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When we think of hair transplants, most of us immediately imagine men. Celebrities like Wayne Rooney or Joe Swash spring to mind, both of whom have been open about their hair restoration journeys. But what if I told you that more and more women in the UK are now turning to hair transplants as well? Yes, hair transplants are quietly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for women, too, and it’s time we start talking about it.

Hair is such a significant part of a woman’s identity. It’s tied to our femininity, our confidence, and often, our self-worth. So, when hair loss occurs, it can feel like a piece of ourselves is slipping away. While men might be more publicly associated with balding, hair loss is a very real issue for women as well, and it comes with its own set of unique challenges.

From hormonal imbalances to stress, genetics, or medical conditions, women experience hair thinning and hair loss for a multitude of reasons. But with hair transplants becoming more advanced, accessible, and effective, women are finding new hope in restoring not just their hair, but their confidence too.

Why Women Lose Their Hair

Before we dive into the rise of hair transplants for women, let’s take a quick look at why hair loss happens in the first place.

1. Hormonal Changes: One of the biggest culprits of hair loss in women is hormonal changes. Pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all trigger hair thinning or loss. As women go through these life stages, their hormones fluctuate, and one of the unfortunate side effects can be hair loss.
2. Genetics: Just like men, women can inherit the genetic predisposition for hair thinning or loss. Female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, affects millions of women worldwide. This type of hair loss tends to follow a different pattern than in men, with women experiencing diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than the classic receding hairline.
3. Stress: Modern life is stressful, and unfortunately, stress can have a direct impact on our hair. Conditions like telogen effluvium can cause hair to shed more rapidly after a particularly stressful event, like surgery, emotional trauma, or even illness.
4. Medical Conditions: Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata can cause patches of hair loss, while thyroid disorders, anemia, and even nutritional deficiencies can lead to thinning or falling hair.
5. Hair Practices: The way we treat our hair matters too. Years of over-styling, chemical treatments, tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails, and excessive heat application can cause damage to hair follicles, leading to hair loss over time. Traction alopecia, for example, is a form of hair loss caused by repeated pulling on the hair from hairstyles such as weaves over a long period.

The Emotional Toll of Hair Loss on Women

We’ve grown up in a culture that places enormous importance on a woman’s appearance, and hair has always played a big part in that. Whether it’s long, short, curly, or straight, hair is a powerful symbol of beauty and identity for women. So, when it begins to thin or fall out, the emotional impact can be devastating.

Many women experience a significant loss of confidence when they notice their hair thinning. It’s not just the physical change that’s challenging; it’s the social and emotional toll. For some women, this leads to feelings of shame or embarrassment, making them hesitant to seek help. Others may try to hide their hair loss with wigs, hairpieces, or styling tricks, but these are often temporary solutions.

The good news is, as we start to normalise conversations about hair loss, more women are discovering that they aren’t alone. And thanks to advancements in cosmetic procedures, hair transplants are emerging as a long-term, effective solution for women dealing with hair loss.

Why Hair Transplants Are Becoming Popular for Women in the UK

So, why are hair transplants becoming such a popular option for women in the UK? There are several key factors driving this trend:

1. Advancements in Hair Transplant Technology

The world of hair restoration has come a long way in recent years. Procedures like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) are now so refined that they can produce natural, seamless results that are nearly undetectable. FUE, in particular, is the most popular technique because it doesn’t leave the linear scars associated with older methods.

Women benefit from these advancements because the results are tailored to their specific patterns of hair loss. Unlike men, whose hair loss typically occurs in distinct areas like the crown or temples, women often experience diffuse thinning, which requires a more delicate and strategic approach. Surgeons today are skilled in designing hairlines and creating density that mimics a woman’s natural hair pattern, ensuring the end result looks soft, full, and feminine.

2. Discreet and Customised Treatments

One of the things that’s made hair transplants so appealing to women is how discreet the procedure has become. Unlike more invasive cosmetic surgeries, hair transplants offer relatively short recovery times, and patients can often return to work within a few days. The downtime is minimal, and within months, women begin to see new growth.

