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HOW TO WATCH The Rugby Championship TV Channel Online Broadcast 8 July 2023

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The match offers a first look at Eddie Jones’ Wallabies with the veteran coach kicking off his second stint as Australia’s head coach. Saturday’s game also offers the visitors a chance to end a sixty year hoodoo, with the Aussies having never registered a victory at this stadium.

Watch Australia vs South Africa Live

Australia finished eight points adrift of South Africa last year, picking up third place. Despite not being at their dazzling best, the All Blacks secured the championship by a single point.

The Springboks won both Tests against the Wallabies last year, and will be hoping to have a strong run again as they prepare to defend their world champion status.

Defending world champions South Africa have the upcoming jamboree in France firmly lodged in their heads. Coaches Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber are looking closely at every inch of their squad to find the best combination in each area of the field.

The Rugby World Cup is drawing closer with the Rugby Championship providing valuable gametime to prepare for the showpiece event in France.

South Africa against Australia will always be a massive contest not to be missed, so when it’s the opening match of this year’s Rugby Championship, you really do need to watch. The southern hemisphere’s top sides coming together, a matter of months before the World Cup, is about as big as it gets and there are plenty of fascinating subplots going on, too.

Loftus Versfeld Stadium holds nothing but bad memories for Wallabies supporters, so the fact that even some of them believe that they can get something from their trip to Pretoria this weekend shows the transformative effect the second coming of Eddie Jones has already had on Australia rugby.

The annual southern hemisphere spectacular will this year be held over only three rounds, forming a crucial part of prepartions for this autumn’s World Cup for the four competing nations.

The Wallabies arrive in South Africa back under the guidance of Eddie Jones, installed for a second stint as Australia head coach after being sacked by England last December.

The Wallabies have never won at the ground, taking on a Springbok side looking to hit form before their Rugby World Cup defence in September.

It will kick off the Rugby Championship for 2023, followed by Argentina hosting the All Blacks in Mendoza.

Ranking Social Media Platforms to Market Your Business in 2023

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Social media has risen to be a primary avenue for business growth and expansion. These platforms have transformed from simple communication channels to powerful marketing tools, helping businesses reach wider audiences, boost brand visibility, and increase sales. With myriad platforms to choose from, it can be quite daunting to determine which ones are the most effective for your business.

In this article, we will examine the top social media platforms of 2023, analyzing their merits and potential for business marketing. We’ve ranked them based on several key criteria, including user demographics, engagement levels, and marketing capabilities.

LinkedIn

For B2B marketers, LinkedIn is the undisputed leader. With its professional-oriented network, LinkedIn allows businesses to connect directly with industry leaders, potential partners, and customers. It’s an excellent platform for showcasing your company’s expertise, sharing valuable industry insights, and networking with professionals in your field.

More so, it has a suite of robust advertising tools that can help you target your ads to a highly specific audience based on various criteria such as job title, industry, and geographical location. The platform’s algorithms are as sophisticated as a resume ATS checker, able to sift through a deluge of information and target the exact audience you want to reach. This precision targeting is key for businesses looking to make meaningful, high-value connections.

Instagram

Instagram ranks highly due to its visually focused platform, making it ideal for businesses with tangible products or services. Instagram users skew younger, making it a prime platform for reaching millennials and Generation Z.

Moreover, Instagram’s integration with Facebook’s advertising tools allows businesses to tap into a wider range of marketing capabilities.

Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV provide different formats for engaging content, allowing businesses to showcase their brand personality, feature products, and connect with audiences in a more intimate, engaging way.

Facebook

Despite the emergence of other social media platforms, Facebook remains a powerhouse for business marketing. With over 2.8 billion active users, it provides businesses with access to a diverse and extensive audience base.

Facebook offers businesses a variety of tools, such as Facebook Pages, Groups, and Ads, which can be leveraged to engage with your audience, promote products or services, and generate leads. The platform’s robust analytics also provide insights into audience behavior and campaign performance, enabling businesses to make data-driven marketing decisions.

