From staying hydrated and avoiding the hottest part of the day to checking in on elderly relatives and vulnerable neighbours, the extreme weather has served as a timely reminder of the importance of planning ahead when risks are identified.

But while meteorologists can warn us about heatwaves, storms and other severe weather events, some of life’s biggest challenges arrive with no forecast at all.

Government figures from last year reveal five recorded heat episodes in the UK in the summer of 2025, where the highest temperature recorded was 23.7C. Over those five episodes there were believed to have been 1,504 more deaths than usual, all related to the heat.  

And with the mercury rising way above to 35.7C this week and the Met Office not ruling out 39C many lives are again at risk. 

The Covid-19 pandemic too remains a powerful example. Few people could have predicted the events that unfolded in 2020, yet almost overnight families found themselves dealing with unexpected illness, bereavement and difficult practical decisions at an already stressful time.

Peter Shuttleworth, Head of Operations at Celebration of Life, believes the current heatwave provides an opportunity to reflect on a broader issue.

He said: “When a heatwave is forecast people naturally take action. They make plans, check on loved ones and think about what they need to do to stay safe. It’s a perfectly rational response to a known risk.

“What the current weather also highlights is that some of the most significant events in our lives don’t come with any warning at all. What we can’t do is predict the unpredictable, but we can take sensible steps to make life easier for those closest to us should the unexpected happen.”

Research consistently shows that many UK adults have yet to put key arrangements in place, whether that is writing a Will, taking out life insurance, documenting their wishes or making plans for the future.

Peter says that while these subjects are not always a priority, they can provide significant reassurance for families when circumstances change unexpectedly.

“Nobody likes to think about worst-case scenarios, particularly when there are so many other life pressures to contend with” he said. “But the reality is that uncertainty is part of life. The pandemic showed us that very clearly and many families are still living with the consequences of events they could never have anticipated.

“Planning ahead isn’t about expecting something bad to happen. It’s about reducing uncertainty for the people you care about. Whether it’s having a Will in place, ensuring financial protection for your family or making your wishes known, these are practical steps that can make a difficult situation much easier to navigate.”

As Britain continues to cope with rising temperatures and the challenges that extreme weather can bring, experts say the same principle applies beyond the current heatwave: while we cannot forecast every event life may throw at us, we can take steps today that provide reassurance for tomorrow.

For more information, contact Celebration of Life on 08006522249 or visit www.col.co.uk.

Having already deployed 10 MSU units at major locations including London Victoria, London Bridge, St Pancras, London Waterloo, Stansted Airport and Birmingham Airport, TGB plans to increase the number of units by between 80-100% by the end of 2026 as demand grows for smarter, data-led waste solutions.

The expansion follows a series of impressive environmental and operational results which demonstrate the effectiveness of the MSU model in high-footfall, multi-tenanted, safety-critical environments.

Never before has the phrase “the results speak for themselves” been more appropriate.

For Network Rail alone, the MSU system has delivered carbon savings of 282% while consistently achieving recycling rates of over 90%, significantly outperforming traditional waste management approaches in complex passenger environments.

Across current deployments, TGB’s MSUs are processing approximately 30,000 tonnes of material with volumes expected to increase substantially as further units come online throughout the year.

Unlike conventional waste management systems, which rely heavily on off-site processing and public participation in waste segregation, the MSU operates as a mobile on-site mini material recovery facility. Mixed waste is segregated, processed and consolidated directly within the operational environment, removing many of the inefficiencies and contamination associated with traditional collection methods.

Supporting the technology is TGB’s proprietary Plaza platform, a real-time digital reporting system that captures, tracks and analyses waste data with forensic precision. Through this unique “waste DNA” capability, organisations gain complete visibility of where waste is generated, how it moves through their estate and where opportunities exist to improve recycling performance and reduce carbon emissions.

Adam Williams, Managing Director of The Green Block, said: “The success of our existing deployments has created significant momentum for the MSU model and we are now setting our sights on expanding from 10 units to between 18 to 20 by the end of the year.

“The results we have achieved demonstrate that there is a better way to manage waste in complex, high-footfall environments. In suitable locations, MSUs can achieve recycling rates in excess of 90%, while providing clients with unprecedented visibility of their waste streams and environmental performance.

“By combining innovative infrastructure with real-time data, we are helping organisations reduce waste, improve recycling rates, lower carbon emissions and make better-informed operational decisions.“

The approach also addresses wider industry challenges highlighted by recent bin removal strategies at smaller stations. While removing bins may reduce visible collection costs, it can create hidden operational pressures including increased littering, greater contamination, increased pest control costs, higher cleaning costs and reduced customer dissatisfaction.

