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Get expert help at prices that won’t break the bank. Keep reading to find out the top 5 assignment writing services based on customer reviews that offer the best value and quality.

With an increasing number of students facing depression and anxiety issues, students’ reliability on assignment writing help is growing rapidly. As a result, the assignment writing services market is projected to grow at 9.2% every year from 2024 to 2031, while the current market size is $1.8 billion, as per Cognitive Market Research.

However, with the growth of the market, the number of companies providing the service is increasing, making it difficult for students to choose the right and cheap service provider. Therefore, we have taken the responsibility of finding the top five affordable assignment writing service providers in 2025. It will solve the enigma of which service company to trust with your assignments.

So, let’s dig deeper into the details and fulfil the responsibility of this article.

Our Criteria for Choosing Affordable Assignment Writing Services

To help you find the top 5 assignment writing services that are both affordable and reliable, we carefully reviewed the most popular websites, taking into account important factors to recommend the best choices for you. For this article, finding affordable assignment writing services was the goal, so we have given more room to affordability factors along with quality. We have listed only those service providers who met our criteria comprehensively.

Here are some factors we have looked for:

Affordability
Special Discounts
Money Back Guarantees
Discussions with the Users
Quality Assurance
Customer Satisfaction
24/7 Support
Reliability & Trustworthiness
Revision Policy

This criterion meets all the standards for measuring the affordability, quality, and reliability of analysed service providers.

Top 5 Affordable Assignment Writing Services in the UK 2025

Custom assignment writing services go to every level to make sure their customers get the most affordable and reliable help for their assignments. These cheap service providers never compromise on customer satisfaction or the affordability and quality of the assignments.

Here are some assignment writing services selected after the careful evaluation of various features and factors.

The Academic Papers UK: Overall, the best assignment writing services in the UK with quality assurance and affordable prices. {9.9/10}
Affordable Dissertation UK: With affordability, meeting the delivery times are never questioned with this help for assignments. {9.8/10}
Cheap Essay Writing UK: The most budget-friendly assignment writing service provider in the UK without compromising quality. {9.7/10}
Cheap Dissertation Writing UK:  Delivers high-quality assignments with a knack for top-notch customer support and affordable prices. {9.5/10}
Dissertation Writers UK: Specialised in providing assignment help services with technical subject areas without breaking the bank. {9.4/10}

A Comparative Analysis Table

Service Firm
Starting Price
Turnaround Time
Revision Policy
Overall Rating

The Academic Papers UK
£9.95
8 Hours
Free & Unlimited
9.9/10

Affordable Dissertation UK
£12.95
12 Hours
Free & Unlimited
9.8/10

Cheap Essay Writing UK
£ 12.95
18 Hours
Free & Unlimited
9.7/10

Cheap Dissertation Writing UK
£ 13.95
23 Hours
Free & Unlimited
9.5/10

Dissertation Writers UK
£ 13.95
 

1-2 day

Free & Unlimited
9.4/10

The Academic Papers UK – Overall, the best assignment writing services in the UK, with quality assurance and affordable prices.

The Academic Papers UK is a unique blend of affordability and quality. This custom assignment help provider has been around for more than 20 years and has a 99% customer satisfaction rate on both quality and prices. The Academic Papers UK has a 4.9 rating and 249K+ reviews on the website and third-party independent organisations, including Trustpilot.

Subjects Areas & Degree Levels

The Academic Papers UK provide help with assignments for almost all degree levels from A/O levels, Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD and subject areas such as:

Business Management
Marketing
Economics
Finance
Statistics
Machine Learning
Accounting
Psychology
History
Computer Science
English Literature & Linguistics
Machine Learning
Nursing
Law
Arts & Humanities
Philosophy
Engineering
Cybersecurity
Sociology
Information Technology
& More

Note: The subject areas for which The Academic Papers UK provides affordable assignment writing services are not limited to the listed subjects. You can contact customer support for information on your subject.

Pricing, Special Discounts & Guarantees

The pricing for cheap assignment writing services offered by The Academic Papers UK starts from £9.95/page with a 15+ day deadline. The company offers a 5% instant discount on checkout and various special discounts when contacting customer support. All you need to do is get in touch with customer support, ask “write my assignment,” and get a discounted price.

Top Unique Features

Live Interactions with Writers
Budget-Friendly and Affordable Assignments
Privacy Protection with DMCA & GDPR Compliance
Special Dispute Resolution Department
Unlimited Free Revisions
Money Back Guarantee
Free Plagiarism & AI Reports generated through Premium Turnitin
Qualified & PhD Assignment Writers (2000+Subject Experts)
Affordable Services with a 100% Refund Policy
Timeliness/Punctuality in Meeting the Deadlines
21+ Years of Experience in Providing Cheap Assignment Writing Services

Our Interaction with Their Customers

When we reviewed the service providers offering assignment help online at affordable prices, the first thing that came to mind was quality concerns: “Does this meet the quality standards if it’s cheap?” To address this issue, we contacted their previous customers and asked some questions to satisfy our quest.

Here are the questions that cleared up our thoughts about these service providers.

Question #1: What Was Your Experience with Assignments Before Discovering This Service?

Answer: Honestly, assignments used to be such a headache for me. I always struggled to maintain quality and originality in my work. Finding reliable sources and citing them properly felt like a daunting task because my research skills weren’t great. On top of that, writing wasn’t really my strong suit, so I could never express my ideas the way I wanted. It always felt like I was underperforming and not living up to my potential, no matter how hard I tried.

Question #2: How Did Your Approach to Assignments Change After Using Assistance from The Academic Papers UK?