YouTube

As the second largest search engine after Google, YouTube is a critical platform for businesses with video content. YouTube’s user base is diverse, providing a broad platform for businesses to share tutorials, product reviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and more.

YouTube’s advertising options, such as pre-roll ads and sponsored videos, provide businesses with multiple opportunities to promote their brand. Furthermore, the platform’s SEO capabilities enable businesses to reach consumers actively searching for content related to their industry, products, or services.

Twitter

Twitter is the platform for real-time communication, making it an ideal tool for businesses looking to engage directly with their audience. With features like Twitter Chats and Polls, businesses can foster community engagement and gain insights into their audience’s interests and opinions.

Twitter Ads also allow businesses to amplify their reach, target specific audiences, and drive more website traffic. Although Twitter has a smaller user base than the platforms mentioned above, its real-time nature and engaged user base make it a powerful marketing tool.

TikTok

TikTok has gained incredible momentum, particularly among younger audiences, making it an excellent platform for businesses targeting Gen Z. The platform’s viral nature and the creative possibilities it offers make it a promising marketing channel.

With TikTok, businesses can create entertaining, short-form videos that resonate with users and drive high levels of engagement. Brands can also tap into influencer partnerships, branded content, and advertising opportunities to reach a wider audience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right social media platform for your business depends on various factors, including your target audience, the nature of your products or services, and your business goals. The landscape of social media marketing continues to evolve, with each platform offering unique opportunities to connect with audiences and promote your business.

Experts at PR Fire Reveal the Perfect Length for a Press Release

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Crafting a compelling press release involves more than just the content; the length of the release plays a crucial role in capturing the attention of journalists and conveying your message effectively. PR Fire’s team of press release writing experts have revealed the sweet-spot when it comes to a press release’s word count.

Before writing a press release, it is essential to clearly define its purpose and identify the target audience. This understanding will help to determine the most appropriate length for a press release. A press release announcing a major acquisition, for instance, may require a more detailed and comprehensive approach, while a product launch might call for a concise and focused message.

Journalists are usually bombarded with hundreds of press releases on a daily basis. To stand out from the crowd, it is crucial to capture their attention quickly. A concise press release, typically ranging from 300 to 500 words, can help you achieve this goal. Trim unnecessary details and focus on the core message to ensure your release maintains a strong impact.

It’s important to remember that journalists are primarily interested in news that is relevant and timely. Start your release with a compelling headline and an informative opening paragraph that summarizes the key information concisely. This will allow journalists to quickly grasp the significance of your announcement.

Following the inverted pyramid structure is a fundamental practice in press release writing. Place the most important information at the beginning of your release and gradually provide additional details in descending order of significance. This structure allows journalists to extract essential information even if they only read the first few paragraphs.

While it is crucial to keep press releases concise, it should still provide enough information to support your key message. Include relevant facts, statistics, and quotes from key stakeholders to add credibility and depth to your announcement. However, be cautious not to overload the release with excessive information that may dilute its impact.

Journalists appreciate clarity and simplicity in press releases. Avoid using technical jargon or unnecessary buzzwords that may confuse or alienate your audience. Keep the language straightforward and accessible, allowing your message to resonate with a broader readership.

Incorporating visual elements, such as images, infographics, or multimedia content, can enhance the appeal and engagement of your press release. However, exercise caution not to overwhelm the text with excessive visuals. Use visuals sparingly and ensure they are relevant and complementary to the main message. Always include low-res images in the body of the press release so not to clog up the journalist’s inbox.

To find out more about press release distribution, visit www.prfire.co.uk

From kitchen table to top table…..

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LS Productions is today celebrating appearances on The Sunday Times 100 and FEBE Growth 100 lists – recognising the UK’s fastest growing private companies. 

Both lists celebrate British business at its best – highlighting founders that are driving their companies to deliver significant sales, revenue and profit, against a backdrop of unprecedented economic challenges.

