News

Riverford, the employee-owned organic vegetable box company, will reward its workforce with a £1.3 million profit share after seeing pre-tax profits more than double to £5.3 million.

With sales climbing 11 per cent to £110 million for the year to 4 May 2024, each of the 1,000-plus staff stands to receive about £1,000, up from a total payout of £500,000 last year.

Founded in Devon in the late 1980s by Guy Singh-Watson, Riverford initially supplied vegetables to supermarkets before delivering produce to about 30 households from an old Citroën van in 1993. Today, the company competes with the likes of Abel & Cole and Oddbox, delivering more than 70,000 boxes during peak periods and priding itself on ethical practices—staff receive at least the real living wage and take part in business decision-making.

Riverford attributes the improved financial performance to loyal customers spending more, with prices rising by an average of 5.6 per cent in mid-2023 amid higher energy, fertiliser and labour costs. Despite growing competition from supermarkets, the business managed a “period of stabilisation” after the pandemic’s online-shopping boom subsided.

Lucinda Turner, Riverford’s commercial director, said increased profits reflect “more people choosing quality, organic food, seasonal eating, and fairness to farmers.” She added that the company tried to shield core items from price hikes “to keep organic food as accessible as possible,” even as a 10 per cent increase in the real living wage lifted labour costs by £2.7 million.

Having become majority employee-owned in 2018, Riverford completed the transition last year when Singh-Watson sold his remaining 20 per cent stake for £8.5 million. The company’s workforce, now standing at 1,023, is sharing in the larger profit payout under Riverford’s staff-ownership ethos.

Looking ahead, the firm continues to invest in sustainability by expanding its solar power capacity to over 1 megawatt across several sites, increasing its fleet of electric delivery vans and planting 10,000 trees. Turner expects these steps to bolster Riverford’s credentials as it contends with rising competition in the organic and ethical food sector.

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Riverford rewards staff with £1.3m windfall as organic veg box profits surge

Nine out of ten English businesses are grappling with a lack of suitably skilled workers, with entry-level vacancies posing the biggest challenge, according to a study by the Department of Education.

The research, which surveyed 1,500 employers, revealed that 32 per cent of skills gaps at small and medium-sized enterprises lie in entry-level positions, while specialist roles account for a further 29 per cent.

Specsavers, the optician chain, was used as a case study in the report. Dena Wyatt, the company’s head of apprenticeships, said: “We’re looking for qualified people in the field and they’re just not there.” Wyatt highlighted a shortage of both technical and IT capabilities, alongside softer skills such as customer service and team management.

Despite these shortfalls, the study found a decline in the number of businesses offering training schemes like apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps or Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). Just over half of companies (54 per cent) considered or implemented such programmes in 2025, compared to 60 per cent in 2024. Of those reluctant to invest in further training, a third said costs were the main barrier and almost a quarter were unaware of the available options.

Wyatt emphasised the value of apprenticeships in closing the skills gap at Specsavers, which trains 650 to 750 apprentices annually. The company’s initiative has led to a 60 per cent qualification achievement rate, above the national average for further education colleges. Part of its apprenticeship spending is covered by the government’s levy, introduced in 2017 to help fund vocational training.

Baroness Smith of Malvern, minister for skills and equalities, insisted that government and industry cooperation is critical to meet the country’s future workforce needs, including the growing demand in areas such as AI, green technology and construction. “Meeting the skills needs of the next decade is central to delivering the government’s Plan for Change,” she said.

The report also recorded a drop in employer worries over staff retention, down to 27 per cent from 40 per cent in 2024, signalling some progress in keeping trained employees. However, for smaller firms such as Newcastle-based software company Mesma, competing with larger employers remains a challenge. Chief executive Louise Doyle said apprenticeships and technical education routes are vital for finding and developing fresh talent, allowing small businesses to “grow” employees in ways that fit their specific needs.

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Nine in ten businesses face recruitment struggle as entry-level skills fall short

Ad fraud is a major headache for the digital advertising industry. From bots pretending to be real users to fake clicks driving up costs, this problem causes huge losses every year.

