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​Meet the Finalists for Newcomer of the Year 2025

​Meet the Finalists for Newcomer of the Year 2025

Posted by Emily on 21st Nov 2024       Reading Time:

Three fish and chip shops, each less than two years old, have earned their place as finalists in the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 for the coveted Newcomer of the Year award. Representing th … read more
​KFC Champions Youth Voices with New Advisory Board

​KFC Champions Youth Voices with New Advisory Board

Posted by Emily on 21st Nov 2024       Reading Time:

KFC has taken a significant step in its commitment to youth employment by launching a Youth Advisory Board in partnership with Youth Beyond Borders, a youth-focused organisation. This initiative ai … read more
Could Business Rates Reform Reshape the High Street?

Could Business Rates Reform Reshape the High Street?

Posted by Emily on 20th Nov 2024       Reading Time:

The UK government has introduced draft legislation to permanently reduce business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties starting in 2026. This unprecedented measure aims to al … read more
Hospitality Industry Stagnates Amid Mounting Challenges

Hospitality Industry Stagnates Amid Mounting Challenges

Posted by Emily on 20th Nov 2024       Reading Time:

The UK's hospitality sector continues to face challenging conditions, with recent data revealing stagnant sales and warnings of potential financial turbulence ahead. Despite signs of resilience, bu … read more
​Market Report: The 2024 UK Potato Harvest

​Market Report: The 2024 UK Potato Harvest

Posted by Stelios on 5th Nov 2024       Reading Time:

This year has tested the resilience of UK growers, who have navigated challenging weather, financial pressures, and logistical hurdles to bring in the 2024 harvest. While pre-arranged contracts hav … read more
​Crispy Crab Cakes with a Creamy Twist

​Crispy Crab Cakes with a Creamy Twist

Posted by Emma on 2nd Nov 2024       Reading Time:

Crab cakes often feel like a luxury dish, but with this recipe, you can bring a gourmet taste to any food establishment. We’re using Ceres Fishcake Mix for a creamy interior texture and Ceres Rusti … read more
​Budget 2025: What It Means for Hospitality

​Budget 2025: What It Means for Hospitality

Posted by Emma on 30th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

The recent Autumn Statement, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, outlines Labour’s first Budget in 14 years and introduces sweeping changes for the hospitality sector. Among the key proposals ar … read more
​U.K. Budget 2024: What Lies Ahead?

​U.K. Budget 2024: What Lies Ahead?

Posted by Emma on 30th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced Labour's first Budget in 2010, marking a shift in economic strategy focusing on tax reform, social spending, and support for business sectors. Here's an in-depth … read more
​Minimum Wage Set for a Rise in 2025

​Minimum Wage Set for a Rise in 2025

Posted by Stelios on 29th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

In a prelude to this year’s Budget, the Chancellor has announced that the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over will rise to £12.21 an hour starting April 2025. The government’s decisio … read more
​12p a Pint: The Struggle for Survival Facing UK Pubs

​12p a Pint: The Struggle for Survival Facing UK Pubs

Posted by Emma on 25th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

As the UK’s hospitality industry braces for potential upheaval, many pubs may face closure without renewed support from the government in the form of business rates relief. Stonegate Group, the cou … read more
​Legal Distinction: Composite vs. Separate Supplies

​Legal Distinction: Composite vs. Separate Supplies

Posted by Emma on 19th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

The distinction between composite supplies and separate supplies under VAT law is at the core of the KFC dip pot VAT case—and many similar cases. Composite Supply: A composite supply occurs whe … read more
​HMRC Triumphs in KFC VAT Dispute Over Dip Pots

​HMRC Triumphs in KFC VAT Dispute Over Dip Pots

Posted by Stelios on 19th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

In a recent case, the First-Tier Tribunal (FTT) upheld HMRC’s decision that dip pots sold with KFC takeaway meal deals form part of a single, VATable supply of hot food. The ruling followed Queensc … read more
​How Pro-Rata Works for Pay and Holiday Entitlement

​How Pro-Rata Works for Pay and Holiday Entitlement

Posted by Emily on 19th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

Employers often encounter the term “pro rata,” especially when dealing with part-time or temporary employees. But what does it mean to pay someone on a pro-rata basis? In essence, pro-rata pay invo … read more
​Breaks at Work: What Are Your Employees Entitled To?