Answer: After receiving assistance from The Academic Papers UK, my approach to assignments changed. I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders because I finally had access to expert guidance. They helped me understand how to structure my work, improve the quality of my writing, and back up my ideas with credible research. I started submitting assignments that I felt proud of, which boosted my confidence and grades.

Our Verdict

After evaluating the unique features, price ranges, and overall impact of assignment writing services in the UK on students’ approach to their academic tasks, The Academic Papers UK stands out as the top-rated assignment helper in the UK. With a solid rating of 9.9/10. It excels in delivering high-quality, original research tailored to meet diverse academic needs. Students looking to pay someone to do assignments can benefit from their expertise and even avail themselves of special discounts.

Affordable Dissertation UK: With affordability, meeting the delivery times are never questioned with this help for assignments. {9.8/10}

Affordable Dissertation UK is a preferred choice for students because of its affordable prices and urgent deliveries. Their experienced and qualified assignment writers ensured they met the quality standards and all the deadlines without compromising the quality of the assignment. With a team of 1000+ qualified writers, this company has 39,859+ Satisfied Customer Reviews.

Pricing, Special Discounts & Guarantees

Affordable Dissertation UK charges £12.95/page for undergraduate assignments with a 15+ day deadline. The discount is 5% guaranteed, and other special discounts are available by contacting the support team. The company provides a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the work they deliver. You can pay for assignments without any hesitation.

Top Unique Features

Cheap & Budget-friendly
Special Quality Assurance Department
Plagiarism & AI-Free Assignments
Guarantee of Work Ownership
Unlimited Free Revisions
Delivers Customised Assignments
Quick Turnaround Time
Free Assignment Samples
Guaranteed On-Time Delivery
Copyrights Protection

Subjects Areas & Degree Levels

Degree levels, including A/levels, O/levels, Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD, all are entertained by affordable dissertation UK. The subject areas include but are not limited to:

Architecture
Art & Design
Marketing
Law
Accounting & Finance
Sociology
Management
History
Computer-Science
Audit and Taxation
Architecture
Supply Chain
Nursing
Statistics
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Energy & Environmental Technologies
International Relations
Audit and Taxation
Economics
Information Technology
Engineering
Digital Marketing
Business Management
English Literature & Linguistics
Medicine
Philosophy
& Others

Note: Details about other subject areas are available by contacting customer support representatives.

Our Interaction with Their Customers

We reached a customer of Affordable Dissertation UK and asked for a few quotations from them as well.

Here are the Answers to them.

Question #1: Were There Specific Subjects or Tasks You Struggled with Before Using This Service?

Answer: Yes, I really struggled with nursing assignments before. The hardest part for me was figuring out the right research approach and choosing proper data collection methods. I’d often get it wrong, which made my papers feel all over the place and not up to the mark. It was frustrating because I knew I was putting in the effort but still missing the mark.

Question #2: Can You Describe How Affordable Dissertation UK Helped You Overcome Those Difficulties and Improve Your Performance?

Answer: Affordable Dissertation UK really made a difference for me when I was looking for someone to buy assignments online. They provided expert guidance on how to structure my research and choose the right methods, something I was struggling with before. Their team helped me understand the concepts of nursing assignments. They also offered valuable feedback on my drafts, which helped me refine my work and improve my overall grades.

Our Verdict

After reviewing customer feedback, pricing, quality, and unique features, we highly recommend Affordable Dissertation UK for anyone facing tight deadlines for their assignments. Their commitment to customer satisfaction shines through with personalised support, timely delivery, and high-quality, custom assignments that meet academic standards.

Cheap Essay Writing UK: The Most Affordable Assignment Writing Service Provider in the UK

With over two decades of experience, Cheap Essay Writing UK has earned the trust of more than 834K satisfied customers and boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating across various platforms. Their broad expertise for university assignments across diverse subject areas, combined with competitive pricing, makes them a top choice for students seeking reliable and affordable assignment writing services.

Subjects Areas & Degree Levels

The subject areas for Cheap Essay Writing UK’s assignment writing services are:

Philosophy
Art & Design
Marketing
Law
Accounting & Finance
Sociology
Management
History
Computer-Science
Audit and Taxation
Architecture
Information Technology
Business Management
English Literature & Linguistics
Medicine
Architecture
Supply Chain
Nursing
Statistics
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Energy & Environmental Technologies
Engineering
Digital Marketing
International Relations
Economics
& More

These subject areas cover all degree levels such as undergraduate, a/levels, o/levels, graduate, and PhD.

Pricing, Special Discounts & Guarantees

The prices for assignment writing services start from £ 13.95/page for a master’s assignment with a 15+ day deadline. Exclusive discounts are available for both new and returning customers who contact our support team.

Top Unique Features

Advanced Order-Tracking system to Keep the customers updated.
Affordable Yet High-Quality Assignment Writing Services in the UK
Unlimited Free Revisions & Data Confidentiality
Qualified PhD Writers & On-Time Deliveries
100% Money Back Guarantee
24/7 Customer Support
Special Quality Assurance Department to Ensure Every Assignment is Error-Free.
99.9% Customer Satisfaction Rate
Free Similarity & AI Report
Copyrights & Data Protection
Weekly Calls with Writers

Our Interaction with Their Customers

The customers of Cheap Essay Writing UK were also satisfied with the assistance they got from experienced and qualified writers.

Here is how they answered our queries:

Question #1: How Did You Feel About Your Grades or Learning Progress Before Reaching out to This Service?