Enter the Basic Attention Token (BAT), a digital currency that aims to shake up the way online ads work. BAT, in combination with the Brave browser, tackles ad fraud head-on. But how does it do this? Learn about BAT’s approach to ad fraud by connecting with Visit https://serendipityparagon.com/.

Understanding Ad Fraud

To appreciate how BAT handles ad fraud, it’s important to first grasp the issue. Ad fraud happens when digital ads are tricked into thinking they’re being viewed by real users when, in fact, bots or fake accounts are inflating numbers. Advertisers pay for these fake interactions, resulting in wasted money and skewed data.

The traditional online advertising model makes it easy for fraudsters to exploit the system. Ads are shown to everyone, even if they don’t want to see them. Companies pay based on clicks or impressions, leaving them vulnerable to shady tactics like bot clicks and fake views. As a result, advertisers lose out, publishers don’t get fair compensation, and users have a poor experience.

This is where BAT and Brave come in with a fresh approach that promises to curb ad fraud.

How BAT Reduces Fraud

BAT and Brave have created a new kind of ecosystem for digital ads. Instead of showing ads to everyone, Brave blocks the traditional intrusive ads and replaces them with an opt-in system. Users who choose to view ads are rewarded with BAT tokens, creating a fair trade for their attention. But how does this stop fraud?

First, Brave’s system is designed with privacy at its core. User data stays on the device, meaning there’s no large pool of data that can be manipulated by fraudsters. By keeping everything local, Brave prevents bots from infiltrating the system and faking user interactions.

Second, Brave only shows ads to real users. Bots don’t earn BAT tokens because they can’t interact with the system the way real users do. The rewards model encourages genuine user engagement, which cuts out the possibility of fraudsters gaming the system through fake clicks or views. This focus on real users puts a serious dent in the ad fraud problem.

The Role of Blockchain in Fighting Fraud

Blockchain plays a key role in making BAT’s approach to ad fraud effective. Blockchain technology is the backbone of BAT, allowing every transaction to be verified and recorded transparently. This means that the tokens you earn by viewing ads are traceable and cannot be faked. Blockchain doesn’t allow for shady tactics like fake clicks or bots pretending to be humans.

On top of that, the use of blockchain ensures that advertisers know their ads are being shown to real people. Each transaction between advertisers, users, and publishers is logged and verified. This creates a trustworthy environment where fraud is significantly reduced.

Another benefit of blockchain is its decentralized nature. Unlike traditional advertising platforms that store all data in one place, blockchain spreads it out across a network. This decentralization makes it much harder for fraudsters to tamper with the system, further reducing the risk of ad fraud.

Trust and Transparency

One of the biggest advantages of BAT’s model is the trust it creates between users, advertisers, and publishers. In the traditional ad world, there’s a lot of mistrust. Advertisers don’t know if their ads are being seen by real people, publishers are often at the mercy of ad networks, and users feel like they’re being exploited.

BAT changes that dynamic. Users get to choose whether they want to see ads, which creates a more positive relationship with advertisers. In return for their attention, they receive BAT tokens, making the interaction feel more like a fair exchange. Because of the transparency provided by blockchain, advertisers can trust that their ads are reaching real people, not bots.

This level of transparency is a powerful tool in the fight against fraud. When everyone can see where the tokens are going and how ads are being viewed, it becomes much harder for bad actors to cheat the system. It’s like shining a light on a previously dark corner of the advertising world, making it far less inviting for fraudsters.

Final Thoughts

By putting users in control, using blockchain to verify transactions, and focusing on transparency, BAT takes a big step toward making online ads safer and more efficient. Whether you’re a casual user, a content creator, or an advertiser, BAT offers a glimpse of how the future of digital advertising could look — one that’s fairer and more secure for everyone involved.

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How Does Bat Handle Ad Fraud?

With the right tools, SMEs can compete with larger enterprises and carve out a niche for themselves.

If your small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) is always on the lookout for tools to turbocharge efficiency without skimping on security, look no further. We shall focus on some brilliant innovations that help SMEs elevate their game by leveraging technology to work smarter, not harder.

Comprehensive Software Suites

What is a comprehensive software suite tailor-made for service-based SMEs? Think of it as your trusty sidekick that handles everything from scheduling and dispatching to invoicing and payments.