With their headquarters in Edinburgh, LS Productions are the UK’s largest production service company with additional offices in London and Manchester. LS’s recent growth is down in part to the expansion of their services into the international film & TV sectors, taking on global TV and film production service projects over the last 18 months, with recent projects including  Ghosted (Skydance / Apple TV),episodes of the Bachelor (NZK Productions / Warner Bros Entertainment / ABC) and a Kind of Spark (CBBC / BYUtv America). As part of this growth they have also added a warm water production and location facility in Malta to further bolster their international offering.

In conjunction with this expansion, the LS growth can also be directly attributed to a commitment to invest in and recruit talent in the LS’s core production specialisms, including commercials, fashion, music and sport. The diversification of these business streams was a deliberate move to weather the storm faced by the production industry in a post Covid landscape. Across this period LS has worked on a succession of high profile service production projects ranging from Ed Sheeran’s latest album Subtract (Freenjoy / Directed by Mia Barnes), Harry Styles ‘Adore You(Freenjoy / Directed by Dave Meyers), Valentino’s Pink Dreams starring Zendaya (Marcell Rev / Michael Bailey Gates) and ‘You’re Up’ featuring Cristiano Ronaldo for Nike (Wieden & Kennedy/ Directed by Megaforce).

5. LS set for EA Sports x FIFA 2022 with Trent Alexander Arnold
EA Shoot, LS Productions, Stockport County FC, 6th May 2021 BTS from EA Sports shoot for FIFA ’22 starring Liverpool footballer Trend Alexander-Arnold along with Phil Foden, Chrisian Pulisic and Son Heung-Min. Shot at a stadium in the North of England. Photographer: Chris McCluskie

Not only this but Covid also provided cause for reflection about where the business saw itself creatively in the long term and how they could look to continue to stay true to their values of being ‘creative at heart’ which drove further diversification with the arrival of an original content arm in the form of LS Films.

Thanks to this successful business strategy, LS has seen a two year growth of 273% and boasts sales of £20 million.

Speaking about the recognition, CEO and Founder Marie Owen, said:

“I’m beyond thrilled to see LS Productions name appear on such prestigious lists, in fact I can’t quite believe it. If you could have told me that we’d be appearing on lists like these when I started the business back in 2006 from my kitchen table I’d probably have laughed and said ‘are you joking’. It’s such a fantastic achievement and so rewarding to see all the incredible hard work and dedication that myself and the team have put in to get recognised. Both in terms of growing a world-class global production company, but also a business that people genuinely love working for that is firmly rooted in the values of kindness, hard work and learning.”

Marie continued:

“Post Covid we had to completely re-evaluate where we wanted to go – not just professionally but personally. So we went, quite literally back to our roots – which meant investing heavily in specialised expertise to develop focused business streams; Fashion, Sport, Commercial, Music Videos, Film & TV Service and an original content division called LS Films. This robust diversification gives LS a solid foundation in an industry that is notorious for huge highs and steep lows because we’re not overly dependent on one particular stream and it also allows us to explore our creative passion with LS Films.”

The full 100 rankings can be viewed:

www.febe.com

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/sunday-times-100-fast-growth

Discover the Hidden Gem: 7 Reasons Why Brittany is Perfect for Your Next Holiday

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Despite being just a stone’s throw away from the UK, Brittany often goes overlooked as a holiday destination. However, this beautiful region in France has a lot to offer in terms of activities, stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. Here are seven compelling reasons why Brittany should be on your radar for your next getaway:

  1. Breathtaking Countryside: Brittany is renowned for its picturesque countryside, featuring rolling hills, winding rivers, lush valleys, verdant fields, serene lakes, and enchanting forests. Whether you prefer driving or cycling, you can immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty while enjoying breathtaking views. The River Blavet, in particular, offers kayaking opportunities and is a haven for fishing enthusiasts.
  2. Tranquility and Serenity: Even during the peak summer season, Brittany offers pockets of peace and tranquility. You can rent accommodation near long sandy beaches or in the tranquil countryside, ensuring a quiet and relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Consider staying at La Garenne, a collection of luxurious holiday cottages nestled along the River Blavet, providing an idyllic and peaceful escape. These are some of the finest and prettiest holiday cottages in Brittany you will find.
  3. Stunning Coastline: Brittany boasts miles of stunning coastline, featuring long sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and charming harbor towns. Whether you crave the power of crashing waves or seek calmer bays for swimming and paddling, the Atlantic-facing coastline offers a diverse range of experiences. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in delicious fresh seafood, sourced locally from the region’s abundant fishing harbors.
  4. Endless Exploration: With its diverse landscapes encompassing forests, rivers, countryside, coastline, and charming towns, Brittany offers endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you enjoy surfing, kayaking, horse riding, cycling, fishing, hiking, shopping, or simply relaxing, Brittany has something to cater to every taste and interest.
  5. Architectural Wonders: Brittany is adorned with stunning period buildings, from centuries-old farmhouses to charming fishermen’s cottages and captivating town architecture. The region’s rich history is evident in the preservation and restoration of these architectural gems. Embark on a journey to discover the unique charm of Brittany’s buildings, which tell stories of the past.
  6. Gastronomic Delights: Brittany’s culinary scene is a treat for food enthusiasts. Indulge in delicious local produce sourced from farms and growers, and savor fresh seafood caught by the region’s fishing fleet. Explore local markets, dine in quality restaurants, and don’t miss the opportunity to try the classic moules-frites, available in numerous pubs and cafes.
  7. Proximity to the UK: One of the advantages of choosing Brittany as your holiday destination is its proximity to the UK. With the option to take your car, you can avoid the hassle and extra costs of car rentals. Bring along your equipment, such as bikes or kayaks, without additional charges, allowing you to fully explore and take advantage of Brittany’s many attractions.

Discover the hidden gem that is Brittany, where natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights await. Start planning your next holiday to this enchanting region that offers a unique and memorable experience just a short distance from home.

In just five easy steps, you can plan the best digital marketing campaign

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Digital marketing is the new norm in the marketing industry. Today, pretty much every business spends over 35% of the advertising financial plan on advanced showcasing efforts. This demonstrates the efficiency of digital marketing campaigns.

There are many moving parts in a digital marketing campaign that work together to boost your business and help it survive the market’s storm.

You will be able to evaluate your marketing’s efficacy once all of your digital marketing campaigns are operational. This assists you in acquiring pertinent market data and audience perceptions of your brand or business.

It helps you establish a fundamental framework for how your business will develop in the future, get more information here Marketing Spaces. However, the digital marketing campaign has one flaw. A lack of planning in the marketing campaign has led to the failure of several digital marketing campaigns.

With that in mind, we’re going to walk you through the steps you need to take to create a successful digital marketing campaign plan.

How To Plan The Best Advanced Advertising Effort?

Choosing the right digital media platform for your marketing campaign is everything in digital marketing. Your campaign will undoubtedly fail if you are unaware of the features of digital media platforms.

To ensure the success of your digital marketing campaign, you must follow these steps.

  1. Define Objectives

Before you can begin your digital marketing campaign, it is essential to know what you want from your business and how your target audience should perceive it.

To accomplish that, you need to be crystal clear about your objectives, what you want from your company, and how your company can assist your target audience. Try to show your audience what you want from your marketing campaign once you are clear on what you want.

  1. Identify Your Audience

Who is your target market? If you are unable to respond to this straightforward inquiry, you are merely utilizing your resources without producing any relevant outcomes. No matter how much money you have, you won’t be able to market effectively if you don’t know who your target audience is.

By determining precisely who is purchasing your goods and services, you can begin to understand your audiences. Although the demographic of your current customers may not match your expectations, it will provide you with insight into your audiences.

  1. Identify Your Audience Personas

Once you have identified your audiences, the next important step is to identify their personas. A persona is a comprehensive description of your ideal client or customer.

Everything related to the audience—age, occupation, wealth, status, family situation, and so on—is included in an audience persona.

  1. Make Use of Social Media

The marketing industry has a secret weapon in social media. Social media platforms are now more important to people than any other platform. If you can use social media for your business, you’ll get more people to know your brand and get valuable leads.