Another major draw is that treatments can be customised to suit a woman’s unique hair loss situation. Whether a woman is looking to fill in thinning areas, lower her hairline, or even restore her eyebrows, hair transplants offer versatile solutions. Eyebrow transplants, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular as women seek to correct over-plucking from the 90s (I’m looking at you, thin brows!) or restore fullness after hair loss due to conditions like alopecia.

3. More Affordable Options

While hair transplants were once seen as a treatment reserved for the rich and famous, they’ve become far more accessible in recent years. More clinics are offering competitive prices, and many now provide flexible payment plans, making the procedure financially attainable for a wider audience. We spoke to Daniel Corner, trichologist at My Hair UK, who said that they have seen a huge rise in female patients and now nearly 25% of their patients are women. They offer procedures starting around the £2,500 mark depending on the number of grafts and have clinics in London and Manchester.

Of course, the rise in popularity of medical tourism, particularly in countries like Turkey, has also contributed to the affordability of hair transplants. However, more women are choosing to stay within the UK for their treatments, valuing the security of having a trusted surgeon close by for follow-up appointments and ongoing care.

4. Growing Social Acceptance

In the past, women might have been reluctant to admit to undergoing any kind of cosmetic procedure, particularly something as personal as a hair transplant. But as conversations about body positivity and self-care become more mainstream, the stigma around cosmetic enhancements is fading.

Celebrities like Naomi Campbell and Jada Pinkett Smith have openly discussed their struggles with hair loss, which has helped destigmatise the condition for millions of women. Meanwhile, social media has allowed women to share their hair transplant journeys, creating a supportive community of individuals who understand the emotional weight of hair loss.

This growing acceptance has empowered more women to explore their options and take control of their appearance without fear of judgment.

The Impact of Hair Transplants on Women’s Lives

For many women, a hair transplant isn’t just about restoring lost hair; it’s about regaining confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of control. The emotional and psychological benefits of hair restoration are often just as significant as the physical results.

Women who have undergone hair transplants frequently report feeling more confident in their appearance and more comfortable in social situations. Many say they feel like they’ve gotten a piece of their identity back—something that’s hard to put a price on.

In a world where women are constantly judged for their appearance, being able to take control of something as personal as hair loss can be incredibly empowering.

The Future of Hair Transplants for Women

As hair transplants continue to grow in popularity, the future looks bright for women seeking solutions to hair loss. With new advancements on the horizon, such as stem cell research and hair cloning, the options for hair restoration are likely to become even more effective and widely available.

Additionally, as more women open up about their experiences, we can expect the stigma around female hair loss to continue fading, making it easier for women to seek the treatments they need without shame or embarrassment.

Conclusion: Embracing Hair Transplants as an Empowering Choice

The rise of hair transplants for women in the UK is a testament to the growing recognition of hair loss as a significant issue for women—not just men. Thanks to technological advancements, greater affordability, and increasing social acceptance, hair transplants are quietly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for women today.

Whether you’re dealing with hair loss due to hormonal changes, stress, or simply genetics, a hair transplant can offer a long-lasting solution that restores not just your hair but your confidence as well. The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. Hair loss is a common issue for many women, and there’s no shame in seeking out a solution that helps you feel like the best version of yourself.

The effects of climate change are starting to be felt around the world. In 2023, Canada and Hawaii experienced huge forest fires, Europe and the southern US endured extreme heat, and China suffered significant flooding. In 2024, a cooler than average UK summer aside, the average global surface temperature for the three months from June to August was the warmest ever recorded for the period.

Governments around the world are responding to the climate crisis by committing to a target of net zero emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 2050. In doing so, they hope to limit the worst impacts and start to reverse the damage.

The UK government has made this commitment, along with an interim target of a 78 per cent cut in emissions by 2035 compared with 1990 levels.

Achieving these ambitious targets requires the commitment of organisations of all sizes to also step up and take action.

