In the news……
BBC Business News
UK Economy Shrinks by 0.1%
The weaker than expected figure mean an interest rate cut is more likely
- 12/12/2025
UK Economy Unexpectedly Shrinks
The economy shrank by 0.1% in October as output fell as growth stalled
- 12/12/2025
.Gov Careers
Turning PTO and Flexibility from Employee Perks into Strategic Business Assets
When companies are considering employee compensation packages, most will focus on building out competitive starting salaries and traditional benefits offerings. While these are absolutely fantastic starting points, many times modern employees value flexibility as an important deciding factor when choosing an employer and sticking it out for the long haul. Successful businesses don’t just view […]
The post Turning PTO and Flexibility from Employee Perks into Strategic Business Assets appeared first on Margaret Buj.
- 12/19/2025
Why Interview Coaches Recommend Resume Tailoring Tools as a Core Job Search Strategy in 2025
Interview coaches see the job market from a unique vantage point. Every week, they work with capable professionals who are confident in conversation, prepared for interview questions, and clear about their career goals. Yet many of these same candidates struggle to get interviews in the first place. The issue is rarely a lack of skill […]
The post Why Interview Coaches Recommend Resume Tailoring Tools as a Core Job Search Strategy in 2025 appeared first on Margaret Buj.
- 12/19/2025
A Smart Starting Point: Why Two-Piece Sets Work for Women New to the Office
Entering a professional setting for the first time is at once exciting and overwhelming, which is especially true of which suit to put on. For women just breaking into the corporate world, daily outfit choices bring stress, uncertainty, and the fear of not looking ‘major enough.’ This is where two-piece sets prove to be the […]
The post A Smart Starting Point: Why Two-Piece Sets Work for Women New to the Office appeared first on Margaret Buj.
- 12/19/2025
Interview Tips for Landing Your First Crypto Job
Interview Tips for Landing Your First Crypto Job Entering the crypto world can feel huge at first. The industry grows fast, changes fast and rewards people who move with intention. Good interviews are still the main door into real opportunities, so strong preparation matters. This guide looks at clear and practical ways to improve your […]
The post Interview Tips for Landing Your First Crypto Job appeared first on Margaret Buj.
- 12/16/2025
How the Travel Industry Is Changing — and What It Means for Modern Travel Agents
The travel industry is in the middle of one of the most significant transformations it has ever seen. Technology, shifting traveler expectations, and global awareness are reshaping how people plan, book, and experience travel. While some predicted that online platforms would make travel agents obsolete, the opposite has proven true. The role of the modern […]
The post How the Travel Industry Is Changing — and What It Means for Modern Travel Agents appeared first on Margaret Buj.
- 12/16/2025
Building an Employer Brand That Naturally Attracts Top Talent
Strong employer branding is a strategic necessity in today’s competitive hiring landscape, as UK businesses navigate a cooling economy marked by high employment costs and skills shortages. Attracting high-quality applicants requires more than a well-written job advert. Candidates now scrutinise how organisations treat their people and support long-term career development. A credible employer brand helps […]
The post Building an Employer Brand That Naturally Attracts Top Talent appeared first on Margaret Buj.
- 12/12/2025
Small Daily Habits That Help Women Feel More Empowered at Work
In an era where confidence, presence, and mental well-being matter more than ever, small everyday habits can make a meaningful difference, particularly for women navigating the modern workplace. These aren’t sweeping career moves, but simple, repeatable actions that build momentum over time. Start the Day with Intention and Confidence How you begin the morning can […]
The post Small Daily Habits That Help Women Feel More Empowered at Work appeared first on Margaret Buj.
- 12/8/2025
Building a high-performance team that scales with your business
For UK businesses heading into 2026, building a high-performance team isn’t just a competitive advantage; it’s essential for sustainable growth. As markets shift, technology accelerates, and workplace expectations evolve, companies need teams that can adapt, innovate and grow alongside the business. A scalable team is one that operates effectively today while remaining flexible enough to […]
The post Building a high-performance team that scales with your business appeared first on Margaret Buj.
- 12/8/2025
Interior Design Trends That Will Influence Small Businesses in 2026
As UK small businesses continue to adapt to new customer expectations and a growing emphasis on comfort and sustainability, interior design is becoming a core part of brand strategy. Our forward-looking 2026 guide explores the key trends shaping how cafés, boutiques, salons, co-working hubs, and studios can create spaces that feel modern and functional – […]
The post Interior Design Trends That Will Influence Small Businesses in 2026 appeared first on Margaret Buj.