Answer: My grades were slipping fast because I was working a part-time job while trying to keep up with writing my assignments. It felt impossible to manage my time properly, and as a result, my performance started to suffer. I was pulled in too many directions, and it was hard to focus on my coursework the way I needed to.

Question #2: What Difference Did Cheap Essay Writing UK Support Make in Your Academic Results or Confidence?

Answer: They helped me improve my time management, which significantly reduced my anxiety and led to better grades. My academic performance saw a dramatic boost, and my confidence in using online UK-based assignment writing services grew. Now, I’m able to balance my personal, academic, and professional life more effectively, and I can avoid the stress of falling behind in my studies.

Our Verdict

Cheap Essay Writing UK is dedicated to providing high-quality work at student-friendly prices. They understand the financial challenges students face, which is why they offer competitive rates without compromising on quality. In addition to their affordable prices, they provide various free services, such as free revisions, plagiarism and AI reports, round-the-clock customer service, and special discounts, making it even more accessible for students to get the academic support they need.

Cheap Dissertation Writing UK:  Delivers high-quality assignments with a knack for top-notch customer support and affordable prices.

At Cheap Dissertation Writing UK, customer support, affordable prices, and high-quality services go hand in hand. Their team of skilled assignment writers is dedicated to helping students achieve top grades by providing well-researched, original assignments. With unlimited revisions and a focus on academic integrity, Cheap Dissertation Writing UK ensures every assignment meets the highest standards.

Whether you’re an undergraduate or a PhD student, they offer custom assignment writing help across a wide range of subjects, making it easy for students at all levels to get the support they need to succeed.

Subject Areas & Degree Levels

Cheap Dissertation Writing UK provides assignment writing services in London for all degree levels and subject areas. This diversity of subject ranges allows students to get support for college assignments and university assignments from one platform.

Philosophy
Art & Design
Marketing
Architecture
Nursing
Law
International Relations
Accounting & Finance
Sociology
Management
History
Computer-Science
Supply Chain
Audit and Taxation
Economics
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Architecture
Information Technology
Business Management
English Literature & Linguistics
Medicine
Statistics
Energy & Environmental Technologies
Engineering
Digital Marketing

Cheap Dissertation Writing offers writing services for all degree levels, including PhD, Masters, Undergraduate, A-levels, and O-levels.

Pricing, Special Discounts & Guarantees

The prices for professional assignment writing services in the UK start from £ 13.95/page for a Graduate assignment with a 15+ day deadline. The company offers a 5% discount on each order and a special discount for contacting the support team.

Top Unique Features

Free Revisions Until you are Satisfied
Specialised Writers for Various Subjects
Free plagiarism and AI Report Generated by Turnitin
24/7 Available Customer Support
Unlimited Free Revisions
Special Focus on Affordability & Being Pocket Friendly
99.9% Satisfied customers
Free Assignment Writing Samples Available

Our Interaction with Their Customers

The customers of Cheap Dissertation Writing UK answered some important questions regarding the quality of the assignments and how these services improved their work quality.

Here are the detailed answers to our questions:

Question #1: Before Using Cheap Dissertation Writing UK, How Would You Rate the Quality of Your Assignments?

Answer: Before I got professional help from Cheap Dissertation Writing UK, I’d rate the quality of my assignments around 6/10. I knew there were areas I was struggling with, especially when it came to research and writing style. But after seeing the assignments they delivered, I quickly realised how much I still have to learn to become a better researcher and writer.

Question #2: How Has the Quality of Your Work Improved Since You Started Using Their Help?

Answer: The quality of my work has improved dramatically since working with Cheap Dissertation Writing UK. They assigned my assignments to subject specialists and experienced writers who truly know their craft. Thanks to their expertise, I’ve received high-quality assignments that have helped me impress my professors and significantly improve my grades.

Our Verdict

Cheap Dissertation Writing UK is a great choice for students who need high-quality help without breaking the bank. They offer affordable rates, but what really sets them apart is their excellent customer support and unique features that make the whole process smoother. Whether you’re looking for personalised guidance or just need a bit of extra support with your assignments, this service has got you covered. We highly recommend it to students who want reliable, top-notch assistance at a price that won’t burn a hole in their pocket.

Dissertation Writers UK: Provides Help with Technical Subject Areas Without Breaking the Bank and Compromising on Quality

Dissertation Writers UK stands out for its dedicated focus on technical subject areas. Its team consists of highly qualified technical assignment writers who are experts in fields like engineering, computer science, and other STEM disciplines. They offer custom assignment writing services at competitive rates, ensuring that quality is never compromised.

With a deep understanding of technical concepts and a commitment to delivering precise, well-researched work, they provide students with the support they need to excel in complex subjects.

Subjects Areas & Degree Levels

Dissertation Writers UK’s special focus has always been technical subjects, so students have an option where technical subjects are only handled by technical writers.

These subject areas include:

Accounting & Finance
Information Technology
Artificial Intelligence
Audit and Taxation
Supply Chain
Machine Learning
Medicine
Statistics
Engineering
Architecture
Cybersecurity
Business Management
Law
Statistics
All other Technical & General Subjects

For any other technical or general subject areas, you can contact the customer support team anytime.

Pricing, Special Discounts & Guarantees

The prices for technical subjects start from £13.95/page for a graduate assignment with a 15+ day delivery time. The website offers a 5% flat discount on any order and other specialised discounts for new and returning customers.