By contrast, TGB’s model manages complexity within the waste management process itself, reducing reliance on passenger behaviour and delivering more consistent environmental outcomes.

Looking ahead, TGB sees substantial opportunities for growth across the rail, aviation and stadium sectors, where operational complexity and high passenger volumes demand scalable, measurable and data-driven waste solutions.

As environmental reporting requirements continue to tighten and organisations seek greater transparency around sustainability performance, systems that combine physical infrastructure with real-time intelligence are increasingly becoming the benchmark for modern waste management.

With up to 20 MSUs expected to be operational by year-end and a growing body of evidence demonstrating significant environmental benefits, TGB believes its revolutionary approach is well positioned to redefine waste management across the UK’s transport and public infrastructure sectors.

The move builds on more than 13 years of delivery, supporting complex planning projects nationwide for clients including Capital&Centric, Peel Land, Miller Homes, Sheffield Hallam University, Southampton City Council, Harworth Group, Encyclis and Packaged Living amongst others.

Michael’s appointment aligns with Urbana’s occupation of a new London base at Tide Bankside and is reflective of the consultancy’s continued growth in the south, where it has recently supported flagship projects across several London boroughs and within the home counties.

Michael has been delivering major regeneration and urban extensions since 2013, with a background that includes consultancy and client‑side roles, most recently at Tarmac. His established relationships with clients, local authorities and key stakeholders across London and the south east will support Urbana’s next phase of growth.

Commenting on his new role, Michael Holloway said:

“I’m incredibly excited to join Urbana as director. What drew me to the role are the existing foundations – a strong pipeline, active projects already underway, and a client base built on genuine relationships.

“Having worked client-side as well as in consultancy, I know how much it matters to work with advisors who focus on practical outcomes and making things happen. That’s exactly the culture here, and this is a fantastic opportunity to help unlock the next stage of development for the business.”

Adam Murray, Urbana Owner and CEO, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome Mike to the team. He brings valuable expertise and strong industry relationships that will help us to continue growing our client base and deliver exceptional projects in the south of England. Mike perfectly aligns with our values of clarity, candour and results, and I’m confident he will play a pivotal role in the next chapter of our story.

“The appointment formalises something that has been building for years. Urbana’s presence in the south east has grown organically out of the same principles that have shaped our reputation in the north – straight-talking advice, trusted partnerships and an unrelenting focus on deliverability.

“As a business we are unapologetically top-heavy – our directors lead the charge to deliver for clients and I’m excited for Mike to do so too.”

An overview of small business sentiment by Joanna Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance

Manufacturing SMEs are operating in an environment defined by rising costs, supply chain uncertainty and geopolitical instability. Yet despite these pressures, sustainability is becoming more embedded in how these businesses operate.

Compared with 2019, when net zero targets were first introduced, 36% of manufacturing SMEs say they now undertake more sustainability-related activity in their day-to-day operations — the highest across any sector. A further 22% say sustainability is now more strategically embedded in their business culture, supported by clearer planning and internal processes.

This highlights a central tension for manufacturing SMEs: while sustainability is increasing in importance, businesses are balancing it against mounting operational and financial pressures.

Sustainability is rising – but under pressure 

It is against this broader backdrop that sustainability is being shaped within manufacturing SMEs.

It is perhaps then, unsurprising that findings from our Spring 2026 sustainability research show that 78% of small businesses in the manufacturing sector say that operational, economic and market conditions are a key challenge when considering their sustainability goals. This underlines how closely sustainability is now linked to the commercial realities of running a business in the sector, rather than sitting as a separate or longer-term agenda.

However, in more positive news, when asked how their view of sustainability has changed over time, 96% of manufacturing SMEs say sustainability is now more important to their business than it was a year ago, highlighting a near-universal shift in how the issue is being viewed across the sector. 

Within this context, sustainability is increasingly being viewed through a pragmatic lens — not as an additional responsibility, but as part of how businesses manage efficiency, resilience and cost control in an unstable environment. Rather than sitting outside core operations, 36% of businesses in the sector say that it is core to business culture and planning, while a further 32% say that they can see the business benefits of being more sustainable and are doing small practical things to improve sustainability.

A practical and commercial driver of change

Rather than being seen as a cost burden, sustainability is increasingly linked to commercial opportunity and competitiveness.

Nationally, 23% of manufacturing SMEs say they would win more business by being more sustainable, while 18% believe they risk losing customers if they fail to meet expectations. This reinforces the growing link between sustainability performance and market position.