- 12/8/2025
Planning Your Path to Freelancing Success
Starting a freelance business can be exciting yet challenging. Success requires careful planning, understanding finances, and building a strong personal brand. From setting goals to managing clients and taxes, freelancers must navigate multiple responsibilities. This article provides practical guidance to help aspiring freelancers launch confidently, stay organized, and establish a sustainable, profitable business from day […]
The post Planning Your Path to Freelancing Success appeared first on Margaret Buj.
- 11/26/2025
UK Recruiter Feed
£100 contactless card limit to be lifted
Card providers can decide whether to offer unlimited payments on contactless cards.
- 12/19/2025
Millions head home for Christmas on busiest day of festive getaway
Road, rail and air travellers are being advised to allow extra time for travel and check their routes.
- 12/19/2025
Retail sales fall as Black Friday deals fail to lure shoppers
Supermarket sales fell for the fourth month in a row, while discounts did not lift Black Friday spending in November, figures suggest.
- 12/19/2025
Will the TikTok deal mean the app changes in the US?
The app's Chinese owner ByteDance has signed a deal with investors to run its business in the US.
- 12/19/2025
What's pushing up the cost of Christmas dinner this year?
A typical turkey dinner will cost about £32.45 this year, according to research done for the BBC.
- 12/19/2025
Will tech trump tradition at bakers and biscuit makers?
Introducing robots and automation to the food industry involves extra hurdles.
- 12/19/2025
WH Smith probed by regulator over accounting error
The retailer says it plans to claw back bonuses awarded to executives at its North America business as a result of the mistakes.
- 12/19/2025
AI likely to displace jobs, says Bank of England governor
Andrew Bailey says workers need to be trained to move into jobs that use AI, but adds it might not lead to mass unemployment.
- 12/19/2025
TikTok owner signs deal to avoid US ban
The deals would end years of efforts by Washington to force ByteDance to sell its US operations.
- 12/19/2025
Michelle Mone-linked PPE firm liquidated and unlikely to repay £148m
The firm led by Baroness Mone's husband Douglas Barrowman breached a contract to supply surgical gowns during the Covid pandemic.
- 12/19/2025
Faisal Islam: Will pre-Christmas interest rate cut be enough to boost UK economy next year?
The Bank of England is hoping the interest rate cut will inject some much-needed momentum into the economy.
- 12/18/2025
Japan hikes interest rate to highest level since 1995 as inflation bites
It comes as new PM Sanae Takaichi is keen for inflation to fall but also needs low government borrowing costs.
- 12/19/2025
UK names Christian Turner as ambassador to US, replacing Peter Mandelson
Turner has spent a nearly 30-year career working across Whitehall and the Foreign Office.
- 12/19/2025
BP names new boss as current CEO leaves after less than two years
BP has appointed Meg O'Neill as its chief executive, making her the first female boss of a major oil giant.
- 12/18/2025
Trump Media to merge with fusion energy firm in $6bn deal
The company behind President Trump's Truth Social platform makes a surprising move into the energy sector.
- 12/18/2025
HR exec in viral Coldplay clip speaks of abuse, threats and trying to find a new job
Kristin Cabot says she was bombarded with abusive and threatening messages after being filmed with her boss on the 'kiss-cam'.
- 12/18/2025
Interest rates cut to 3.75% but further reductions to be 'closer call'
The decision to lower borrowing costs was widely expected, after inflation slowed in the year to November.
- 12/18/2025
Price increases in the US ease unexpectedly in November
Prices rose 2.7% over the 12 months to November, according to the latest figures from the consumer price index (CPI).
- 12/18/2025
Insurers told to make policies easier to understand
The demand follows a "super-complaint" about the home and travel insurance sectors.
- 12/18/2025
Facebook tests £9.99 monthly subscription for sharing more than two links
Meta is encouraging users to verify themselves to unlock more features or engagement with their posts.
- 12/18/2025
Pay freeze for Father Christmas but elves fare better
Some seasonal workers have seen pay rises this year but Santas may have to tighten their belts.
- 12/17/2025
Starmer tells Abramovich to 'pay up now' or face court
The Prime Minister said Roman Abramovich should make good on his pledge that money from the sale of Chelsea FC would go to benefit Ukrainians
- 12/17/2025
The Oscars to leave ABC and stream on YouTube starting in 2029
The show was hosted by ABC for more than a half-century and reveals the latest major shakeup in Hollywood.
- 12/17/2025
Warner Bros favours Netflix offer over $108bn Paramount bid
Warner Brothers says the offer for its film and streaming businesses is inferior to Netflix's.