Top Unique Features

Qualified Technical Writers for Technical Subjects
Affordable Prices and Special Discounts
Ensures Privacy and Data Protection
Limitless Revisions, 100% Free
Submits Original Work
DMCA and GDPR Compliant
Prompt Deliveries
100% Customer Satisfaction Rate

Our Interaction with Their Customers

Dissertation Writers UK has provided their customers with high-quality homework assignment help services, and they were thrilled to answer our questions.

Here is what they said about the services.

Question #1: What Challenges Made You Seek Out Dissertation Writers UK in the First Place?

Answer: Writing assignments for Computer Science was challenging for me due to my background in general studies. I struggled with complex concepts, which affected my grades. After using the assignment writing services of Dissertation Writers UK, I found them experts in technical subjects. I gained a clearer understanding and improved my approach, leading to better results and greater confidence.

Question #2: Looking Back Now, What’s the Biggest Change You’ve Noticed in Your Academic Performance or Mindset?

Answer: Looking back, the biggest change I’ve noticed is in my mindset. I used to feel anxious about asking for assignment help and wasn’t sure if I should rely on others. However, after getting an A+ on an assignment with Dissertation Writers UK support, my confidence soared. It really showed me what I’m capable of and gave me a much-needed boost for both my academic journey and future career.

Our Verdict

Dissertation Writers UK is an amazing choice for technical subject areas at affordable prices. They have hired experienced and subject specialist writers who handle every technicality comprehensively. We recommend this service to every student looking for technical writers at lower rates and high quality because they often are too expensive.

Final Thoughts

To wrap up the discussion, we can say that finding these service providers was a real struggle. The market is filled with unreliable companies who do not hesitate to put the student’s career at stake. That’s why we selected them after careful consideration and observing all the trust factors.

The companies we have gathered are based in the UK, serving students for more than two decades, and meet all the criteria of trustworthiness. The Academic Papers UK stands out from every company out there as the overall best for assignment writing services. We hope, after reading this guide, you will be able to choose the company you will be hiring for your “do my assignment “challenges.

Read more:
Are you looking for the best assignment help provider of 2025?

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With rising attention to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance, companies are prioritizing peer benchmarking to strengthen their sustainability initiatives. This structured assessment not only measures performance but also enhances ESG ratings.

This guide will tell you the essentials of ESG benchmarking, including its definition and practical tips for measuring ESG performance.

What is ESG Benchmarking?

ESG benchmarking involves comparing a company’s environmental, social, and governance metrics with those of industry peers. This process offers insights into internal performance and competitive positioning, helping companies evaluate their environmental impact, social practices, and governance standards.

By providing context for ESG strategies and targets, benchmarking helps companies like Global ESG Monitor track their progress relative to their competitors.

Why is ESG Benchmarking Important?

ESG benchmarking has become essential in today’s business environment as stakeholders increasingly value sustainability and ethical practices. Here’s why benchmarking ESG metrics can be transformative for businesses:

Contextualization of Data

ESG data can be complex and challenging to interpret without a comparative framework. Benchmarking provides valuable context by allowing companies to assess their performance against industry standards or peers. This comparison sheds light on a company’s relative strengths and weaknesses in sustainability and helps identify specific areas for improvement.

For better sustainability outcomes sustainability report benchmarking plays a role in evaluating performance and guiding decision-making

Setting Measurable Targets

Understanding one’s position relative to others enables companies to set achievable and measurable goals for ESG improvement. This practice provides a clear direction for tracking progress and adjusting strategies over time. An effective ESG benchmarking report highlights current standings and suggests practical next steps. It helps companies create actionable, data-driven ESG targets.

Enhancing Transparency

Transparency is crucial to maintaining credibility in ESG efforts, and benchmarking encourages greater openness in ESG reporting. Companies can use benchmarked data to communicate their sustainability journey with tangible evidence, minimizing the risk of greenwashing. By demonstrating a transparent approach, companies build trust with stakeholders and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Regulatory Compliance

With growing regulatory requirements around ESG disclosures, benchmarking is instrumental in ensuring compliance with current standards and staying prepared for future regulations. Through benchmarking, companies can better align their ESG practices with legal requirements, reducing potential regulatory risks and positioning themselves favorably as proactive and compliant entities in the evolving regulatory landscape.

Investor Confidence

Investors increasingly prioritize ESG performance when making investment decisions. Strong benchmarking practices allow companies to showcase their commitment to sustainability, responsible governance, and social impact, attracting ESG-conscious investors.

Companies that effectively communicate their performance and progress through benchmarking signal reliability and long-term value, bolstering investor confidence and enhancing market attractiveness.

Competitive Advantage

In addition to internal improvements, ESG benchmarking offers a clear competitive edge. Companies that track and improve their ESG metrics based on benchmarking insights are better positioned to adapt to consumer demands, appeal to top talent, and differentiate themselves from competitors. This proactive approach to ESG performance strengthens brand reputation and fosters loyalty among clients and customers who value sustainability.

Top Benefits of ESG Benchmarking

Engaging in ESG benchmarking offers key advantages for businesses focused on sustainable growth and responsible practices. Here’s a breakdown of its benefits:

Performance Improvement

Benchmarking highlights gaps in ESG strategies, allowing companies to target improvements and enhance sustainability outcomes. By continuously assessing their performance against benchmarks, businesses can stay aligned with evolving standards, ensuring long-term effectiveness and relevance.

Competitive Advantage

Benchmarking enables companies to distinguish themselves by demonstrating superior ESG practices, which can drive customer loyalty and increase market share. A strong ESG profile attracts customers and enhances the company’s reputation with investors, improving its overall market position.

Risk Management

Benchmarking provides companies with insights into industry trends and peer performance, helping them anticipate risks related to environmental, social, and governance factors. This proactive approach strengthens resilience and adaptability, minimizing potential negative impacts on the business.