On the off chance that you can use virtual entertainment profiles to their fullest, they can give point by point information to your business that can be utilized to support your client’s administrations.

  1. Create a strategy for email marketing

There have been numerous digital marketers who have excluded email marketing from their overall strategy. Yes, email marketing is effective despite the fact that it is not a new industry trend. In fact, you can boost results by combining email marketing with social media marketing.

On the off chance that you figure you lack the capacity to deal with email promoting, take a stab at utilizing mechanization innovation to guarantee that no crowds leave your site without a solitary inviting note.

Conclusion:

If executed correctly, a digital marketing campaign can yield a higher ROI than other marketing strategies. Keep your digital melting strategy straightforward and adaptable enough to permit on-the-fly modifications. This helps you keep up with the latest fashions.

The Resilience of Independent Hostels in the UK

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Despite recent news of the YHA reducing its numbers, the independent hostel industry wants to make it clear that hostelling is far from dead. With over 320 independently run hostels across the UK, the Independent Hostels network is thriving and offers more options than ever before, surpassing the current number of YHA hostels and even rivaling the heyday of the YHA in the 1950s.

While people’s expectations of hostels may be evolving, independent hostels have kept up with the changing landscape. There are hostels that provide dormitory-style accommodations for those who enjoy sharing, as well as hostels with private and en-suite rooms for those seeking privacy. From high-tech hostels with super-fast Wi-Fi and eco-friendly features to off-grid hostels that provide a peaceful escape, there is a diverse range of options available. Some hostels offer luxurious amenities at higher prices, while many others provide affordable options, with beds available for £15 or less per night.

Although the days of walking from YHA hostel to YHA hostel may be dwindling, the Independent Hostel website showcases 50 long-distance routes that include a selection of independent hostels to choose from.

Hostels offer a unique and special way to travel, often located in stunning and remote locations where they may be the only available accommodation. The essence of hostelling is all about sharing, whether it’s the communal self-catering kitchen, engaging in conversations around the firepit, or receiving tips on local walks, cycling routes, or hiking trails right at your doorstep.

As one hosteller aptly put it, “As a single traveller, there’s nothing so lonely as a hotel room and a breakfast table for one. I love the sharing of space and friendships that I get in hostels.”

Unfortunately, a recent radio programme failed to mention independent hostels while discussing the YHA’s challenges. This oversight overshadowed the significant growth of independent hostels, which offer unique experiences and are becoming increasingly popular. These hostels provide an economical option for a special type of traveller.

Stephanie Fry, owner of Witherslack Cycle Barn in Cumbria, voiced her disappointment, saying, “Unfortunately, it came across very negatively, focusing on the YHA closures, with no mention of the blossoming independent hostels that are taking over in much larger numbers. There are so many fantastic independent hostels in the UK to visit, albeit fewer YHA ones.”

David Hilton, an avid hosteller, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the Independent Hostels Group’s efforts in preserving these buildings as hostels. The network consists of over 52 former YHA hostels and many others that were never affiliated with the YHA. It is crucial to ensure that as many hostels as possible continue to serve travellers in the future.

For more information about independent hostels in the UK, visit: https://independenthostels.co.uk

Inspiring Mum Opens Instagrammable Nursery Boutique in Cheshire, Driven by Her Daughter

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One mother’s inspiration from her one-year-old daughter led her to leave her stable corporate job and open a stunning nursery boutique in the heart of Cheshire. Victoria Percy launched Bump Nursery Boutique on April 26th this year, offering a luxurious and Instagrammable shopping experience for parents-to-be in Davenham Village, Northwich.

Victoria, who shares her daughter with her fiancé and business partner Matt, decided to pursue this entrepreneurial venture after returning to her hometown of Rochdale to buy baby essentials while pregnant. Having met Matt in Cheshire four years ago, the couple embarked on their latest adventure together by opening Bump Nursery Boutique.

The boutique focuses on making the process of purchasing a pram or newborn essentials a special occasion for expectant parents. Victoria explains that the idea had been in their minds for some time, but it became a reality when they had the opportunity to take over the established business, Bump, earlier this year.