- 12/18/2025
Lower clothing and food prices help inflation fall by more than expected
The 3.2% November figure is down on the 3.6% recorded in the year to October.
- 12/17/2025
Morrisons faces £17m bill over hot chicken row
The supermarket firm claimed its rotisserie chickens were exempt from the hot food tax.
- 12/17/2025
Six-month wait for driving tests set to last until 2027
The National Audit Office said there was a backlog of 1.1 million learner driver tests since the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 12/17/2025
Should more be done to tackle 'ghost jobs', vacancies that don't exist?
Companies are advertising vacancies that have already been filled or might not have ever existed.
- 12/18/2025
Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you
The rate of inflation, which charts the rising cost of living, has slowed - driven partly by essentials.
- 12/17/2025
Meet the biggest heat pumps in the world
Across Europe huge heat pumps are being installed that can heat tens of thousands of homes.
- 12/16/2025
Spain's commitment to renewable energy may be in doubt
The current government is politically weakened and the opposition wants more use of fossil fuels.
- 12/15/2025
'It's amazing' – the wonder material very few can make
Just a handful of companies can make cadmium zinc telluride, a material with powerful properties.
- 12/12/2025
Japan is facing a dementia crisis – can technology help?
Elderly people aged 65 and over now make up nearly 30% of Japan's population.
- 12/8/2025
Can Japan get more female business leaders?
The country lags behind when it comes to women in leadership positions.
- 12/8/2025
Sold 30 items on Vinted? Don't panic if you get a message about tax
Here's what you need to know about tax rules if you're selling items online.
- 12/7/2025
What are freeze-dried sweets and why are they popular?
Big confectionery makers are rolling out freeze-dried sweets after they become an online sensation.
- 12/9/2025
How family firms can best plan for succession
The Murdochs had a much-reported inheritance battle, but smoother transitions are possible.
- 12/4/2025
'Carspreading' is on the rise - and not everyone is happy about it
In the UK and across Europe, cars are becoming longer, wider and heavier.
- 12/18/2025
Why time is running out for Germany's green hydrogen industry
Firms are ready to make the equipment needed for green hydrogen, but demand has not picked up yet.
- 12/2/2025
OBR head's resignation leaves potential landmines for Reeves
Chancellor's next mission to find a respected and credible economist to run the OBR will require careful balance
- 12/2/2025
Greek sheep and goat cull raises fears of feta cheese shortage
Livestock is being culled across the country due to an infectious disease outbreak.
- 12/1/2025
£100 contactless card limit to be lifted
Card providers can decide whether to offer unlimited payments on contactless cards.
- 12/19/2025
A 45% school bus fare hike is too much, says dad
Ambi Ambituuni now expects to pay more than £300 a term for his daughter's bus journeys.
- 12/19/2025
What's pushing up the cost of Christmas dinner this year?
A typical turkey dinner will cost about £32.45 this year, according to research done for the BBC.
- 12/19/2025
Interest rates cut to 3.75% but further reductions to be 'closer call'
The decision to lower borrowing costs was widely expected, after inflation slowed in the year to November.
- 12/18/2025
Why are UK prices still rising?
UK Inflation has dropped back from record highs but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.
- 12/18/2025
Budget 2025: What's the best and worst that could happen for Labour?
Three days in, after a tax U-turn and partial climbdown on workers' rights, Laura Kuenssberg looks at what impact Budget week might have.
- 11/29/2025
Has Britain's budget watchdog become too all-powerful?
Ahead of this week's Budget, some have accused the Office for Budget Responsibility of being a "straitjacket on growth"
- 11/25/2025
The curious case of why Poundland is struggling during a cost-of-living crisis
Why - in an age where so many of us are feeling the financial pinch - are some budget shops on UK high streets having such a tough time?
- 11/21/2025
The £5.30 orange juice that tells the story of why supermarket prices are sky high
Butter, chocolate, coffee and milk have all seen prices rocket. Tracing back through the story of one particular supermarket staple begins to explain why
- 10/22/2025
How Milei's 'Thatcherite' economics divided his nation - but won over Trump
Ahead of Milei's visit to the White House - amid protests and anger on the streets back at home - Ione Wells unravels the paradox that Argentina's president has created
- 10/14/2025
Who are the winners and losers of the interest rate cut?
The Bank of England has cut interest rates from 4% to 3.75% - the lowest level since February 2023.
- 12/18/2025
Jamie Oliver on the return of his restaurant chain
Speaking to Amol Rajan on the BBC's Radical podcast, chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver reveals all about his experiences of failure and learning from it.