Stakeholder Engagement

Benchmarking results provide valuable data for stakeholders, from customers to employees and investors, fostering transparency and trust. Engaging stakeholders with clear ESG metrics encourages support for sustainability initiatives and strengthens relationships with key groups.

Long-Term Value Creation

Companies committed to improving ESG performance through benchmarking are better positioned for sustainable growth. This approach aligns with the rise of responsible investing, embedding ESG principles into core strategies that prepare businesses for future challenges.

Methods for ESG Benchmarking

Companies often use two main methods for ESG benchmarking:

Absolute Benchmarking

Absolute benchmarking measures a company’s ESG performance against internal goals or established standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Rather than comparing externally, this method focuses on how well a company meets its sustainability goals, providing tailored insights that reflect its unique values and priorities.

Absolute benchmarking is effective for tracking long-term initiatives, like carbon reduction or supply chain transparency, helping businesses focus on continuous improvement.

Relative Benchmarking

Relative benchmarking compares a company’s ESG performance with that of its industry peers, providing a wider perspective on competitive standing. This method highlights strengths and areas for improvement, allowing companies to identify industry trends, best practices, and opportunities for innovation. By assessing their position in the broader market, companies can adapt to evolving standards and investor expectations, gain competitive advantages, and stay ahead in the ESG space.

Tips for Effective ESG Benchmarking

To perform a comprehensive ESG benchmark analysis, follow these essential steps:

Define ESG Metrics and Select Your Peer Group

Identify ESG metrics relevant to your industry and choose a peer group for comparison. Common metrics include:

Environmental: CO2 emissions, water usage, resource depletion
Social: workforce diversity, health and safety policies, community engagement
Governance: executive pay ratios, anti-corruption policies, board diversity.

Next, select a peer group of 10 to 100 similar-sized organizations. Refine your choice based on factors like market capitalization, revenue, or employee count for accurate comparisons.

Collect Relevant Data

Establish a reliable data collection process, sourcing both internal ESG data and external insights from databases or public records. Collaboration across departments, such as sustainability, finance, and HR, ensures data accuracy.

Perform a Detailed Analysis

After collecting the data, analyze it using quantitative tools like trend analysis and sustainability report benchmarking. This helps assess your performance compared to peers, identify gaps, and set realistic ESG goals based on insights from your materiality assessment and competitor analysis.

Set ESG Improvement Targets

Based on your analysis, establish measurable, actionable ESG targets with defined timelines. Examples may include carbon neutrality goals, reducing pay gaps, increasing recycled materials, or launching community initiatives.

Monitor and Report Progress

Once your targets are set, develop detailed action plans with clear tasks, timelines, and resource allocations. Monitoring frequency will vary based on the data, but regular progress tracking and reporting are essential. To maintain transparency share updates with key stakeholders internally and externally through ESG benchmarking reports or press releases.

The following steps will support a successful ESG benchmark analysis and drive meaningful progress.

Conclusion

ESG benchmarking is a powerful tool for organizations aiming to improve sustainability in a complex regulatory environment. Companies can become leaders in responsible business practices by recognizing the benefits, using effective methods, and following best practices. Integrating sustainability report benchmarking into business strategy promotes regulatory compliance and innovation, enabling continuous improvement that benefits society and the environment.

Read more:
Understanding ESG Benchmarking: Why It Matters for Your Business

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HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has nearly doubled the amount paid to individuals providing tip-offs about suspected tax evasion, disbursing almost £1 million (£978,256) in the 2023/24 financial year compared to £508,500 the previous year.

The increase comes amid growing pressure to reduce the UK’s £39.8 billion tax gap—the difference between the tax that should be collected and what is actually received.

According to data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by accountancy firm Price Bailey, HMRC received 151,763 anonymous tip-offs via its fraud hotline in 2023/24, slightly fewer than the 157,270 reports in 2022/23 but still the second-highest in seven years.

Andrew Park, Tax Investigations Partner at Price Bailey, described the payouts as “paltry” when measured against the billions lost to tax fraud annually. He suggested that significantly increasing rewards could incentivize more individuals to come forward with high-quality information. “A transparent system in which the reward is proportionate to the amount of tax recovered would go a long way to encouraging big-ticket tip-offs,” Park said.

Price Bailey highlighted the contrast with the United States, where the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers substantially larger rewards. In the most recent financial year, the IRS paid out $89 million to 121 whistleblowers, leading to the recovery of $338 million in taxes—averaging $735,537 per whistleblower.

Park noted that the UK system is less transparent and that awards are discretionary and not linked to the amount of tax recovered. This lack of significant financial incentive, coupled with the potential risk to employment for whistleblowers—many of whom are employees of the companies they report—may deter individuals from reporting major tax fraud.

He also pointed out that the lengthy process of resolving tax disputes serves as an additional disincentive. “Anything HMRC can do to make its reporting system more accessible and transparent would be welcomed,” Park added.

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HMRC doubles payouts to tax whistleblowers amid calls for larger rewards

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A growing scandal over mis-sold motor finance could leave lenders facing compensation bills of up to £30 billion, according to a warning from leading credit rating agency Moody’s.

The estimate is the highest so far and raises concerns that the issue could mirror the payment protection insurance (PPI) debacle, which ultimately cost firms around £50 billion in redress.

While major banks like Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, and Santander UK may be able to absorb the impact, smaller and more specialised lenders—including Close Brothers, Aldermore, Investec, and the financing arms of Ford and Volkswagen—could suffer a “more significant hit to earnings and capitalisation,” Moody’s cautioned.

