28 March 2023

 Caroline Larissey - Women in Trade Associations Powerlist

Caroline Larissey, NHBF’s Director of Quality and Standards has been recognised amongst the first ever Powerlist which celebrates inspirational women in Trade Associations.

The Women in Trade Associations Powerlist was created by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), with the aim of championing the role of women in trade associations and celebrating their achievements. With over 200 nominations received and 100 spaces on the list, it was no surprise to see Caroline Larissey’s name included. 

Read the full press release here

 

Bank Rate increased to 4.25% - March 2023

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target in a way that helps to sustain growth and employment. At its meeting on March 22 2023, the MPC voted by a majority of 7–2 to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.25%. 

 

Business Chargepoint funding

To support the use of electric vehicles across Scotland, Transport Scotland offers grant funding to help organisations install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure on their premises. The funding is distributed by Energy Saving Trust and is currently available for chargepoints that occupiers, staff and visitors will only use.

Grants are available to cover up to 50% of the cost of purchasing and installing electric vehicle chargepoints if your business is:

  • a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
  • in a rural area of Scotland

Find out more here

 

Low Pay Commission: Low Pay Commission consultation 2023

The Low Pay Commission is seeking evidence to inform recommendations, particularly on the impact of the apprentice rate and the minimum wage on the employment of young people.

The LPC would like evidence from the widest possible range of contributors from all parts of the UK:

  • employers
  • workers
  • representatives
  • experts and the public

They are interested in all sectors affected by the minimum wage: those accounting for a lot of minimum wage workers, for example:

  • Retail and hospitality.
  • Those where a high proportion of workers are on the minimum wage (e.g. social care).
  • Those not traditionally considered low-paying but where rising rates nonetheless have an effect (e.g. education and public services).

How to submit evidence:

As part of their consultation, the LPC meets people and organisations across the UK to hear first-hand evidence from businesses. To find out more about how the minimum wage has affected businesses, the Low Pay Commission will be visiting regions across the UK. If any Members that are interested to speak with commissioners at the below locations, please contact the NHBF enquiries team. Please email  enquiries@nhbf.co.uk

Date                 Location

19-20 April      Birmingham

10-11 May        Waltham Forest / London Borough of Haringey

14-15 June      Rhondda Cynon Taf

5-6 July           Belfast

2-3 August       Oldham / Tameside

Final reminder: National Minimum Wage Increase

Is your business ready for the National Minimum Wage increase?

The NMW (National Minimum Wage) and NLW (National Living Wage) will increase from 1 April 2023. The NLW will increase to £10.42 from £9.50, and the NMW will also increase across the various age groups. Apprenticeship pay will go up from £4.81 to £5.28.

Ensure you understand the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates and know what your employees should be paid. Plus – find out what help and advice are available from the NHBF for your salon or barbershop.

 

£130m Investment Fund for Wales

The British Business Bank is on course to launch a £130 million investment fund this autumn, aimed at driving the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in Wales.

The Investment Fund for Wales is one of a series of Nations and Regions' Investment Funds being launched by the British Business Bank which will deliver a £1.6 billion commitment of new funding to smaller businesses across the UK. 

The Investment Fund for Wales will operate across three tiers: smaller loans (£25,000 - £100,000), debt (£100,000 - £2 million) and equity (up to £5 million).

For further information, please select the following link Press Release - March 9, 2023 - British Business Bank (British-business-bank.co.uk).