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Earlier this year John Higginson was diagnosed with adult ADHD. Getting a diagnosis for a neurodivergence was a big step for him. It required a lengthy process and input from family members looking all the way back to his childhood.

But on telling people his ‘big news’ the most common reaction was people telling him they were surprised that he didn’t know.

It has got to the point now that he has stopped telling people.

As Higginson says : “it’s a reminder that it is often easier to see others than oneself.”

Higginson added: “The jobs I have sought out in life have been perfect for me. Being a journalist under the stress of a daily deadline and now a small business owner plays to my high-risk tolerance and low boredom threshold.

But ADHD is not just an advantage to me as an entrepreneur. I can also see the advantages it brings to the workforce.

Public Relations is all about finding new and interesting ways of saying things that are not always obvious.

For me that means hiring individuals with ADHD is not just about inclusion; it’s a strategic decision that can provide significant benefits to our purpose-led clients.”

Here are six compelling reasons why you should consider hiring individuals with ADHD:

Creative Problem-Solving

Individuals with ADHD often possess a unique way of thinking that can lead to innovative solutions. Their brains are wired to make connections that others might overlook, which can result in out-of-the-box ideas. In my experience, employees with ADHD often approach problems from angles that are refreshing and unexpected. This creativity can drive projects and lead to results that we wouldn’t otherwise have had.

High Energy and Enthusiasm

ADHD is often associated with high energy levels. This trait can be infectious in the workplace. When employees are passionate and enthusiastic, it can create a vibrant atmosphere that motivates the entire team. People with ADHD often channel their energy into their work, leading to increased productivity and a lively work environment. This enthusiasm can be especially beneficial in roles that require sales, customer service, or any position that relies on interpersonal interactions – such as getting journalists to run stories.

Resilience and Adaptability

Many individuals with ADHD have learned to navigate challenges from an early age, making them resilient problem-solvers. This ability to adapt to changing circumstances can be a significant asset in the business world, where flexibility is often necessary. They tend to bounce back from setbacks quickly and can pivot their strategies as needed, which is invaluable in a landscape that’s constantly evolving. Their resilience often translates into a strong work ethic and a commitment to achieving results.

Multitasking Skills

While multitasking can be a double-edged sword, many individuals with ADHD excel in juggling multiple tasks at once. Their brains can process several streams of information, allowing them to handle diverse responsibilities effectively. In my business, employees with ADHD have often managed various projects simultaneously, ensuring that deadlines are met without compromising quality. This skill can be particularly beneficial in fast-paced environments where priorities can shift rapidly.

Hyperfocus Abilities

Contrary to the common perception that ADHD leads to distraction, many individuals with the condition can experience periods of intense focus on tasks that interest them. This phenomenon, known as hyperfocus, allows them to dive deep into their work, producing exceptional results. I’ve witnessed employees with ADHD deliver impressive outputs during these focused periods, often exceeding expectations. Harnessing this ability can lead to breakthroughs and outstanding work quality, especially in creative and technical fields.

Diversity of Thought

Diversity is not just about race, gender, or age; it encompasses a variety of cognitive styles and experiences. Hiring individuals with ADHD adds to the diversity of thought within a team. This variety fosters an environment where different perspectives are valued, leading to more thorough discussions and better decision-making. As a business owner, I’ve found that teams with diverse cognitive approaches are more innovative and effective in problem-solving. By including individuals with ADHD, you enhance your team’s ability to tackle challenges from multiple angles.

Incorporating individuals with ADHD into your workforce can bring a wealth of advantages. From their creative problem-solving abilities to their resilience and adaptability, these employees can become invaluable assets to your business. As we strive for innovation and excellence, it’s essential to embrace the unique talents that people with ADHD offer. By fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, we not only empower these individuals but also create a stronger, more dynamic organisation.

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Why Hiring People with ADHD is a Smart Business Move

Birmingham has reached a historic milestone with the launch of its first-ever legal whiskey, crafted by siblings Anthony Dillon and Joanie Doyle.

After years of dedication and overcoming challenges, their distillery, Spirit of Birmingham, has officially brought the city into the global whiskey spotlight.

Founded during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spirit of Birmingham is rooted in the siblings’ passion for crafting exceptional spirits and their love for the city where they grew up. Over the past three and a half years, they have meticulously honed their craft, using English-grown, heritage varieties of barley to create a whiskey that reflects their commitment to quality and tradition.

This week, the distillery reached a significant milestone, with their first casks surpassing the required three-year maturation mark for whiskey. This achievement makes Spirit of Birmingham the city’s first legal whiskey distillery, an accomplishment that is not only monumental for the business but also for Birmingham as a whole.