The motor finance industry has been under increased pressure since the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned discretionary commissions in car loan deals in early 2021. The regulator was concerned that such commissions—paid by lenders to car dealers or credit brokers for arranging finance—were unfair because they incentivised higher interest rates for borrowers.

Consumer complaints about these payments have escalated, prompting the FCA to announce a wide-ranging review in January, examining discretionary commissions dating back to April 2007. This ongoing inquiry has unsettled the industry, fuelling speculation that the watchdog may compel car loan providers to compensate affected borrowers.

In July, the FCA indicated that the likelihood of requiring compensation was “more likely than when we started our review.” Moody’s estimates that potential redress costs for the industry could range between £8 billion and £21 billion.

The situation could worsen if a recent Court of Appeal ruling is upheld. Last month, judges determined that any commission not properly disclosed to a borrower was unlawful, making lenders liable to repay the money to consumers. This ruling applies to all types of commission, not just the discretionary arrangements under the FCA’s focus, potentially adding a further £9 billion to the compensation bill, according to Moody’s.

By setting a higher standard for commission disclosure, the court has opened the door to a new wave of consumer complaints. Close Brothers and FirstRand (owner of Aldermore), the lenders central to the ruling, plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the judgment has thrown the industry into turmoil, with some lenders temporarily halting their car loan operations to ensure compliance.

Santander UK delayed its third-quarter results to assess the impact of the judgment and is expected to release its figures on Wednesday.

There is uncertainty regarding the scope of the judgment, with speculation that it could extend to commissions paid in other types of consumer finance. Moody’s warned that if this is the case, it would “result in a significantly broader and more negative impact” on many lenders.

Most banks and the finance arms of car manufacturers have yet to set aside funds to cover potential motor finance compensation. Lloyds Banking Group is one of the few that have made provisions, earmarking £450 million.

As the industry grapples with the potential financial fallout, comparisons to the PPI scandal have intensified. The scale of the possible compensation payments raises serious concerns about the stability of smaller lenders and the broader impact on the UK’s financial sector.

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Moody’s warns car finance scandal could cost lenders £30bn

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Researchers at the University of Richmond in Virginia have discovered that rats can be trained to drive miniature cars and appear to enjoy the experience.

The study, led by Professor Kelly Lambert, found that not only can rats learn to operate tiny vehicles, but they also exhibit signs of excitement and anticipation when given the opportunity to drive.

In the initial 2019 study, rats were taught to steer a car made from a plastic cereal container by grasping wires that propelled the vehicle forward. The rodents quickly mastered the skill, steering with surprising precision to reach a piece of Froot Loop cereal as a reward.

Building on these findings, the researchers developed improved “rat-operated vehicles” equipped with rat-proof wiring, durable tires, and ergonomic driving levers. They observed that the rats showed intense motivation during training sessions, often jumping into the car and initiating the driving mechanism before the vehicle began moving.

Professor Lambert noted that the driving-trained rats eagerly approached the side of their cage during testing times, similar to how a dog might react when anticipating a walk. This behavior led the team to question whether the rats were motivated solely by the food reward or if they found the driving experience itself rewarding.

To investigate further, the researchers offered the rats a choice: they could either take a short, direct path on foot to obtain the treat or drive the car on a longer route, delaying their reward. Surprisingly, two out of the three rats chose to drive, suggesting they derived pleasure from both the journey and the destination.

Physical signs of positive anticipation were also observed. One rat held its tail upright with a crook at the end, resembling an old-fashioned umbrella handle—a posture linked to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and reward.

Professor Lambert concluded that these findings highlight the importance of stimulating environments and novel experiences for cognitive development. “Anticipating positive experiences helps drive a persistence to keep searching for life’s rewards,” she said. “Planning, anticipating, and enjoying the ride may be key to a healthy brain.”

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Rats learn to drive miniature cars and show enjoyment, study finds

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The Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, has commissioned new research into the impact of social media and smartphone use on children, signalling that the UK may follow Australia’s lead in considering a social media ban for under-16s.

Australia is pressing ahead with plans to prohibit social media access for all individuals under 16, regardless of parental consent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared earlier this month: “Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it.”

Kyle stated he is “looking very closely” at Australia’s proposal and remains “open-minded” about implementing a similar measure in the UK. A 2019 review by the Chief Medical Officer found insufficient evidence to draw strong conclusions about the links between social media, smartphones, and children’s mental health.

Believing that technology companies possess unshared research on the issue, Kyle’s department is initiating a six-month study, alongside a multiyear project, to “help direct future government action.”

The call for swifter action has intensified among campaigners and parents, especially following the publication of The Anxious Generation by American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. The book attributes the rise in childhood anxiety and depression to smartphone usage, though some academics have challenged its conclusions.

Additionally, the Safer Phones Bill, proposed by Labour MP Josh MacAlister, includes a mechanism to ban social media for under-16s and is set for debate in March. Kyle is also urging Ofcom to report on its progress with the Online Safety Act. The regulator is finalising new laws, coming into force in the spring, which will compel tech companies to protect children online and remove illegal content.

However, civil society groups argue that Ofcom is not being stringent enough on tech companies. They contend that the current rules might, in some cases, require less action from companies than they currently undertake.

Kyle has issued a “statement of strategic priorities” for Ofcom, emphasising that the regulator should ensure safety is integrated into platforms from the outset, remain agile, address emerging harms such as generative artificial intelligence, and foster an environment resilient to disinformation.

