patience faster than ever and the petition numbers prove it.

“Often a winding-up petition is the first time a director realises how serious their position is. Once it is advertised the bank accounts are frozen and the options narrow dramatically.

“My advice to any business that has received a statutory demand or fallen behind on VAT or PAYE is to take advice immediately. The earlier you act, the more likely a rescue is still on the table.”

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