With a vision to create a one-stop shop for all newborn essentials, Bump Nursery Boutique aims to redefine the luxury boutique experience. The boutique offers an array of newborn essentials, unique gifts, and fashionable clothing, providing expectant parents with a curated selection of top-quality products.

Victoria provides a flexible appointment service, inviting customers to bring their family and friends to browse the boutique and enjoy the exciting shopping experience together. She emphasises that customers can always expect exceptional service and honest advice, ensuring they receive the best possible assistance.

The 35-year-old entrepreneur, who also has an eight-year-old stepson, Henry, believes that customers should remember their nursery shopping experience as a memorable day. To enhance the experience, Bump Nursery Boutique offers personalised 1:1 appointments, guaranteed price matching, pram building and car seat fitting services, and convenient deposit payment schemes. Visitors can even explore the picturesque local surroundings and indulge in a pub lunch at one of the charming country pubs nearby.

Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Victoria worked in HR at an accountancy firm. However, the birth of her daughter sparked a transformation in her mindset and motivated her to take a leap into the unknown. She wants her daughter to witness her determination and learn that women can achieve great things by creating their own paths.

Every item available at Bump Nursery Boutique is carefully selected and researched by Victoria. The boutique proudly offers products from renowned brands such as Cybex, iCandy, egg, Oyster, BabyJogger, Doona, Snuz, The Little Green Sheep Co, CuddleCo, and Purflo. In addition, the boutique features unique clothing and gifting brands like Another Fox, Neutrum Bear, and Rose & Guy. Victoria ensures that the store reflects current trends and offers gender-neutral clothing options to break away from traditional blue and pink choices.

Apart from being a premium shopping destination, Bump Nursery Boutique also plans to host events for parents and parents-to-be in the area. These events include baby first aid courses, baby yoga classes, and a Parents To Be event, where local businesses will showcase their products and services.

Victoria has collaborated with ‘The Mum Club Hale’ to participate in an upcoming event at Trafford Palazzo in the Trafford Centre, Manchester. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the boutique’s offerings, benefit from exclusive event promotions, and engage in Q&A sessions and product demonstrations.

Bump Nursery Boutique has made remarkable progress in just ten weeks since its opening. Victoria believes that the boutique’s success stems from the fact that it is run by a mother who understands the genuine needs of parents. By offering supportive classes and promoting local businesses, the boutique aims to create a nurturing and empowering environment for its customers.

Operating hours for Bump Nursery Boutique are between 10am and 4.30pm from Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm on Sunday, and open by appointment only on Tuesday. The boutique is closed on Mondays.

To stay updated with Bump Nursery Boutique, follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

The Ultimate Answer to Budget-Friendly Skip Hire in the UK

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Embarking on a construction project or home renovation can be an exciting endeavor. However, the challenge of managing the waste produced during these ventures can be overwhelming. Skip hire presents an efficient solution for disposing of project waste. Yet, finding a reliable and affordable skip hire company can be a time-consuming and costly process. This is where Fast Skips comes to the rescue.

Fast Skips is a leading skip hire company in the UK that has established strong partnerships with waste management companies. This advantageous network enables them to offer the best deals on skip hire in your area, saving you the hassle of shopping around. By simply entering your postcode on the Fast Skips website, you instantly receive the best price for each skip size available in your locality.

Fast Skips is a rapidly growing nationwide skip hire startup that has earned a reputation for being a dependable and cost-effective solution for all your waste management needs. They offer a wide range of skip sizes, catering to diverse requirements, from small skips for household waste to larger ones for commercial projects like extensions or kitchen renovations. Their skips are available for various durations, accommodating both next-day delivery and long-term projects.

What sets Fast Skips apart from the competition is its strong collaboration with waste management companies. This close partnership ensures that customers receive the most favorable skip hire deals. This not only saves you time but also money, as you can rest assured that you are securing the best available deal in your area.