​Breaks at Work: What Are Your Employees Entitled To?

Posted by Emily on 19th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

Every business owner has an obligation to provide employees with certain rights regarding breaks. While the law doesn't require that breaks be paid, it's essential to understand what break entitlem … read more
​Corporation Tax in the UK: A Comprehensive Overview

​Corporation Tax in the UK: A Comprehensive Overview

Posted by Emily on 19th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

Corporation tax is charged on the profits of companies and other organisations operating in the UK. It’s paid annually based on a company’s taxable income, which includes earnings from trade, inves … read more
​Will Labour's Tax Proposals Stifle Business Growth?

​Will Labour's Tax Proposals Stifle Business Growth?

Posted by Emily on 14th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

Labour's recent hint at increasing employer National Insurance (NI) contributions has sparked significant concern from business leaders, with many warning of its potential impact on jobs and invest … read more
Can Radical Candor Really Make You a Better Boss?

Can Radical Candor Really Make You a Better Boss?

Posted by Stelios on 11th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

Suppose you’re in any kind of leadership role, whether managing a small team or overseeing an entire organisation. In that case, you’ve likely grappled with the delicate art of giving and receiving … read more
Tim Martin Opposes New Drink Size Regulations for Pubs

Tim Martin Opposes New Drink Size Regulations for Pubs

Posted by Emma on 11th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

JD Wetherspoon Chairman Tim Martin has openly criticised recent proposals to introduce two-thirds pint measures in British pubs, labelling the idea as “slightly daft.” The suggestion, put forward b … read more
Labour’s New Employment Bill: Are We Really Ready?

Labour’s New Employment Bill: Are We Really Ready?

Posted by Emma on 10th Oct 2024       Reading Time:

As a business owner, I always welcome changes that promise to improve the workplace, but the Labour government’s approach to the new Employment Bill concerns me. While some may see it as a step for … read more
​A Day with Fred: My Journey to Chez Fred

​A Day with Fred: My Journey to Chez Fred

Posted by Mark Petrou on 3rd Oct 2024       Reading Time:

When you get the chance to spend a day with the Boss and the opportunity to visit Chez Fred – it’s too good an offer to refuse…Sadly due to scheduling issues and various commitments on all sid … read more
​Peanut and Mustard Contamination - Ceres Update

​Peanut and Mustard Contamination - Ceres Update

Posted by Stelios on 26th Sep 2024       Reading Time:

Recent news of mustard and peanut contamination has raised understandable concerns among consumers with allergies. In light of this, Ceres wants to assure customers that the safety of our products … read more
What Counts as Junk Food in the Upcoming UK Advert Ban

What Counts as Junk Food in the Upcoming UK Advert Ban

Posted by Emma on 18th Sep 2024       Reading Time:

From October 2025, the UK will take a significant step toward addressing childhood obesity by banning online adverts for junk food. This new regulation will also apply to TV advertisements shown be … read more
​Pret A Manger is Broadening Its Horizons

​Pret A Manger is Broadening Its Horizons

Posted by Emily on 18th Sep 2024       Reading Time:

Pret A Manger has demonstrated a robust commitment to expanding its international footprint, with sales surpassing £1 billion in the last year. This marks a significant achievement for the sandwich … read more
​Reflections from the Isle of Ely Open Day

​Reflections from the Isle of Ely Open Day

Posted by Stelios on 16th Sep 2024       Reading Time:

We kicked off the day bright and early at the home of our good friend and fellow podcaster, Mark Petrou. A bacon sandwich at his place is always a winner, and we were grateful to Mark and Clare for … read more
​Sourdough Starter Recipe

​Sourdough Starter Recipe

Posted by Nick on 16th Sep 2024       Reading Time:

Kickstart your sourdough journey with just flour and water – it's easier than you think! Ingredients:To StartTo Feed200g Water200g Water200g Wright's Sonata Pizza Flour200g Wright's Sonata Piz … read more
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