Comprehensive suites have extensive features, such as QuickBooks Integration, and are a total game-changer for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to compete and stay ahead of the curve. This integration ensures that financial records are always up-to-date, reduces the burden on administrative staff, and creates a seamless flow of information that boosts overall productivity.

Take contract work like installing electricals, for instance. With electrician field service software, managing field operations becomes a breeze because the software suite seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks, which helps record every financial transaction accurately and efficiently. That saves precious time and reduces the risk of costly human errors.

Project Management Tools

There are plenty of other software solutions designed to boost efficiency while keeping security tight. Consider project management tools like Trello and Asana, for example. These platforms allow teams to collaborate effortlessly, track progress, and meet deadlines, all without compromising data security.

Features like two-factor authentication and encryption ensure sensitive information stays under lock and key. By providing visual project tracking, these tools help teams stay organized and focused. They also facilitate real-time communication that ensures everyone is on the same page.

Marketing Automation Tools

Marketing automation is another gem in the digital tool chest. Platforms like Mailchimp and Marketo allow SMEs to automate their marketing campaigns, save time and effort, and ensure consistent communication with customers. These tools help businesses create targeted campaigns, track performance, and optimize strategies based on analytics.

Because they have built-in security features, marketing automation tools keep customer data secure while enhancing efficiency. Automated email campaigns, social media scheduling, and detailed reporting enable SMEs to reach a wider audience and achieve better marketing results.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools

SMEs can also tap into Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools like Salesforce and HubSpot to streamline their customer interactions.

These tools offer a centralized database that allows businesses to store customer information, personalize their marketing efforts, and improve customer satisfaction. Plus, because they have many built-in security features, CRM tools keep customer data safe and sound.

By analyzing customer data, businesses can uncover valuable insights that drive strategic decision-making. This level of personalization leads to stronger customer relationships and increased loyalty.

Secure Payment Solutions

And let’s not forget about secure payment solutions. Platforms like PayPal and Stripe give businesses a convenient and safe way to process online payments. Thanks to robust security measures such as encryption and fraud detection, these solutions protect both companies and their customers.

By integrating secure payment methods into their operations, SMEs can enhance efficiency and build trust with their clientele. These platforms also offer seamless integration with various eCommerce sites, making transactions smooth and hassle-free. Customers appreciate the ease and security of online payments, which can lead to repeat business.

Cloud Computing: The Future is Now

Another key player in the digital toolkit is cloud computing. Services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 allow SMEs to store and access their data from anywhere, at any time. That boosts efficiency and data protection through regular backups and stringent security protocols.

SMEs can collaborate in real time, share documents, and communicate seamlessly while maintaining top-notch security standards. Cloud services also offer a level of scalability that allows businesses to adjust resources based on their needs. This flexibility can be a game-changer for growing SMEs looking to expand their operations.

Wrapping Up

The key is to stay informed and choose the right tools that align with your business needs. So, if you’re an SME looking to boost efficiency while keeping security in check, it’s high time you explored these cutting-edge digital tools. The future is digital, and it’s time to jump on board with gusto.

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Digital Tools for Boosting SME Efficiency Safely

When it comes to corporate communications, those endless presentations and strategic messaging do cross your mind. But do you know that there is a major chunk of human contribution behind that hard work?

Yes, you read the right. Furthermore, we play our share in the corporate communications agency as strategists, storytellers, and, maybe the most crucial thing, problem solvers. If companies don’t join hands with us, they often find themselves stuck in changing their target audience’s point of view and struggle to retain their reputation in the market. Plus, they tend to encounter challenges to connect with their particular stakeholders and clients on a more human level. Therefore, we help organisations in achieving the above-mentioned goals.

Did the introduction just trigger your curious side, and now you want to learn more about how we assist companies, especially during tough times? Sounds great, in this blog, we will discuss how we sail through crisis, PR and branding.

In Times Of Crises

Crises can engulf any company with no defined size and shape. It exists in the shape of product recalls, leaks of data, natural calamities, and reputational damages. Regardless of the nature and size of the crises, we are always there to help our clients come out of the situation with transparency, speed, and empathy. How do we serve the purpose? Let’s take a look:

Take Prompt Action

In such emergencies, there is no time to think for hours about how to deal with the situation. Therefore, we take prompt action. How? Our teams collect information quickly, examine the situation, and emerge with a communication plan before their target audiences can blink twice. If this is not done swiftly, then delays tend to boost the issue, making the public think that the company was at fault, and that is why they couldn’t offer any solid explanations, permanently scarring their image in the industry.