Ian Russell, chair of trustees at the Molly Rose Foundation, welcomed the announcement, stating it “outlines a much-needed course correction” and “lays down an important marker for Ofcom to be bolder.”

An Ofcom spokesperson responded: “We welcome the draft statement of strategic priorities, which, once finalised, will help shape this important work.”

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UK considers social media ban for under-16s as Minister orders new research

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Jaguar is set to retire its renowned “growler” logo—the iconic teeth-baring big cat that has adorned its cars for decades—as part of a bold rebranding strategy aimed at attracting younger, wealthier, and more diverse customers.

The move comes as the British luxury carmaker shifts its focus towards an all-electric future, with plans to launch three electric models in 2026.

While the “leaper”—the emblematic jaguar in mid-flight—will remain, it will be updated with a more angular design set against a striking backdrop of 16 bold lines, inspired by IBM’s logo. The reimagined branding also introduces a new “device mark,” a monogram combining the letters J and R within a circle, and a refreshed typeface that “seamlessly blends upper and lower-case characters in visual harmony,” according to the company.

The “growler” logo is being ditched as the company aims to “change people’s perceptions of what Jaguar stands for”

Accompanying these visual changes is an “exuberant colour palette” featuring vibrant reds, blues, and yellows, moving away from flat colours to capture the attention of a contemporary audience.

“This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience,” said Gerry McGovern, chief creative officer at Jaguar. “We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community.”

No turning back on electric vision

The rebrand signifies a significant shift for Jaguar, which has removed existing new car models from showrooms over a year ago to create a clear distinction between its legacy vehicles and forthcoming electric lineup. The company expects to retain only 15% of its existing customer base, viewing the overhaul as starting with a “clean sheet.”

Senior managers have emphasised that there is no Plan B beyond their electric vehicle strategy, stating the company must be “fearless” and challenge convention to survive in the evolving automotive landscape.

Rawdon Glover, managing director of Jaguar, explained that taking new cars off sale was an intentional move to reset consumer perceptions. “From a marketing sense, at the moment, there are lots of people out there that know what Jaguar stands for, and actually it doesn’t stand for them,” he said. “We need to change people’s perceptions of what Jaguar stands for. And that’s not a straightforward, easy thing to do. So, having a fire break between old and new is actually very helpful.”

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Jaguar retires iconic ‘growler’ logo in electric rebrand to attract new generation

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UK inflation climbed to a six-month high in October, surpassing the Bank of England’s 2% target, driven primarily by increased household energy bills.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 2.3% last month, up from 1.7% in September—the highest rate since April. This figure exceeded both economists’ forecasts of 2.2% and the Bank of England’s projection of 2.1%.

The rise was widely anticipated following Ofgem’s decision to increase the energy price cap in October. The ONS noted that housing costs, reflecting higher gas and electricity prices, were the largest contributors to the inflation uptick. There were also smaller increases in transport, furniture costs, and restaurant prices. Conversely, the recreation and leisure sector saw declining inflation, making its smallest contribution to the price basket in two years.

Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, said: “Inflation rose this month as the increase in the energy price cap meant higher costs for gas and electricity compared with a fall at the same time last year. These were partially offset by falls in recreation and culture, including live music and theatre ticket prices.

“The cost of raw materials for businesses continued to fall, once again driven by lower crude oil prices.”

Key sub-components of inflation also saw increases. The services sector inflation, closely watched by the Bank of England, strengthened from 4.9% to 5%, aligning with the Bank’s forecasts. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, edged up from 3.2% to 3.3%, defying expectations of a drop to 3.1%.

Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England, warned that inflation in the services sector remains “incompatible” with the Bank’s 2% target over the medium term. Despite cutting interest rates for the second time this year to 4.75%, policymakers are divided on the future path of inflation. Four of the nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee expressed differing views during a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday.

Official figures due tomorrow are expected to show an uptick in the Consumer Price Index to 2.1% in October, driven by rising household energy bills. Traders currently do not anticipate another interest rate cut this year, with expectations of a maximum of four cuts in 2025, potentially lowering the base rate to 3.75%.

The UK’s 2.3% inflation rate in October compares with an average of 2% in the eurozone and 2.6% in the United States.

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UK inflation rises to 2.3% in October on higher energy costs

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Sales of vintage teddy bears have surged dramatically as nostalgia grips the collectibles market ahead of the release of Paddington in Peru next month.

Vintage Cash Cow, the UK’s leading marketplace for pre-loved treasures, has reported a remarkable increase in demand for classic Paddington Bear memorabilia. The company notes that sales of these cherished toys have experienced an unprecedented rise, with collectors and fans eager to own a piece of Paddington history.

Mike Hinchcliffe, Head of Sales and Revenue at Vintage Cash Cow, commented: “It’s always fascinating to see how certain toys, particularly Paddington Bears, become such coveted items following the film’s release. Vintage toys hold emotional value that goes way beyond any monetary worth, and it’s clear that these classic items are finding their way into the hearts and homes of people once more.”

Experts suggest a clear connection between major cultural events and consumer behaviour, with new film releases often sparking increased interest in associated collectables. However, it’s not just Paddington capturing the imagination. Across the board, vintage teddy bear sales have risen by 100% over the past 12 months, highlighting a broader trend of nostalgia-driven purchases.

This surge extends beyond teddy bears. Vintage Cash Cow has also observed a notable uptick in sales of other retro toys, including vintage Barbie dolls, classic Lego sets, Tamagotchis, and action figures. These collectables, once tucked away in attics and cupboards, are now being celebrated as timeless treasures by both seasoned collectors and new generations alike.