The challenge of net zero for organisations

We know that organisations want to do the right thing and get to grips with this topic. However, it is complex and challenging: from understanding how to calculate carbon footprints to devising and implementing plans for reducing emissions and tracking progress – all while avoiding greenwashing and financial pain. 

There are several certifications, awards and approval schemes available in the marketplace, but how they link to and support an organisation’s journey to net zero is not always clear. The watchword for any organisation embarking on its journey to net zero is credibility. Credibility is built on trust, but how we demonstrate and gain trust is predominantly through actions and performance, which can be highly subjective measures. Yet there are ways you can measure and validate that activity, through transparency with regard to data, targets and progress. 

According to the BSI Net Zero Barometer Report 2023, 94 per cent of consumers say proper verification of a business environmental claim is important to them, and 73 per cent say they are willing to spend more with sustainable organizations. So, transparency is good for business as well as the climate.

Getting – and staying – on track to net zero

The Pathway is not a standard, it is an overarching scheme built on international standards and best practice guidance. It starts with a rigorous, independent carbon footprint verification against the requirements of ISO 14064-1. This ensures reduction targets are set against an accurate baseline, and all relevant emissions have been considered, thus ensuring credibility on your journey to becoming net zero.

It also leverages best practices from the key principles of the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42):2022, and ensures planned business growth is considered within the company’s plans for emissions reduction. 

Even if emissions reduction targets have already been validated by another organization, they can still be used in conjunction with our scheme. Indeed, the benefit of the BSI Net Zero Pathway  is that it goes beyond just setting targets, it also includes annual audits and progress reviews against these targets to ensure they are being achieved.  

Every organisation’s journey to becoming a certified net zero business will be different. But whatever the size or sector, BSI is dedicated to making the process seamless and ensuring organizations have an answer to ‘Now what?’.

Learn more about the BSI Net Zero Pathway here 

Laurie Wood is UK&I sustainability sector lead for BSI.

With advancing technology, the various techniques of regulation within the industry are also getting better and making sure that there are no illicit activities plaguing the industry.

A CASP license https://fastoffshorelicenses.com/casp-license/ is also among the major ground compliance requirements for businesses operating in the crypto sector.

What does it mean to have a CASP License?

Actually, the CASP license is a specific type of business license that concerns businesses vending generation and other services related to crypto assets. These activities can encompass the exchange or sale of cryptocurrencies as well as the provision of custody or management services for cryptocurrencies.

The objective of the license is to prevent abuse of these services by individuals involved in illegal activities such as money laundering and terror financing, assuring that crypto-related businesses are appropriately regulated.

Why is a CASP License Necessary?

• Regulatory Compliance: A CASP license ensures that your business complies with AML and CTF requirements, which are necessary in some legal regimes for the legal operation of businesses.
• Enhanced Market Credibility: Taking up a CASP license will provide a great deal of reputation for your company which will make it easier to attract clients and partners who appreciate compliance and security.
• Broadened Market Access: This is because a number of countries or areas would require operating companies from within their premises to obtain certain licenses including a CASP license, which can also make it easier to enter more markets.

Key Jurisdictions to Obtain CASP Licensing

• European Union (EU): In the EU, the license is one of the elements of regulation called Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This regulation seeks to harmonize the operations of crypto companies within member states.
• United Kingdom (UK): Since Brexit, the UK has developed an independent set of laws with respect to crypto businesses. In the context of CASP licensing, the UK’s FCA plays an active role that has enough resources and regulatory benchmarks.
• Switzerland: Along with the reputation of an innovative country towards cryptocurrency, the country under the aegis of FINMA also issues a CASP License allowing such firms to operate within a structured regime.
• Singapore: Under the Payment Services Act, the Monetary Authority of Singapore regulates the businesses seeking Payment Services, including such activities as those qualifying for a CASP license. It is a country with a good reputation in matters of regulation, quite tough but also encouraging.