Anthony Dillon expressed his pride in the project, saying: “We wanted to create something truly special, not just for ourselves, but for the city we love

Anthony Dillon expressed his pride in the project, saying: “We wanted to create something truly special, not just for ourselves, but for the city we love. It’s incredible to see our whiskey finally come of age. This has been a labour of love, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring Birmingham its first legal whiskey.”

Despite the regulatory complexities of the spirits industry, which is often dominated by large corporations, Anthony and Joanie successfully navigated the licensing process. Their perseverance has paid off, with Spirit of Birmingham already winning four prestigious awards, establishing itself as a rising star in the English whiskey scene.

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Birmingham Makes History with Its First-Ever Legal Whiskey: Spirit of Birmingham

Tata Consumer Products, the owner of Tetley Tea, has initiated legal action against striking factory workers, accusing them of trespassing during an ongoing pay dispute.

The company has applied for a trespass injunction after workers allegedly entered Tetley’s Teesside production site in County Durham, violating picketing rules and engaging in “intimidating” behaviour towards managers.

The Teesside facility, Tetley’s largest production site globally, is responsible for producing 30% of the tea consumed in the UK. The legal dispute arose after nearly 150 GMB Union members went on strike last month, protesting real-term pay cuts over several years. The GMB warned that the strikes could result in tea shortages, with further industrial action planned for later this week.

Tata Consumer Products insists that strike action must be peaceful and follow agreed guidelines, which include preventing strikers from accessing the factory’s premises. A company spokesperson stated that the rules were clearly communicated to the employees, and any breach is considered trespassing. The matter is set to be heard in court on Wednesday.

Paul Clark, a GMB organiser, has accused Tetley’s management of trying to intimidate workers instead of addressing their concerns over pay, claiming that bosses are spending money on “trumped-up” legal claims rather than resolving the pay dispute.

Despite previous negotiations, Tata remains firm on its stance, stating that it has tabled two pay offers and implemented contingency plans to minimise disruption to supply. The company emphasised its commitment to maintaining UK operations but warned that it must remain competitive to support the factory’s future growth.

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Tetley tea owner takes legal action against striking workers over trespass claims

An official report has revealed that most UK businesses that benefited from £23bn in government Covid grants during lockdown would have survived without the financial aid.

According to the Department for Business and Trade’s analysis, only a quarter of the 1.4 million businesses that received state support would have collapsed without it.

The 100-page report, prepared by Ipsos, consultancy Steer, and economist George Barrett, concluded that the majority of companies would have endured the pandemic without the grants. This has intensified scrutiny of the government’s Covid spending, amid concerns of waste and fraud. The National Audit Office (NAO) has already criticised the Bounce Back Loan scheme for its slow implementation of anti-fraud measures, estimating £7.3bn in fraudulent claims related to Covid support schemes.

The findings underscore the broader economic consequences of lockdowns, including the £70bn furlough scheme and the rising number of people on benefits due to long-term health conditions. The UK’s debt is now equivalent to the size of the economy, and mental health-related worklessness is expected to drive up benefits spending.

The report acknowledged that the grants played a role in safeguarding around 300,000 jobs and bolstering economic confidence, but also noted that the cash injections were often misallocated. The speed of the government’s response meant that many businesses that did not need the funds benefited from them, while workers remained in roles that were inefficient in the long term.

Despite the critique, the report concluded that the grants had a lasting impact on employment and helped mitigate the “scarring” effects of the pandemic on the economy. However, it highlighted that only a quarter of the businesses receiving grants lacked the financial reserves to survive short-term disruptions without the aid.

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade emphasised the government’s commitment to recovering waste and fraud from pandemic spending, stating that the report would be carefully reviewed for lessons to be learned.

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Majority of businesses receiving £23bn in Covid grants could have survived without them, report finds

The Bank of England has issued a stark warning that the UK could face a credit crunch, as financial markets remain vulnerable to a “sharp correction.” Policymakers cautioned that a sudden crash in global markets could significantly raise borrowing costs for both households and businesses in the UK.

The Financial Policy Committee (FPC), chaired by governor Andrew Bailey, flagged several global risks, including concerns about economic growth, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and substantial bets against US bonds ahead of the November elections. These factors contribute to a precarious environment for global markets.

The FPC highlighted that while interest rates have started to fall, potentially easing the burden on 3 million UK households yet to refinance onto more expensive fixed-rate mortgage deals, markets remain volatile. Share price valuations were described as “stretched,” and the committee warned that a market correction could reduce the availability of credit.

Geopolitical risks, particularly the recent conflict between Israel and Iran, have driven oil prices higher and weighed on US stock markets. The Bank’s systemic risk survey revealed that finance executives consider geopolitical instability to be their top concern, ahead of cyber attacks and a slowdown in the UK economy.

