INFORMATION


£53bn boost to the economy


The East Midlands could add £53bn to the UK economy by 2025, according to research by business and financial advisory firm Grant Thornton. With its regional office in


Leicester, the company worked with the Centre for Economics and Business Research and YouGov to identify growth opportunities. The study, which marks the


launch of Grant Thornton's Vibrant Economy Agenda, a nationwide inquiry to unlock the shared potential of the nation, revealed that by unlocking its full productivity potential, the region could generate an additional £53bn. The research highlighted that


productivity, at just shy of £41,000 per worker in the region, is below the UK average of £47,000 per job. Chris Frostwick, Partner and


Practice Leader in Leicester, said: “We believe that addressing at root some of the UK’s fundamental social and economic challenges collaboratively can create vibrant communities.”


Parental leave is not just for mothers


A year since the introduction of shared parental leave (SPL), it has been revealed by UK charity Working Families that only one per cent of fathers have taken advantage of the new rules. SPL was introduced on 5 April 2015 and was described as “a milestone” in the


way parents could share responsibility for looking after their new-born. Employment Solicitor Jayne Harrison, from Nottingham-based


Cleggs Solicitors, is calling for more to be done to change outdated cultural perceptions and raise awareness of how the new legislation could benefit families and those running businesses in the first year of becoming a parent. She said: “SPL provides both parents with the opportunity


to consider the best arrangement to care for their child during its first year. “SPL gives mothers and fathers the right to share up to 50


weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay after the birth or adoption of their child.” According to the research by


Working Families, between 0.5% and two per cent of eligible fathers had used SPL in the six months after the rules changed. Jayne said: “More needs to be


done to change outdated perceptions that parental leave is just for mothers. The take-up has been underwhelming. The findings from Working Families are very revealing of some of the key issues that need to be addressed.”


Outdoor activity centre offering great experiences for Corporate Events,


Stag and Hen parties and social get togethers


Jayne Harrison


Confidence is on the rise for businesses


Field Sport UK is situated in the Midlands, on the Derbyshire and Leicestershire border. We offer a range of outdoor activities including clay pigeon shooting, archery, air rifle shooting, pistol shooting, Bushcraft, Zombie shooting, firearms/shotgun courses and game butchery.


Book direct with us to get the best prices and deals. Our outdoor activities are fantastic fun experiences for corporate entertainment, stag parties / hen parties, entertaining clients, motivating staff, social get-togethers and birthday parties.


No previous experience required, full instruction is provided by our dedicated instructors. Our staff spend extra time with our clients with a non-rushed approach, delivering our activities in a safe, understandable manner making sure our groups have FUN!, we can tailor our packages to suit most budgets, easily combined with fine dining, buffet or BBQ.


Melbourne Road


Lount, Leicestershire LE65 1RS


Office: 01283 763 350


Mobile: 07973 115 769 or 07590 924 313 Web: www.fieldsportuk.co.uk Email: info@fieldsportuk.co.uk


Over three-quarters of SME owners are confident about the general outlook for this year, according to a survey of owner- managed businesses (OMBs) by accountancy firm Moore Stephens. Its research found that 77% of


OMBs were confident for the year ahead, up from 70% 12 months ago. Almost three-quarters (73%)


were confident about meeting revenue targets and 68% said they would hit profit targets. Staff training was the top priority


for OMBs to support growth, with 85% saying they were likely or certain to invest in training, while almost half (49%) said they were likely or certain to undertake succession planning in 2016. Three risks dominated the worry


list for OMBs – domestic competition (53%), the strength of the UK economy (52%) and employee skills shortages (45%). Suk Aulak, Partner at Moore


Stephens, said: “OMBs are still confident about hitting revenue targets in the medium term, with the majority expecting turnover and net profitability to increase in 2016.


42 business network May 2016 Suk Aulak, Partner, Moore Stephens


‘OMBs are confident about hitting revenue targets in the medium term’


“However, there is uncertainty


too. The report found that OMBs were cautiously optimistic about the year ahead and many were planning to expand their customer base, develop new products or services and increase marketing spend.”


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