Final Thoughts

The CASP license is a must-have law and order function for cryptocurrency operators that want to be legal and grow their business. Knowing its importance and the steps which need to be followed for obtaining one, it is possible to satisfy regulatory requirements and augment one’s company’s image in the fierce world of cryptocurrency.

The UK risks losing its leadership position in artificial intelligence (AI) without a clear national strategy for data centres, a key player in the sector has warned.

Data centres, essential for powering cloud computing and AI applications, have become central to the digital economy. However, without a cohesive plan, the UK could fall behind in the global AI race, according to industry experts.

The UK is currently Europe’s largest data hub, with more than 500 data centres, the majority concentrated in the South East. These facilities are critical to everything from personal device browsing to AI learning, providing the power, connections, and security required for massive data processing.

Despite this status, high land prices, competition for grid connections, and local resistance have created barriers to further expansion in the South East. This has led some companies to explore opportunities beyond the industry’s traditional base, with Kao Data breaking ground on a £350 million development in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

Paul Lamb, Kao Data’s CEO, highlighted the importance of a broader strategy: “If we want to be part of the global AI opportunity, we need to deploy these resources in locations that are suitable, sustainable, and have the opportunity for growth.” He noted that the UK lacked a plan a decade ago when cloud computing took off, resulting in a concentration of power usage around west London. Lamb called for a UK-wide data centre strategy to distribute these facilities across the country.

The challenge of further expansion in the South East is evident in places like Abbotts Langley, Hertfordshire, where a proposed data centre development has sparked a local debate over green belt land. The planning application was initially rejected by the local council, but Housing Minister Angela Rayner called in the decision on her first day in office, indicating the government’s commitment to growth.

However, the push for more data centres has also raised concerns. Local residents and council leaders argue that development on green belt land should only be allowed if there is significant community benefit. Stephen Giles-Medhurst, leader of Three Rivers Council, said, “We will make the best case possible to say no to this development because it is an inappropriate site, which causes very high harm to the green belt.”

Kao Data’s expansion in Greater Manchester reflects a potential solution to the challenges faced in the South East. By repurposing an industrial site and leveraging existing grid connections, the new facility aims to support the growing demand for AI-driven data processing. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, supports the project, recognising data centres as critical infrastructure for regional economic growth.

The UK government recently designated data centres as “critical national infrastructure,” putting them on a par with power stations and railways. However, industry experts argue that a more comprehensive strategy is needed to ensure the country remains competitive in AI development.

As AI becomes increasingly central to global economic growth, the UK must navigate the challenges of expanding its data centre capacity while balancing environmental concerns and local opposition. Without decisive action, experts warn that the UK could miss out on a key opportunity to lead in the AI revolution.

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Perlego, an education technology platform known as the “Spotify for textbooks,” has secured a $20m fundraising round led by Sir Terry Leahy, the former CEO of Tesco.

The digital library service, which offers unlimited access to academic titles via subscription, is expected to announce the capital injection this week.

The new funding round also includes investment from ITHAKA, the organisation behind JSTOR, a prominent digital library for academic journals and books. Perlego’s growing list of shareholders already includes notable names such as Mediahuis, the Belgian publisher that recently bid for The Daily Telegraph, and KPN Ventures.

Founded in 2017, Perlego partners with thousands of international publishers and provides access to academic, professional, and non-fiction content from publishers like Cambridge University Press, Elsevier, and Harvard University Press. The platform’s catalogue is available in six languages and is used by over 250 educational institutions worldwide.

Sir Terry Leahy, who has made a number of technology investments since stepping down from Tesco over a decade ago, expressed enthusiasm for Perlego’s innovative approach to education. “Perlego is addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern education—access to essential learning materials,” Leahy said. “This investment is a vote of confidence in Perlego’s potential to reshape the educational landscape.”

The new funding will be used to expand Perlego’s international footprint and to enhance its offerings by incorporating artificial intelligence. One key development will be Dialogo, an AI-powered research assistant aimed at improving access to academic content.