Fast Skips is committed to providing reliable and efficient service to its customers. They understand that waste management can be a stressful and time-consuming process, which is why they offer a hassle-free solution. Skips are delivered and collected at your convenience, and they even provide guidance on skip placement to facilitate a seamless and stress-free experience.

In addition to their affordable pricing and reliable service, Fast Skips prioritises sustainability. They strive to minimise the environmental impact of waste by maximising recycling efforts. This commitment not only benefits the environment but also reduces the overall cost of skip hire.

To summarise, Fast Skips is a leading UK skip hire company due to its strong partnerships with waste management companies. They provide budget-friendly skip hire solutions for all your waste management needs, ranging from small household projects to large commercial endeavors. Their dedication to sustainability and customer satisfaction sets them apart from the competition. So, if you’re seeking a reliable, affordable, and environmentally conscious skip hire solution, look no further than Fast Skips. Give them a try today and experience the difference they can make.

North West business confidence rebounds amidst improved trading optimism

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Latest research by alternative lender Capify finds North West business confidence stronger than national average 

Despite improvement, nearly half of businesses are worried about cash reserves

Business confidence in the North West’s SME community has increased in the second quarter of 2023 and now sits about the national average. According to new research from alternative finance provider Capify, business confidence in the North West has risen as a result of improved trading performances over the first half of the year.

Released this week, Capify’s SME Business Confidence Survey revealed that 40% of SME owners in the region reported an increase in turnover between April and June, whilst just under one in three saw their profits increase in the same period.

The overwhelming majority – 80% – of North West SME owners expect turnover to grow over the coming year, with 53% expecting profits to grow over the same period. This improved confidence in operating conditions, means that 47% of firms are planning business expansion over the next 12 months.

The survey, which canvasses the insights of hundreds of SME business owners from across the UK on areas of current business performance, trading forecast, and investment intentions, uses the data to produce an overall confidence score between -10 (very unconfident) and +20 (highly confident).  The confidence score for businesses in North West now sits at now sits at -4.67, compared to a national average of 0.65.

Cash crisis

Alongside this improvement in the region’s business confidence, the survey also revealed that continuing inflationary pressure is placing a significant strain on SME owners’ cash reserves, with 47% of respondents reporting they were concerned about the level of cash in their bank accounts.

Concerns around cash reserves are undoubtedly accentuated by issues related to cash collection. Nearly one in four owners (24%) stated that they were worried about unpaid invoices, and the survey found that the average amount of money owed to SMEs in outstanding invoices was £46k.

Challenges prevail

Consistent with previous survey findings, cash flow challenges and cash reserves continue to present significant issues for respondents. Just under 20% of owners cite cash flow as the primary reason preventing them from expanding their business, whilst just over a third of respondents express ongoing concerns about cash flow.

Even with cost-cutting measures – 80% of UK SMEs have cut their spend in response to inflationary pressures – one third of all respondents have required external funding help with cash flow issues and depleted working capital reserves.

Turning a corner

John Rozenbroek, COO/CFO at Capify, said: “Today’s survey findings underline the vibrancy and resilience that exists in the North West’s SME community. As a Manchester-based business ourselves, we know how important a role SMEs play in the regional economy. But The Confidence Survey findings also reflect what we see and hear every day – that SMEs are struggling to keep ahead of the challenges caused by this extended period of inflation and the impact it has on market dynamics”.

“If cash is king, then cash flow is the kingmaker. Seeing how many businesses are worried about the double whammy of increased production prices and unpaid invoices reinforces the importance of active cash flow management”.

“Cash is the great enabler for SMEs, but cash flow issues and depleting working capital can put the brakes on even the most optimistic of businesses.”

Sources of finance

There continues to be concern around the availability of bank finance to support these cash flow requirements. On a national level, only 30% of respondents were extremely confident of being able to use their existing banking partners to fund any short-term needs.

“We know that SMEs are finding it harder than ever to find finance solutions that work for them”, says Rozenbroek. “As bank’s tighten their lending criteria and assess their risk profiles, there are many owners who will feel less confident about their ability to secure finance. Our survey gives us the insights we need to address the uniquely challenging climate that SMEs are operating in.”

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