Be Transparent and Honest

We strongly believe in being transparent and honest while communicating with every stakeholder. If we try to hide or cover the situation with excuses, then our clients end up in major trouble. Hence, if it was really our client’s fault, then we confidently accept the mistake in front of the media for all their stakeholders and customers to see. With that, we even promise everyone that we are handling the problem responsibly and finding proper solutions so such accidents don’t happen again.

Show Empathy

The thing is that crises usually involve real people whom the tragedy has badly affected. What do we do here? We simply suggest our respected clients call the victims and talk to them, showing utmost empathy and compassion, and convincing them that the company is there to support them in these tough times. Promising to help them in any way the affectees want.

Maintain Consistent Communication

Communication is the key player in crises; people become more eager to know about the latest updates. Therefore, we step ahead and maintain consistent communication via several channels. In this way, we make sure that no one misses out on regular updates and keep our clients in good books.

Manage Reputation

Our team’s concern is not restricted to guiding our clients through tough times; we also manage the reputation of the particular party. The representatives of the corporate communications agency try their best to re-earn the trust of the client’s customers and other stakeholders, displaying that our client had nothing to do with that crisis and, since day one, has been dedicated to walking on the right path.

How Do We Help In Branding and PR?

We have told you how we help companies during dark days, but that is not where our job ends as a corporate communications agency that also assists in branding and PR. Let’s tell you how we do it:

Define Brand’s Identity

Every brand has its separate identity, and one of the major reasons why companies approach us is that they want their identity to be displayed in front of their target audiences. Therefore, we define a brand’s identity. How? This consists of helping clients talk about what is their brand’s values, vision, and mission in a manner that the message connects with our client’s audience.

Craft Brand Stories

All brands have some story to tell. Hence, our teams work together to craft brand stories, including emotional and humanistic elements that their target audience is forced to read till the last word. In this way, our narratives help our clients speak about their brand values and connect on a personal level.

Build Relationships with Media

We take immense pride when we say that we have a lot of contacts in the media, and this is what helps these companies reach their desired mark in the market. Our teams make the most out of relationships with the media as we work on arranging events for our clients, influencers, celebrities, and public figures. Here, we use our client’s products or services, mentioning their recent achievements, unique ideas, and in what ways they have contributed to society. So, through these events, the companies are able to reach a wider set of audience.

Manage Public Opinion

Not forgetting to mention that we even manage public opinion. First, we monitor what is the target audience saying about our client and then spot where there is a risk of negativity. We sit down with our clients to create strategies to resolve these risks and build their positive image.

Conclusion

From assisting clients in difficult times to boosting their brand in the market, the corporate communications agency manages everything with extreme professionalism and authority. Therefore, you can also partner with us and see how we do the same for you.

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Inside a Corporate Communications Agency: How We Navigate Crisis, Branding & PR

The traditional five day work week has been the standard for over a century, but recent shifts in the workplace culture and employee expectations have sparked interest in a shorter work schedule.

The concept of a four day work week gained traction, with companies across the globe experimenting with different models to boost productivity, improve employee well-being, and even reduce operational costs. While some businesses have reported great success, others have encountered challenges. So, there’s a question as to whether the four day work week is really a sustainable choice.

One of the most significant benefits of a four day work week is the improved work life balance it offers employees. By working fewer days, employees have more time to spend with family, put time into their personal hobbies, or simply relax and have down time.

Companies that priorities a work life balance can see increased job satisfaction among their employees when adopting the idea of a four day work week. Thinking about this from a business owners’ perspective this could lead to a lower turnover rate and a more engaged workforce that are able to work more efficiently and work to a higher standard. In today’s market there is especially high competition to gain the best skilled employees for your team and offering an additional day off could make a company more attractive to top talent.

It may sound counterintuitive, but studies have suggested that working fewer days can actually enhance productivity. Microsoft Japan experimented with a four day work week and saw a 40% increase in the productivity of their employees. The reasoning for this was simple: when employees had less time to complete their work, they had to focus more, eliminate distractions, and work more efficiently.