- 12/11/2025
Martin Lewis on what people misunderstand about credit scores
Martin Lewis explains the things people misunderstand about credit scores.
- 12/5/2025
Recruitment Smarts #1206
A Note from the Editor Well… here we are. The final UK Recruiter newsletter of the year. If this year has felt like it flew by and dragged on at the same time, you’re not alone. It’s been a year of shifting markets, evolving candidate expectations, and no shortage of “well, that’s new” moments for […]
The post Recruitment Smarts #1206 appeared first on UK Recruiter.
- 12/17/2025
How Traditional Recruiters Are Catching Up with Crypto Jobs
The world of recruiting is finally catching up with crypto. For years, most recruiters dismissed blockchain as a passing trend. Now, with Web3 companies scaling fast and investment flowing back into the space, traditional recruiters are racing to understand and serve this booming job market. For everyone interested in landing remote crypto jobs, this evolution […]
The post How Traditional Recruiters Are Catching Up with Crypto Jobs appeared first on UK Recruiter.
- 12/15/2025
Recruitment Smarts #1205
A Note from the Editor Pretty much every week Louise hosts Recruitment Smarts Live over on Crowdcast. Here’s a little snapshot of some of the content you might have missed, and can watch on replay: Just last week she talked with Peter Felix from Sonovate about Funding US Expansion: A Strategic Briefing for UK Recruitment Leaders. […]
The post Recruitment Smarts #1205 appeared first on UK Recruiter.
- 12/9/2025
5 Effective Ways to Enhance Recruitment with Technology
Technology has completely flipped the script on how we find and hire talent, and frankly, if you’re not keeping up, you’re falling behind. Gone are the days when posting a job ad in the newspaper would bring in dozens of qualified candidates. Now? We’re dealing with talent shortages, remote work complications, and candidates who expect […]
The post 5 Effective Ways to Enhance Recruitment with Technology appeared first on UK Recruiter.
- 12/8/2025
Recruitment Smarts #1204
A Note from the Editor If you’ve ever felt that recruitment still suffers from outdated stereotypes and siloed thinking, the JobAdder Breakfast Club offers something different. It’s a series of three-hour, no-fluff in-person workshops around the country designed to equip agencies, whether large or boutique, with actionable tools: a bite-size AI implementation plan, a revenue-ops […]
The post Recruitment Smarts #1204 appeared first on UK Recruiter.
- 12/2/2025
Navigating 2026: What High-Performing Agencies Are Doing Now
The past few years have shown that waiting for the “right moment” to scale is rarely a winning strategy. Recruitment has been operating under sustained pressure, and as we move into 2026, that reality isn’t changing quickly. Competition is intensifying, margins are tighter, and clients are more cautious than ever. Yet, within this challenging environment, […]
The post Navigating 2026: What High-Performing Agencies Are Doing Now appeared first on UK Recruiter.
- 12/1/2025
REC Awards 2025
REC Awards 2025 showcased the best of recruitment in a demanding year for the sector Recruiters who went above and beyond in a challenging year for the sector and economy were celebrated at the REC Awards 2025, held last night (Thursday). This included firms which have helped career returners into jobs, the homeless get ready […]
The post REC Awards 2025 appeared first on UK Recruiter.
- 11/28/2025
Simplicity – Safe to Recruit? Know Your Client, Protect Your Business – VIDEO
This week Louise was joined by her guest speakers, Jessica Howard and Sarah Williams, from Simplicity In Business.
The post Simplicity – Safe to Recruit? Know Your Client, Protect Your Business – VIDEO appeared first on UK Recruiter.
- 11/27/2025
2026 Playbook: Rethinking Cash Flow & Back Office – Where Recruitment Growth Really Happens
This blog from Simplicity in Business is part of our 2026 Playbook: What Recruiters Need to Do Differently series. When planning for 2026, much of the industry focus is on front-office activity: BD, marketing, AI sourcing, and talent attraction. But the recruitment agencies that will thrive next year won’t just win more work; they’ll run […]
The post 2026 Playbook: Rethinking Cash Flow & Back Office – Where Recruitment Growth Really Happens appeared first on UK Recruiter.
- 11/27/2025
Leading Employee Monitoring Software for Productivity and Security
In an era where work is happening everywhere – at home, in offices, across time zones – leaders face a new challenge. How do they keep their team productive, secure, and aligned without micromanaging or losing trust? For many organisations, the answer lies in Employee Monitoring Software. These tools aren’t just digital surveillance systems, but […]
The post Leading Employee Monitoring Software for Productivity and Security appeared first on UK Recruiter.
- 11/26/2025