The growing interest in retro and vintage toys reflects a wider desire among consumers to reconnect with cherished childhood memories. As excitement builds for Paddington in Peru, industry insiders expect the demand for vintage Paddington Bear collectables to continue increasing in the coming weeks.

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Vintage teddy bear sales soar amid Paddington Bear revival

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Email marketing remains one of the most effective tools in the digital marketer’s arsenal. However, its success is no longer measured merely by how many emails are sent or received, but by how well those emails resonate with the audience.

Enter email segmentation—a powerful technique that ensures your message lands in the inbox of the right person at the right time. This article dives deep into email segmentation, its benefits, and actionable strategies for leveraging it to maximize your return on investment (ROI).

What is Email Segmentation?

Email segmentation involves dividing your email list into smaller, more targeted groups based on specific criteria such as demographics, behavior, purchase history, or engagement level. Rather than sending a one-size-fits-all message to your entire audience, segmentation allows you to tailor your content to meet the unique needs and preferences of each group.

For example, instead of sending the same promotional email to both first-time buyers and loyal customers, you can create two separate campaigns. One could introduce new customers to your brand, while the other rewards loyal customers with an exclusive discount.

Why is Email Segmentation Important?

Email segmentation is crucial for crafting campaigns that resonate with your audience. Unlike generic emails, segmented campaigns deliver personalized content tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each subscriber. This relevance leads to higher open rates, improved click-through rates, and stronger conversions.

One major benefit is increased engagement. A well-segmented list allows you to send targeted messages, such as product recommendations based on purchase history or exclusive offers for loyal customers. These tailored experiences build trust and foster deeper relationships with your audience.

Segmentation also reduces unsubscribe rates by ensuring your emails are meaningful and not overwhelming. Additionally, it boosts ROI by focusing your resources on the most promising segments. Leveraging advanced tools in email marketing platforms makes segmentation seamless, helping businesses optimize their campaigns for maximum impact.

Key Criteria for Email Segmentation

To create effective email segments, you need to base them on criteria that align with your business goals and audience behaviors. Here are some of the most popular segmentation strategies:

Demographics
Segment by age, gender, location, income, or occupation. This is particularly useful for businesses with products or services that appeal to specific groups.
Behavioral Data
Group users based on their actions, such as browsing history, purchase frequency, or interaction with past emails. For example, a customer who frequently views a specific product category may appreciate updates on new arrivals in that category.
Purchase History
Use past purchases to recommend similar or complementary products. Loyal customers might enjoy early access to sales, while first-time buyers may respond to a discount on their next purchase.
Engagement Level
Identify active users versus those who haven’t opened an email in months. You can send re-engagement campaigns to dormant subscribers or reward highly engaged ones.
Email Preferences
Let your subscribers choose the type of content they want to receive. For instance, some may prefer weekly updates, while others are only interested in sales promotions.
Lifecycle Stage
Segment based on where a subscriber is in their customer journey—lead, prospect, first-time buyer, or repeat customer.

Best Practices for Email Segmentation

While segmentation is a powerful tool, it needs to be executed strategically to yield results. Here are some best practices:

Start with Clear Goals
Determine the purpose of your segmentation. Are you looking to increase engagement, drive sales, or improve retention? Clear goals will guide your efforts.
Leverage Data Effectively
Use analytics tools to gather insights on your subscribers. The more data you have, the more precise your segments will be.
Use Dynamic Content
Dynamic content allows you to tailor parts of your email based on the recipient’s profile without creating multiple campaigns. For instance, you can display different product recommendations depending on user preferences.
Test and Optimize
Conduct A/B tests on segmented campaigns to determine which messages resonate most with each audience. Use the results to refine your strategy.
Keep Segments Updated
Regularly update your segments to reflect changes in customer behavior or preferences. A segment that worked six months ago may no longer be relevant.
Don’t Over-Segment
While segmentation is valuable, overdoing it can lead to management challenges. Focus on the most impactful criteria for your business.

Examples of Email Segmentation in Action

Retail Industry
A clothing brand can segment its audience by gender and season. Men receive emails about the latest men’s fashion trends, while women see promotions on women’s apparel.
E-Commerce
An online store can target customers who abandoned their shopping carts with a reminder email offering a discount.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
A SaaS company can segment users based on their subscription level (free trial, basic, premium) and send tailored onboarding emails.
Travel Industry
A travel agency can segment by location and past travel preferences. A frequent traveler to Europe may receive updates on discounted European tours, while a beach lover sees promotions for tropical destinations.

Measuring Success: Metrics to Track

The ultimate goal of email segmentation is to improve your campaign’s ROI. To gauge its effectiveness, monitor these metrics:

Open Rate
Indicates how many recipients opened your email.
Click-Through Rate (CTR)
Measures the percentage of recipients who clicked on a link within your email.
Conversion Rate
Tracks how many recipients completed a desired action, such as making a purchase.
Unsubscribe Rate
High unsubscribe rates may indicate that your segmentation needs refinement.
Revenue Per Email
Calculates the direct ROI of your email campaigns.

Email segmentation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity in today’s competitive digital landscape. By delivering personalized, relevant content to specific audience groups, you can enhance engagement, build stronger relationships, and ultimately maximize your ROI. Start by understanding your audience, defining clear goals, and leveraging the right tools. As you fine-tune your segmentation strategy, you’ll find that even small adjustments can lead to significant results.

In the end, email segmentation isn’t just about sending emails—it’s about creating meaningful connections with your audience.

Read more:
Understanding Email Segmentation: Targeting the Right Audience for Maximum ROI

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