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Interviews EdTech CEO James Tweed founded his company Coracle in 2006. The business operates in some of the world's toughest environments, including the maritime industry, prisons and police custody suites. Tweed explains how giving staff maximum freedom unlocks a wealth of creative ideas Often, the simplest questions lead to the best answers, ideas that can be truly groundbreaking. My company Coracle provides access to learning and skills development in a wide range of environments.

Business Key Takeaways Auction buying rewards research more than fast decisions. The winning bid is only one part of the final cost. Condition, size, history, and authenticity can change an item's value. Online, phone, absentee, and in-person bidding each call for a different plan. A firm spending limit helps prevent emotional bidding. Pickup, insurance, taxes, and buyer's premiums should be checked before bidding.

Business Table Of Contents Why Surface Shape Matters The Main Decoration Methods Where Pad Printing Fits When Laser Marking Makes Sense When Direct-To-Object Digital Printing Works Material, Ink, And Surface Preparation Production Factors To Compare A Step-By-Step Testing Process Common Mistakes To Avoid Frequently Asked Questions Final Takeaway Printing or marking a product with curves, recesses, tapers, textures, or uneven surfaces requires more planning than decorating a flat panel.

Economy UK retail sales fell in July after two months of growth as an unusually warm summer and earlier promotions encouraged consumers to bring forward purchases, according to official figures. Sales volumes declined 0.5 per cent during July, following increases of 0.7 per cent in June and 1.3 per cent in May, the Office for National Statistics said. However, volumes remained 1.6 per cent higher than in July last year.

Business UK manufacturers reported their strongest order books in almost two years in August as export demand rebounded, providing tentative signs that conditions in the struggling industrial sector are beginning to improve. The Confederation of British Industry's latest Industrial Trends Survey found total order books remained below normal but improved sharply to a balance of minus 25 per cent, from minus 45 per cent in July.

Business Company insolvencies in England and Wales rose in July after two consecutive monthly declines, highlighting continued pressure on businesses from higher costs, weak demand and economic uncertainty. There were 1,931 registered company insolvencies during the month, according to the Insolvency Service, 5 per cent higher than the 1,847 recorded in June but 5 per cent below the 2,031 registered in July 2025.

Economy UK government borrowing exceeded official forecasts in July despite record self-assessment income tax receipts, underlining the fiscal pressures facing the government ahead of the Autumn Budget. Public sector net borrowing was £1.8bn in July, £700mn higher than a year earlier and £2.3bn above the Office for Budget Responsibility's forecast, according to the Office for National Statistics. July typically provides a boost to the public finances because of self-assessment tax payments.

None UK inflation rose to 2.9 per cent in July as higher household energy costs pushed prices upwards, increasing pressure on businesses already concerned about rising operating costs. The Consumer Prices Index increased by 2.9 per cent in the 12 months to July, up from 2.6 per cent in June, according to the Office for National Statistics. It marked the first increase in the annual rate since March. Prices rose 0.3 per cent during the month, compared with 0.1 per cent in July last year.

Business Geopolitical uncertainty and policy changes have become the dominant causes of profit warnings among UK-listed companies sponsoring defined benefit pension schemes, according to analysis from EY-Parthenon. Almost two-thirds, or 63 per cent, of the 27 profit warnings issued by companies with DB schemes during the first half of 2026 cited these factors, the highest proportion recorded for any six-month period in more than 25 years of EY's analysis.

Economy Supply chain disruption and rising energy and transport costs remain the biggest threat facing Britain's mid-sized businesses, although there are signs that pressure on investment plans is beginning to ease, according to research from BDO. The accountancy firm's Mid-Market Tracker found 46 per cent of businesses expected supply chain pressures combined with higher fuel and energy costs to be their biggest challenge over the next six months.