For companies, implementing a four day work week can translate into significant cost savings. Fewer office days mean lower electricity bills, reduced office supply usage, and even savings on amenities. However, it would be silly to ignore the flip side of this and see how it could cost your company significant losses. While some industries could thrive under a four day structure, others may struggle. Customer service, healthcare, retail, and other sectors that require constant availability may find it challenging to operate on a reduced schedule meaning customers may become dissatisfied and choose to go elsewhere for their goods. You could stagger employee schedules to help manage this although that may prove a challenge when dealing with operations and not fully resolve the issue.

I’d say one of the most appealing qualities of a four day work week would be to attract and retain top talent that is proving to be a major challenge for employers. Offering a four day work week can be a significant incentive for potential hires. It demonstrates that the company values their employees’ work life balance and is willing to innovate to create a better workplace.

Although there are some pros to the idea of a four day work week and it’s sounding pretty positive at the moment there are some issues with the reality.

One of the biggest challenges of implementing a four day work week is the need to condense your current 40 hours into four days. A reality of this would be longer work days which could be mentally exhausting for your employees, longer working days could have the opposite effect of a shorter work week and cause decreased concentration leading to lack of productivity.

In some cases, companies implementing a four day work week reduce employee salaries to reflect fewer working hours. While this isn’t always the case, it can be a drawback for workers who rely on a salary that reflects full time pay. Any company that wishes to consider a four day model would need to be transparent about salary adjustments and ensure employees are not unfairly penalised for working fewer days. Some businesses choose to maintain salaries while reducing hours, but this would require careful financial planning to ensure this is sustainable for your business.

While many companies report increased productivity, not all businesses see the same benefits. Employees can feel rushed to complete their tasks in fewer days, which could lead to a higher stress level when thinking about work which may lead people to decide that a company with a four day work week isn’t for them.

Many businesses operate on a five day schedule and some a seven days to meet customer demands. Reducing the work week could create gaps in customer service, leading to client dissatisfaction which would create a strain on the customer relationships that we work hard to maintain. Businesses need to carefully consider how reduced hours may impact their client relationships.

The answer isn’t black and white. The success of a four day work week depends on the industry, company culture, and how well the transition is managed. Some businesses could thrive under this model, whilst others may struggle to maintain efficiency and customer satisfaction.

However, the growing conversation around flexible work arrangements suggests that change is inevitable. Hybrid work models, remote work, and reduced-hour schedules are already reshaping our traditional employment structures. Organisations that prioritise flexibility and employee well-being will likely have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent.

Read more:
The Four Day Work Week: A Game Changer or Just a Trend?

The Bank of England has reduced its base rate to 4.5 per cent — the third such cut in six months — as policymakers seek to shore up Britain’s weakening economy.

In a 7-2 vote, the nine-member monetary policy committee opted for a 0.25 percentage point drop, though two members advocated a sharper 0.5 percentage point reduction. Governor Andrew Bailey called the move “welcome news” for borrowers, while stressing that the Bank will continue to strike a “gradual and careful approach” to any further cuts.

Although inflation sits at a more moderate 2.5 per cent, the central bank warned that the headline rate will rise temporarily to around 3.7 per cent this summer, due in part to higher energy bills and increased employer National Insurance contributions taking effect in April. Despite that near-term inflation bump, the Bank’s latest forecasts suggest the UK will narrowly avoid a technical recession as GDP inches back into positive territory in early 2025. However, it now expects inflation to stay above its 2 per cent target until late 2027.

The rate cut comes against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, notably US President Donald Trump’s expansion of import tariffs on countries such as China, Canada and Mexico. While the resulting trade tensions could raise costs worldwide, Bank officials say the immediate impact on UK price levels remains “highly uncertain”. A key factor influencing future rate decisions could be wage growth, which some policymakers fear could reignite inflation if it outpaces productivity.