However, the Bank noted some relief for mortgage holders. Around 1.7 million borrowers have already benefited from a reduction in the Bank’s base rate to 5%, with borrowing costs falling. An additional 3 million borrowers are due to refinance by 2027, with those refinancing over the next year expected to see a smaller rise in monthly payments than previously forecast.

In addition to the UK market risks, the Bank expressed concern over rising hedge fund bets against US Treasuries, which have surged to more than $1 trillion. The FPC warned that an unwinding of these trades could exacerbate future market stresses.

The fragility of financial markets was highlighted by the share sell-off in August, triggered by weaker-than-expected US jobs data and the end of Japan’s era of cheap borrowing. While the volatility was short-lived, it exposed significant global vulnerabilities and a disconnect between share valuations and growth concerns.

The Bank urged financial institutions to prepare for severe market shocks and acknowledged that the current economic environment remains highly uncertain, with markets remaining susceptible to sudden downturns.

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Bank of England warns UK at risk of credit crunch amid market vulnerabilities

Pensioners across the UK are scrambling to purchase heat-saving equipment as the government prepares to cut winter fuel payments for millions. DIY stores have reported a surge in sales as households look for ways to reduce energy bills ahead of the colder months.

New data from B&Q shows a near 20% rise in sales of loft insulation over the past four weeks compared with the same time last year. Wickes has also seen an increase in demand for quick-fix solutions such as insulation and energy-efficient lighting, as households race to retrofit their homes before the cuts take effect.

The rise in sales comes amid concerns about rising energy costs. From 1 October, the typical household energy bill will increase by £149, bringing the total annual bill to £1,717 due to a hike in the price cap. At the same time, the government will scrap winter fuel payments, worth up to £300, for 10 million pensioners starting in November.

Analysts say that pensioners, fearing the impact of these changes, are looking for alternative ways to keep their homes warm. Richard Lim of Retail Economics noted: “It makes logical sense for people who were expecting this winter fuel allowance to try to seek alternatives to reduce their energy bills.”

Labour has stated that if it were in power, it would restrict the winter fuel payment to pensioners receiving pension credit, which applies to those earning up to £218 a week. This move is expected to save the government £1.4 billion annually but has sparked fears that millions of elderly people may struggle to afford their heating.

Age UK estimates that around 2 million pensioners could find it difficult to heat their homes this winter due to the loss of the winter fuel payment. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said, “We’re hearing very worrying comments about how older people are frightened for the months ahead and plan to ration their heating this winter because they’ve lost their winter fuel payment.”

In response, Age UK is advising pensioners to take steps such as blocking drafts and placing rugs on hard floors to retain warmth. Labour’s previous estimates from 2017 warned that thousands of pensioners could die if the winter fuel payment was scrapped.

The uptick in insulation sales also reflects a broader trend, with households increasingly preparing for extreme weather events as climate change continues to bring unpredictable weather patterns.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson stated, “We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their full new state pension rise by £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock.” The government also highlighted that over 1 million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment, with many others benefitting from the £150 warm home discount and extended household support fund to help with energy bills this winter.

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Pensioners rush to buy heat-saving products ahead of winter fuel allowance cuts

The UK government is exploring the introduction of extended probation periods for workers returning from long-term sickness, in an effort to encourage businesses to hire them without the risk of legal repercussions.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds are leading discussions around “flexible probation periods” as part of a broader strategy to reduce the record 2.8 million workers on long-term sickness leave. The idea is that allowing longer probation periods could incentivise employers to rehire staff who have been out of the workforce, without fear of facing employment tribunals if the arrangement doesn’t work out.

The proposal mirrors a system used in Ireland, where probation periods typically last six months but can be extended to a year in exceptional circumstances, such as prolonged illness.

Ministers are also trying to balance these reforms with Labour’s commitment to strengthening workers’ rights, particularly its pledge to grant full employment rights from day one of a new job. Currently, employees must work for two years to qualify for full employment rights, including protection from unfair dismissal.

Unions are likely to oppose the extended probation proposal, arguing that day-one rights should apply universally, including to those returning from illness. They view the length of probationary periods as the next major battleground in the ongoing debate over workers’ rights.

During recent meetings with unions and business leaders, Ms Rayner and Mr Reynolds discussed ways to make it easier for long-term sick workers to return to the labour market. Reynolds acknowledged the need for businesses to have confidence that hiring people who have been out of work will not expose them to additional risks.

The proposal is part of Labour’s pledge to overhaul workers’ rights within the first 100 days of government, with ministers racing to finalise agreements. However, many business leaders expect more complex regulations, such as day-one workers’ rights, to be implemented by 2026.

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Rayner proposes flexible probation periods to reduce long-term sickness leave

ALL.SPACE, an advanced communications firm known for its cutting-edge technology used in military operations, has raised $44m (£33m) in a new funding round led by defence-focused investment firm Boka Group, which recently appointed former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace as a partner.