Gauthier Van Malderen, Perlego’s founder and CEO, commented on the impact of the investment, saying: “This investment represents a vital opportunity to drive meaningful change in education and AI more broadly. We’re passionate about providing accessible yet game-changing solutions to education.”

The platform’s mission to democratise access to academic resources has garnered attention from major industry players, and the recent funding will further bolster its efforts to advance educational technology on a global scale.

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Almost a third of the world’s population has engaged in sports betting at some point in their lives. The number of players is constantly growing, which is due to the popularity and accessibility of bookmaker websites around the world.

If we list the regions where the population has a special passion for sports betting, then a fairly large number fall into this category.

TGM Research conducted a unique survey of betting engagement in 44 countries in 2022. For 12 months, 56% of respondents had placed any bets, while 35% had bets on sports. They also reported Sports betting  incidence by region:

• EU – 31%
• APAC – 32%
• MENA – 35%
• Africa – 48%
• North America – 23%
• LATAM – 40%

“Bookmakers who are planning to open their business internationally need to know about market trends to navigate the needs of players and the market as a whole,” notes the BetB2B expert.

General global trends

According to statistics in 2023, the global sports betting market was valued at $160 billion. It is projected to grow to 325 billion US dollars by 2031.

Betting in USA

“The legalization of betting in the United States is a recent and progressive development. There are many sports you can bet on here, but the most popular are still bets on hockey and the NFL. At the same time, forecasts for NHL, NBA, MLB”, analysts of  BetB2B notes.

CRG Global for the Variety Intelligence platform provided statistics as of 2023, which indicate that 81% of bettors over 18 years old place bets on the NFL. 54% of bettors placed bets on basketball events (NBA).

70-75% of all revenue betting companies make from NFL betting.

When looking at betting on European football, it is the 5th most popular sports betting option in the US. Although all over the world it is one of the most popular sports in bookmaker ratings. Football bets accounted for 70% of the global market. In most countries, it is the main sport for sports betting.

Betting in India

There are only a few states that allow sports betting:

Different states have different lists of sporting events for legal betting. The number of active bettors in India in 2024 will be 1% of the total population, about 14 million users. This is expected to grow to 19 million active bettors by 2029.

For example, in Sikkim, players only forecast for:

Global Online sports betting market revenues are expected to grow in 2024 and could reach nearly USD 50 billion. India’s share will be nearly $2 billion. Such low numbers only prove how poorly regulated sports betting is in India, despite having one of the highest populations in the country.

Interestingly, according to statistics, the main income from betting came from cricket – 80-90% of the entire volume. India adopted their love for cricket from Great Britain.

During the peak of the coronavirus epidemic, the growth in interest rates did not stop. On average, 140 million people in India have bet on sports at some point. A significant increase in betting was seen in the IPL (Indian Premier League), which attracted an audience of 340 million Indians. The largest number of bets was recorded on these matches.

Forecasts for 2024, promise online betting revenue of approximately  1.97 billion rupees. The betting market is expected to grow at a growth rate of 6.98%, generating 2.58 billion by 2028.

Betting in the United Kingdom

The country has one of the largest markets in the betting industry, according to experts from BetB2B. The bookmaker industry has operated in England for decades. More than 49% of the population uses the services of betting companies. In 2021 the UK accounted for 23% of the  European betting market.

The online sports betting market in the UK will have a revenue of $4.56 billion in 2024.

Betting capitalization rating by sport:

• Football is the most popular sport, with 45% of players betting on it. The second place in terms of bets is occupied by horse racing, which accounts for 37%.
• Golf follows at 9%.
• Tennis and boxing are at the same level – 8%.
• Rugby union, cricket, and darts – 6%.
• Greyhound racing, NFL, and motorsports – 5%.
• Snooker/Pool – 4%.
• Rugby League, MMA, NBA – 3%.
• Major League Baseball – 2%.

Following analytics, around 25 million UK residents support the gambling and betting industry, which is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the country. 45% of residents visit gambling and betting establishments monthly. The dominant age of players varies from 44 to 64 years.