Financial markets had already priced in the likelihood of a 0.25 percentage point cut, pushing the FTSE 100 to a record high above 8,700 points and nudging sterling lower against the dollar. Homeowners and prospective buyers may see mortgage rates come down in the wake of the decision, but the Bank’s slower pace of cuts contrasts with more aggressive moves seen during previous downturns. In a sign of greater caution, the Bank also revised down its UK growth forecast for 2025 to 0.75 per cent, warning that escalating trade conflicts, falling consumer confidence and looming domestic tax rises could all weigh on the recovery.

Read more:
Bank of England trims rates again to 4.5% as economic growth falters

Female executives who successfully navigate traditionally male-dominated industries often develop distinct approaches to leadership that emphasize adaptability and strategic thinking.

Biotechnology expert Leen Kawas highlights how women in leadership positions can leverage their unique perspectives to drive meaningful organizational transformation while maintaining team cohesion during periods of significant change.

“There’s substantial research demonstrating that when women hold executive positions, companies see higher returns, more inclusive cultures, and different approaches to innovation,” explains Leen Kawas, Managing General Partner at Propel Bio Partners, a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm supporting early-stage biotechnology companies.

According to Kawas, female leaders often bring high emotional intelligence and collaborative mindsets to their roles, which proves particularly valuable during periods of organizational transformation. These attributes help create environments where team members feel supported while working toward ambitious objectives.

Strategic Approaches to Change Management

Female leaders frequently emphasize clear communication and team empowerment when implementing significant changes. This approach helps ensure that all stakeholders understand both the rationale behind new initiatives and their roles in successful implementation.

“Leaders should objectively explain the reasons for upcoming changes while acknowledging how these shifts may emotionally impact team members,” Leen Kawas notes. “When everyone involved understands the specifics, they become better equipped to embrace change and dedicate necessary resources toward implementation.”

Successful female executives often take proactive steps to involve their teams in transformation processes. Rather than imposing top-down directives, they create opportunities for collaboration and feedback. This participatory approach increases employee engagement while helping to build a sense of shared ownership in outcomes.

Building Trust Through Authenticity

Authenticity plays a crucial role in establishing trust during periods of organizational change. Female leaders who maintain transparency about challenges while demonstrating genuine concern for team members’ well-being often find greater success in implementing new initiatives.

“When leaders share their values and motivations with team members, it helps create better understanding and promotes increased trust,” Leen Kawas explains. “This transparency can improve team morale, encourage productive collaborations, and facilitate creative problem-solving and innovation.”

Leveraging Emotional Intelligence

High emotional intelligence enables leaders to better navigate complex interpersonal dynamics during periods of change. This capability proves particularly valuable when helping team members adapt to new circumstances while maintaining productivity and engagement.

Leen Kawas emphasizes three key components of emotional intelligence that support effective leadership during transformation:

Self-awareness: Leaders who understand how their emotions influence decision-making can make more balanced choices while setting appropriate examples for their teams.

Empathy: The ability to understand and relate to others’ perspectives helps leaders provide meaningful support during challenging transitions.

Relationship management: Strong interpersonal skills enable leaders to build and maintain productive working relationships even during periods of significant change.

Maintaining Strategic Focus

While supporting team members through change remains important, successful female leaders also maintaina clear focus on strategic objectives. This balanced approach helps ensure that organizational transformation efforts stay aligned with broader business goals.

“Smart use of technology and efficient capital allocation become particularly important during periods of change,” notes Leen Kawas. “Leaders must ensure they’re maximizing available resources while maintaining team engagement and productivity.”

Creating Inclusive Environments

Female leaders often excel at creating inclusive workplace cultures that support innovation and creative problem-solving. This approach proves particularly valuable during organizational transformation, as diverse perspectives can help identify novel solutions to complex challenges.

“When you have women in leadership positions, cultures tend to become more inclusive,” Kawas observes. “This creates environments where team members feel comfortable expressing their opinions and taking calculated risks.”

Developing Future Leaders

Many successful female executives emphasize the importance of mentoring and supporting other women in leadership roles. This focus on developing future talent helps create sustainable transformation while building more diverse and resilient organizations.

“Strong female leadership helps set the stage for the adoption of inclusive company cultures,” explains Leen Kawas. “When qualified women reach top leadership positions, they can support other talented professionals in their career advancement.”