The funding, supported by blue-chip investors such as Seraphim Space, AE Ventures, and Promus Ventures, will enable ALL.SPACE to move forward with the commercial launch of its new satellite terminal. This capital injection brings the total investment in the company to $160m (£120m) since its launch, following a $14m Series A round in 2019.

ALL.SPACE, which employs nearly 170 people, provides advanced multi-orbit, multi-network connectivity solutions across air, land, sea, and space, addressing the need for resilient, high-speed communications in complex civilian and military environments. The company’s proprietary technology is designed to eliminate communication interruptions, ensuring seamless operations in remote or dynamic settings.

Paul McCarter, CEO of ALL.SPACE, emphasised the importance of the investment in supporting the company’s mission to deliver critical connectivity solutions, particularly in defence and space industries. He noted that the backing from investors reflects confidence in ALL.SPACE’s vision and the growing demand for reliable global communications in challenging environments.

Boka Group’s managing partner, John James, praised ALL.SPACE for its leadership in transforming global communication networks, highlighting the firm’s potential to enhance operational effectiveness in industries like defence and aerospace, where seamless connectivity can be a matter of life and death.

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ALL.SPACE secures $44m funding to advance satellite communications technology

Sir Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind, has boldly predicted that artificial intelligence (AI) could be capable of curing all diseases within the next ten years.

Speaking at The Times Tech Summit, the British AI pioneer suggested that achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) — AI with human-like cognitive abilities — is within reach, with only “two or three big innovations” required.

Hassabis, who co-founded DeepMind in 2010 and sold it to Google for £400 million in 2014, defined AGI as “a general system capable of performing any cognitive task that humans can.” He said this has always been the ultimate goal for AI, and one that DeepMind is actively pursuing.

Among DeepMind’s achievements is the AlphaFold project, which has been hailed as a breakthrough in protein prediction, with potential applications in developing new antibiotics, cancer treatments, and materials science.

While optimistic about the future, Hassabis acknowledged both the immense promise and the potential risks posed by AI. He criticised those downplaying AI’s impact, arguing that the technology will be “epoch defining” and far more transformative than the internet or mobile phones. However, he also stressed that AI must be developed and managed with care to prevent potential harm.

Despite the risks, Hassabis expressed confidence that AI will have overwhelmingly positive effects, predicting breakthroughs in disease treatment, climate change solutions, and energy, alongside significant productivity improvements and enhancements to everyday life. He believes that these benefits could be realised within a decade, marking a monumental shift in human progress.

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Deepmind chief predicts AI could cure all diseases within a decade

The incoming interim executive chair of Innovate UK, Stella Peace, is being encouraged to transform the £1.1 billion-a-year innovation agency into a more investment-focused body, according to Cambridge University’s entrepreneur-in-residence, Ewan Kirk.

Kirk, who also serves on the board of BAE Systems and chairs Deeptech Labs in Cambridge, suggests that Innovate UK should move away from its traditional grant-led model and instead make equity investments in strategically important tech companies. This shift, he argues, would better align the agency with the government’s broader economic goals, working in tandem with the British Business Bank to invest directly in innovative firms that are critical to national growth.

Peace (pictured) took over the role from Indro Muckerjee, who led the agency for three and a half years. Her tenure begins at a time of heightened scrutiny from the Treasury, which is reviewing the efficiency of public spending across all agencies ahead of the upcoming October budget. Innovate UK has come under fire recently for its handling of the Women in Innovation awards, having awarded only half of the promised 50 grants.

Kirk criticised the current grant system as overly bureaucratic, suggesting that the complex process has given rise to a sub-industry of consultants who assist start-ups in securing grants for a fee, which he describes as “dead weight.” He called for a simplification of the process and urged Innovate UK to build on its successes, such as its nine catapult centres, which support R&D across sectors like cell and gene therapy, energy systems, and high-value manufacturing.

Innovate UK has already made strides in this direction, leveraging venture capital alongside its grants. Last year, it matched £40 million of grants with £123 million of equity investments from its partners. However, Kirk believes that a clearer strategy and greater investment in growth sectors are essential to unlocking the full potential of the UK’s innovation ecosystem.

As Peace takes the helm, the agency remains under pressure to demonstrate greater efficiency, having reduced its headcount by 25% in recent years. Innovate UK claims that for every £1 of public funding it distributes, businesses secure £3.61 in direct benefit, further boosting the economy. Still, Kirk insists that the agency’s potential could be maximised by moving toward an investment-led approach.

Lord Patrick Vallance, the science minister, is currently seeking a permanent replacement for Muckerjee and a new chair for UK Research and Innovation. The government’s R&D strategy remains focused on supporting major national initiatives, including accelerating economic growth, advancing clean energy, and building a future-proof NHS.

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Innovate UK urged to shift focus from grants to strategic investments in tech firms