Betting in France

The country demonstrates positive dynamics in the growth of gambling and betting revenues. Total revenue for the first part of 2023 increased by 10.1% (€1.18 billion).

For 2024, profit is projected to grow to $1.91 billion. An average growth rate of 6.75% is expected for the period 2024-2028. As a result, an increase in market profits is expected at 2.48 billion euros.

It is also expected that by 2028 the number of players will grow to 6.1 million people. At the beginning of 2023, the total number of active players was 3.86 million. This figure increased by 3.3% compared to the previous year.

The most profitable types of sports betting in France:

• Football is a favorite of the French, so it is from this sport that providers make the most profit. Brings 58.2% of revenues, 436.8 million euros.
• Second place goes to tennis, as its income is 175.4 million euros, 23.4% of the total.
• Basketball – 10.3%, 76.9 million euros.
• Rugby – 1.2%, 9.2 million euros.

France has a high growth potential for betting companies. “By 2025 French betting companies will be able to begin their activities after the 5-year moratorium ends. There is time to prepare and purchase decent software to gain a foothold in the market and offer the audience a quality product,” note BetB2B experts

The platform for betting site: where to start launching a project in 2024? – BetB2B

Starting a betting project entails significant initial investment, yet the potential profitability is promising, given the anticipated progress in this sector over the next 5 years. Market growth should be at least 9%. The digital revolution has made its changes and they will affect the gambling and betting market. BetB2B experts note that every project in the betting industry must be technically advanced to provide quality services for players.

How to create a betting site from scratch:

• Decide on a niche for betting – here you need to focus on the country’s market, target audience, and the popularity of a particular discipline in a particular country.
• Choose a way to develop a website – do everything from scratch, and buy software.
• Select a jurisdiction and obtain a license for bookmaking activities.
• Develop site infrastructure.
• Come up with a design, and create functionality.
• Take care of payment services.
• Make your resource a safe platform for clients.
• Launch a marketing campaign.

Painstaking work to create a high-quality product will require a lot of effort, money, and skills.

How to simplify the task?

Leveraging modern solutions from BetB2B can streamline the process of creating a betting site and save resources. The platform offers targeted software for those planning to do business in the field of sports betting.

The BetB2B platform will help you quickly launch a website and provide a CRM system that will help track and analyze players’ activity. Information about players’ requests will be available here. Using a CRM system, you can determine the effectiveness of advertising and promotions.

By choosing this path, the client receives the following options for project development:

• Turnkey solution is a comprehensive solution that includes content for sports betting, online casinos, and Esports. Suitable for creating a betting site from scratch.
• Sportsbook API – integrated betting on more than 182 sports. It will help expand the options of an already working website.
• Retail Solution is a comprehensive solution for betshops.

Operating principles of BetB2B:

• Access to an efficient platform.
• High-quality services for efficient work with the finished site.
• Wide package of modern solutions.
• Speed ​​of application processing.

The company operates all over the world. The completion of numerous projects underscores the professionalism and quality of work delivered by the company.

Trade unions and campaign groups have criticised what they call a “witch hunt” against flexible working, as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner prepares to launch a major overhaul of employment law designed to give workers greater control over their work arrangements.

The proposed reforms are part of the Employment Rights Bill, expected to be tabled this week, and will empower workers to request flexible hours and work from home.

In a joint statement released on Monday, organisations including the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Age UK, and gender equality charity The Fawcett Society hit back at what they described as “relentless scaremongering” over the new rules. The statement comes as some business leaders and politicians express concern that the legislation could harm productivity and increase business costs.

The Employment Rights Bill is expected to extend rights such as sick pay, maternity pay, and protection against unfair dismissal from the first day of employment. It will also introduce measures to make flexible working more accessible, allowing employees to condense their workweek into four days or request to work from home.

However, the reforms have faced criticism from figures such as former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, who labelled the Bill an “idlers’ charter” that would reduce opportunities for workers. Shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake has similarly warned that the legislation could lead to business closures, describing it as a “work from home charter.”

