Business News Round Up (15/07/2025)
Fear of return to office mandates harming employee wellbeing, survey finds
Growing anxiety over being ordered back to the office is taking its toll on UK workers’ wellbeing, according to new research by recruitment firm Hays. In a poll of 3,600 employers and employees across both public and private sectors, 38% of workers said that recent media stories about companies tightening their stance on office attendance had negatively affected their wellbeing. The findings come amid a broader return to office push, particularly from firms in the financial sector. Hybrid working, which became standard for 28% of UK adults by early 2024, continues to enjoy strong support. 84% hybrid workers said that splitting their time between home and office has had a positive impact on their overall wellbeing—including mental, physical, social, and financial aspects. The research revealed a gender split, with 87% of women saying hybrid working benefits their wellbeing, compared to 80% of men.
https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/return-to-office-mandates-uk-staff-wellbeing-hays-survey
Scottish firm’s growth hopes at lowest level since pandemic
More firms in Scotland expect to shrink or close than expect to grow as business confidence has hit a post-pandemic low, new figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have shown. The FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) for the second quarter showed growth expectations of the nation’s small businesses had fallen to the lowest level since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020. More than a quarter of small businesses (28.7%) expected to contract, close or sell up over the next 12 months, compared to just 24.5% who expect to grow. Overall small business confidence in Scotland fell to a net rating of -35.7, a significant decline on the previous quarter’s figure of -15.3. Businesses were concerned about issues including the impact of higher employer National Insurance contributions and increases in the National Living Wage.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/scottish-firms-growth-hopes-lowest-35552106
British Business Bank backs diversity with £500m funding initiative
The UK Government-owned British Business Bank has announced a new £400 million Investor Pathways Capitol initiative to support diverse and emerging fund managers across the economy. The initiative aims to make it easier for new entrants, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to break into venture capital. Expected to launch in 2026, the initiative aims to capture the value of a more inclusive investment ecosystem. The initiative will back more diverse fund managers through the Bank‘s Enterprise Capital Funds programme. It will also invest in micro funds to support small, early-stage funds, as well as back partners investing smaller amounts in talented individuals to build a track record, giving them the opportunity to become investors. The initiative aims to reduce the significant gap in venture capital investment for underrepresented founders and investors due to industry biases, reliance on closed networks, and limited diversity among investors.
https://www.digit.fyi/british-business-bank-backs-diversity-with-500m-funding-initiative
Big biscuit boost as McVitie’s owner pumps £68m into British operations
The company behind household favourites McVitie’s and GODIVA is investing £68m in its UK operations, in a major vote of confidence for British manufacturing. London-based snacking giant pladis has earmarked the majority of the investment for its sites across the North West of England, with the aim of accelerating the growth of some of the nation’s most iconic brands, including McVitie’s and Jacob’s. The funding will be used to enhance capacity, capability and productivity through upgraded infrastructure and increased automation, including the introduction of advanced robotic production lines. The investment is also expected to yield environmental benefits. pladis estimates the improvements will reduce annual carbon emissions by 876 tonnes – equivalent to taking approximately 440 cars off UK roads. In Stockport, the company is investing £21m to install a new chocolate moulding line featuring cutting-edge robotic technology. In Liverpool, the Aintree site will undergo a £33m transformation.
https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/mcvities-owner-pumps-68m-into-british-operations