Business & Technology
South East business confidence takes a dip in April
According to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds, confidence in the South East fell by one point to 44 per cent in April.
Despite the overall drop, optimism in companies’ own trading outlook increased by one point to 50 per cent.
Amanda Dorel, regional director for the South East at Lloyds, said: “While overall confidence has dipped slightly this month, it’s encouraging to see South East firms remain optimistic about their own trading prospects and commitment to growth.
“Firms are prioritising investment in technology, like AI and automation, to shore up their position in a disrupted market.
“This shows businesses are thinking strategically about their future.
“We’re here to support these ambitions with the finance, expertise and guidance firms need as they embrace these opportunities.”
The monthly survey, which collects responses from 1,200 businesses across the UK, has been running since 2002 and offers early insights into regional and national economic trends.
In the South East, 55 per cent of businesses identified the adoption of new technology, such as AI or automation, as a key growth driver for the next six months.
Meanwhile, 46 per cent plan to invest in workforce training, and 40 per cent aim to explore new markets.
Confidence in the wider economy, however, fell by four points to 38 per cent.
Nationally, business confidence dropped by 11 points in April, also landing at 44 per cent.
Optimism in trading fell by six points to 54 per cent, while confidence in the broader economy declined by 17 points to 33 per cent.
Those in the East Midlands reported the highest levels of confidence at 53 per cent, followed by London at 51 per cent and the West Midlands at 49 per cent.
Amanda Murphy, CEO for Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, said: “Businesses told us their confidence fell as inflation pressures re-emerged, global uncertainty persisted and costs remained elevated.
“While sentiment declined, it remained above the long-term average, with nearly two-thirds expecting stronger output in the coming year.
“In this environment, as with other recent market disruptions, we continue to observe that sustainable success comes from discipline, resilience and clarity about what really drives long-term value.”
Lloyds said businesses in the South East are proactively seeking growth despite economic uncertainty, with a strong emphasis on embracing technology, upskilling their workforce, and expanding into new markets.
Business & Technology
Oxfordshire Specsavers team highlight eye tests when driving
The visit took place during a road risk event organised by M Group on Tuesday, April 14.
Opticians from Specsavers branches in Bicester, Kidlington, Cowley, Heyford Hill, and Oxford attended the event to remind drivers about the value of regular eye tests.
Greg Harding, store director at Specsavers Oxford, said: “Thank you to M Group for inviting us.
“It was a great opportunity to engage with so many drivers and highlight the importance of having regular eye examinations.”
The team used a 20-metre measuring tape and a number plate to help drivers check if they could meet the DVLA’s eyesight standard.
They also discussed general eye health and explained why clear vision is essential for road safety.
Saher Shrief, store director at Specsavers Cowley and Heyford Hill, said: “Vision changes can be so minor you may not notice them, which is why it’s important to visit your opticians regularly to ensure you are safe when driving.”
Katarina Ruzickova, store manager at Specsavers Bicester, added: “It was wonderful to see such high engagement from everyone at the event.”
Kevin Carty, occupational road risk manager at M Group Energy, said: “Through regular eye testing we can proactively support safer driving, protect our people, and play our part in creating safer roads.”
Business & Technology
More than half of voters think pub closures are gov’s fault
A poll by the Long Live the Local campaign and More in Common found that 58 per cent of people in the South East blame either national or local government when a pub shuts down.
The findings have sparked warnings from campaigners that politicians must prioritise the sector ahead of the local elections.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Despite recent important support from the Government and the many MPs across all political parties that champion pubs and brewers, voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done.
“Pubs are the soul of the community, create jobs, and, with a quarter of a million people joining our Long Live the Local campaign that supports the people behind the pint, including thousands in the South East, it’s no wonder people care about them so much.
“What the public want is a fair tax system for pubs, one that keeps business competitive and recognises their unique role as valuable spaces for communities across the country.
“We’re calling on the Government to continue to work with us and deliver permanent business rates reform, lower employment costs, cut beer duty and VAT to save countless locals who are burdened with huge regulatory costs.”
One third of respondents said fairer business rates would be the most impactful way to support pubs.
However, fewer than one in 10 said their MP had spoken up for the sector, and just four per cent believed their MP was doing enough to protect pubs.
The research follows January’s Budget U-turn for pubs.
Luke Tryl, executive director at More in Common, said: “One thing comes through really strongly in this polling, the British public really care about pubs, they think they are a central part of their community and they don’t think the Government is doing enough to protect them.
“In fact, over half of British voters blame national or local government for pub closures and want to see politicians at all levels doing more to stand up for them.
“At a time when the Government already finds itself struggling with a restless electorate a wave of further pub closures will only reinforce the frustration that those in charge are unable or unwilling to deliver for local communities across Britain.
“On the flipside taking action on issues like rates is one way the Government can show that it gets it, recognises the value of pubs and gets the public back onside.”
Business & Technology
Formula 1 supplier Sabe moves headquarters to Bicester
Sabe has moved into Building 92, The Parachute Store, a 968 sq ft heritage facility at the 444-acre Bicester Motion site in Oxfordshire.
The company delivers services across simulation, design, testing, and performance analysis, and has experience working with hypercars, supercars, and America’s Cup elite sailing teams.
Gerson Garsed-Brand, founder of Sabe, said: “Bicester Motion felt like the obvious choice as we enter this next phase of growth supporting our client-base.
“The location, culture, and energy of the place are genuinely unique, and closely aligned with what we do.
“Being part of a community that lives and breathes automotive and engineering innovation is hugely important for us.
“The Parachute Store gives us a distinctive base, and we’re looking forward to embedding ourselves within the wider ecosystem here.”
The company has been a key partner to the Cadillac Formula 1 team, supporting the development of its computational fluid dynamics (CFD) processes, data infrastructure, and ongoing aerodynamic performance work.
Sabe offers end-to-end aerodynamic services, from concept design and simulation to wind tunnel testing and bespoke software solutions.
The move from Silverstone Park’s innovation centre to Bicester Motion signals a major step in the company’s growth plans, including expanding its UK team to 11 by September this year and broadening its international reach.
Building 92, dating back to 1926, originally housed parachute-related activities and retains features such as controlled ventilation and temperature regulation.
Sabe’s arrival marks a return to Bicester Motion for its founder, who previously worked on-site during a collaboration with PhysicsX.
Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer at Bicester Motion, said: “Sabe is a fantastic addition to Bicester Motion and a strong reflection of the calibre of businesses choosing to locate here.
“Their expertise sits right at the forefront of high-performance engineering, and their work across Formula 1 and beyond speaks for itself.
“The Parachute Store is one of our most characterful buildings, and it’s fitting to see it brought back into active use by a company shaping the future of performance.
“Sabe’s arrival further strengthens our position as the home of automotive and mobility innovation, where heritage and cutting-edge engineering come together.”
Bicester Motion is home to over 50 pioneering mobility businesses, including the Audi Revolut F1 Team, Motorsport UK, Skyports Infrastructure, and Polestar’s UK headquarters.
In summer this year, YASA, the Mercedes-Benz-owned University of Oxford spin-out, is due to relocate its circa 400 staff to Bicester Motion’s The Ranges.
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