Business groups including the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Institute of Directors have raised concerns about the impact of both the flexible working reforms and potential tax changes in the upcoming Budget. According to these organisations, collapsing business confidence may be a sign of looming economic challenges.

Despite the backlash, the TUC and other campaign groups argue that flexible working will benefit both workers and businesses. They pointed out that one of the biggest challenges employers face is recruiting and retaining skilled staff, with 800,000 fewer people in the workforce since the pandemic. Flexible working, they say, can help bring more people back into the labour market and improve retention.

“Many businesses already recognise the benefits flexible working can bring to their workforces and companies,” the statement said. “Whether it’s through increasing staff productivity or higher retention, flexible working is key to unlocking growth.”

Jonathan Reynolds, Business Secretary, has echoed these sentiments, stating that flexible home working policies can increase productivity and reduce regional inequality. He criticised former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg’s stance against remote work, calling it “bizarre” in light of the economic challenges facing the UK.

Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, accused critics of misrepresenting flexible working in order to undermine the Government’s broader agenda to improve working conditions. “It’s time we called it out,” Nowak said. “Improving access to flexible working will benefit workers and businesses.”

The joint statement cited research from the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (Cipd), which found that around four million people had changed careers due to a lack of flexibility at work.

Jemima Olchawski, CEO of The Fawcett Society, dismissed claims that flexible working harms businesses as “nonsense,” adding, “What really holds growth back is rigid, outdated work practices that exclude women, older workers, and those managing health conditions.”

As Rayner’s Employment Rights Bill heads to Parliament, the debate over flexible working is set to continue, with unions and campaigners advocating for policies that reflect modern working practices and support both employees and businesses.

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Up to 10% of UK farmers may abandon the industry this month as concerns over rising Capital Gains Tax and reduced subsidies mount ahead of the new government’s Autumn Budget, according to Mark Chatterton, Head of Agriculture at Duncan & Toplis accountancy and business advisers.

The looming financial pressures have left British agriculture at a critical crossroads, with many farmers contemplating selling their land or stepping back from active farming altogether.

Chatterton reports that a significant portion of his East Midlands client base is now considering drastic measures such as selling land, passing it on to the next generation, or contracting out to larger farming businesses. The sector, already grappling with poor harvests and shrinking financial support, is now facing the additional uncertainty of potential tax hikes.

“The future of British farming is at a critical crossroads,” Chatterton warns. “This Autumn’s Budget could deliver a devastating blow if Capital Gains Tax is hiked as expected. Farmers are already struggling after poor harvests and diminishing subsidies—another financial hit may push many out of the industry for good.”

Confidence within the agricultural sector is at an all-time low. According to DEFRA figures, nearly half of farmers fear for the future, and the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) reports that confidence is at its lowest level since records began. The Sustainable Farming Incentive, a key support program, is set to expire in three years, leaving many farmers without a clear financial safety net.

The fear of a significant rise in Capital Gains Tax, potentially up to 45%, and changes to Inheritance Tax could further drive farmers to exit the industry, particularly those without clear succession plans. High land prices have provided an opportunity for some farmers to sell, but the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Budget has accelerated decisions to leave before potential tax changes reduce financial prospects further.

Chatterton emphasizes the need for immediate government intervention to protect the sector. “The new government has vocally affirmed the UK’s agricultural sector as a matter of the utmost national security—and I couldn’t agree more. I’d urge the government to apply firm and consistent support for the sector when it needs it most.”

With speculation growing that the Autumn Budget will include significant tax reforms, the future of the UK’s agricultural sector remains uncertain. Farmers hope the government will turn its promises of support into actionable plans with clear timelines and deliverables. Without decisive action, Chatterton warns, the consequences could be devastating for both farmers and consumers, threatening the stability of the nation’s food production.

As the agricultural industry braces for potential tax hikes and reduced financial support, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the sector can survive or whether an exodus of farmers will leave a lasting impact on British farming.

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