The Path Forward

As organizations continue adapting to complex market dynamics, the strategic approaches often employed by female leaders become increasingly valuable. Their emphasis on emotional intelligence, clear communication, and inclusive decision-making helps create more adaptable and resilient companies.

“Using AI to maintain a holistic view of patients and individuals can lead to discovering new therapies or technologies that help humans live healthier and better lives,” Kawas notes, highlighting how these leadership approaches apply within her own industry.

The integration of traditionally female leadership attributes with strategic business objectives creates opportunities for meaningful organizational transformation while maintaining team cohesion and engagement. As more women assume executive roles across industries, their unique perspectives and capabilities will likely continue shaping approaches to organizational change and development.

Through her roles in biotechnology and venture capital, Leen Kawas demonstrates how female leaders can successfully navigate complex challenges while driving positive transformation. Her experiences illustrate the valuable combination of strategic thinking and emotional intelligence that often characterizes effective female leadership during periods of significant change.

Read more:
Leen Kawas on Resilience as Strategy: The Role of Female Leadership in Transformative Change

A growing gap between private and public sector salaries for cybersecurity professionals is undermining the UK’s national security, according to new research by Naoris Protocol.

The blockchain-based cyber firm warns that talented cyber experts are turning away from government roles due to lower pay, just as emerging technologies — from AI and quantum computing to the metaverse — are expanding the scale of cyber threats facing critical national infrastructure.

Naoris Protocol’s analysis highlights that mid-tier private sector cybersecurity positions, such as Cyber Security Analysts or Penetration Testers in London, can command annual salaries of £50,000 to £70,000. Senior roles, including Security Managers and Cyber Security Architects, often exceed £120,000. By contrast, a Cyber Security Adviser at the Ministry of Defence was recently advertised at only £36,530 a year, while a Head of Cyber Governance, Risk, and Compliance post started at £67,820.

The research cites a Spotlight on Corruption report revealing that low pay has resulted in unfilled cyber roles within the National Crime Agency, driving skilled employees into better-paying positions with the police or in the private sector. Further concerns come from the National Audit Office (NAO), which found “significant gaps” in the cyber resilience of 58 government IT systems and warned that one in three cybersecurity posts remained vacant or staffed by temporary workers in 2023/24.

David Carvalho, Chief Executive and Founder of Naoris Protocol, believes closing the pay gap is critical to defending the UK’s digital assets. “The risks to UK national security from cybercrime are real, and the potential damage to critical national infrastructure is staggering,” he said. “Competitive pay is essential to attract the talent needed to combat these evolving threats.”

With government agencies competing directly against the private sector for highly specialised skills, experts say the UK’s broader economic and security interests depend on boosting salaries to secure the nation’s cybersecurity defences.

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Public sector pay gap endangers UK’s cybersecurity, experts warn

The Bank of England is expected to lower its key interest rate later today, moving from 4.75% to 4.5%, in a bid to counter the UK’s sluggish economic performance.

Many analysts point to softer GDP figures and falling inflation as the central drivers behind the likely cut, though the Bank’s mandate to maintain inflation at 2% remains far from met.

After inflation dipped to 2.5% in December, speculation around a rate cut intensified—even though the headline figure still exceeds the Bank’s official target. Governor Andrew Bailey has signalled that any additional cuts this year will be “gradual”, without committing to specific timings or magnitudes. The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will also publish a fresh outlook on inflation at midday, potentially offering clues to its future strategy.

Concerns around inflation have been exacerbated by US President Donald Trump’s imposition—and threat—of new import tariffs, which could push up global prices and reverberate through supply chains to the UK. Still, some economists argue that higher wage growth, rather than tariffs, is more likely to shape the Bank’s decisions.

In the meantime, the British economy is grappling with stagnant growth figures, posting little to no expansion in the last three months of 2024. The upcoming tax changes announced in the autumn Budget—including higher National Insurance contributions and an increased National Living Wage—are likely to add to business costs, potentially restraining hiring and investment.

Investor nervousness has contributed to heightened volatility in financial markets, sending gilt yields (the government’s borrowing costs) to multi-year highs and weighing on sterling. Looking ahead, the MPC’s decision may strike a delicate balance between preventing any further slowdown and avoiding a resurgence of inflation.

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Bank of England poised for interest rate cut amid slowdown concerns