However, the ability to act depends heavily on practicality. When asked what would help turn sustainability intentions into action, 32% of SMEs say understanding tangible cost-saving benefits would make the biggest difference — the highest across all sectors. A further 26% say they need simple, practical guidance from government, local authorities or industry bodies, while 23% would value learning from other small businesses.

There is also a forward-looking commercial dimension. 19% say they would be more likely to act if sustainability helped them diversify into new markets, showing how closely environmental decisions are tied to growth strategy.

Cost pressures are shaping what’s possible

Despite this momentum, manufacturers continue to face significant challenges that shape what is possible in practice.

Looking ahead to 2026, 78% of SMEs cite operational and market pressures as a key challenge, while 42% highlight broader economic and political uncertainty. Financial concerns remain particularly strong, with 45% pointing to rising inflation and interest rates, 39% to rising energy costs, and 28% to both government policy impacts and fuel cost pressures. A further 28% cite supply chain risks alongside growing pressure to improve green credentials.

These challenges underline a central tension: sustainability is becoming more important, but it must be delivered within a highly constrained operating environment.

Sustainability as part of everyday business decisions

Despite these pressures, the data shows that sustainability is becoming more embedded in how manufacturing SMEs operate on a day-to-day basis. 32% of manufacturing SMEs are focusing on improving policies and facilities around packaging, waste and recycling, while an equal 32% are prioritising creating a positive impact in their immediate community. These actions reflect a focus on efficiency and local responsibility rather than large-scale transformation.

Energy use is another key priority. 23% of manufacturing SMEs are reviewing energy consumption across their premises — including water, heating and renewable energy — a figure significantly above the national average of 14%. Alongside this, 20% are investing in more sustainable equipment and infrastructure, while 17% are switching to greener forms of transport. Taken together, these actions suggest that sustainability is being delivered through incremental improvements embedded within existing business processes.

Sustainability shaped by customers and business relationships

One of the most notable findings is where influence is coming from. Sustainability in manufacturing SMEs is increasingly being shaped by customers and close business relationships rather than top-down regulation.

A third of manufacturing SMEs (33%) say their customers are the biggest influence on their sustainability approach — the highest across all sectors. This highlights how strongly customer expectations are now shaping business behaviour.

Alongside this, 30% cite business partners and 29% say staff and colleagues are key influences. This shows that sustainability is being shaped within everyday commercial relationships, rather than being driven externally in isolation. Personal influence also plays a role, with 18% citing partners and 17% referencing their children as influencing their approach to sustainability.

What emerges from the research is not a sector treating sustainability as a separate initiative, but one steadily embedding it into how business decisions are made.

For UK manufacturing SMEs, sustainability is increasingly defined by efficiency, cost control and customer expectations rather than environmental ambition alone. It is being shaped by operational pressure, reinforced through commercial relationships, and delivered through incremental change rather than large-scale transformation.

Importantly, this does not represent a slowdown in ambition. Instead, it reflects a more practical and grounded approach — where sustainability is becoming part of how manufacturing SMEs operate, compete and grow.

Supporting SMEs to turn intent into action

Through this research — and our ongoing podcast conversations with small business owners across the UK — sustainability is not about perfection. For many SMEs, it is about practical steps, steady progress and finding workable solutions in a complex environment.

At Novuna Business Finance, our focus is on listening to these needs and helping businesses turn intent into action. While many SMEs want to do more on sustainability, challenges such as access to finance, clarity on requirements and uncertainty around where to start can slow progress.

We help break this down into achievable steps, support investment in efficiency and sustainability-led improvements, and give businesses the confidence to act in a way that works commercially as well as environmentally.

Novuna Business Finance provides business finance to SMEs and larger corporations across the UK, including asset finance, stocking, block discounting and sustainable project finance delivered through brokers, vendors, manufacturers and directly to businesses.

With an asset portfolio of more than £1.9bn, the business operates across sectors including transport, agriculture, construction and manufacturing and was awarded Best Leasing and Asset Finance Provider at the 2025 Business Moneyfacts Awards.

Its Sustainable Project Finance team is also supporting the development of energy and transport infrastructure projects that are critical to the decarbonisation of the UK economy. To discover more visit: https://www.novuna.co.uk/business-finance/

Based on polling a representative sample of 1,000 small business owners nationwide, the spring months each year usually offer a seasonal boost to small business growth forecasts. Whilst for Q2 this year there is a welcome seasonal uplift in the percentage of small business owners predicting growth in three sectors – construction, 29% (up from 22% last quarter), retail, 38% (up from 32%) and hospitality 25% (up from 22%) – nationally, the Spring 2026 figures are the lowest for a decade (allowing for the outbreak of Covid and the first national lockdown in April 2020). It is also the first time in a decade that the percentage of small businesses predicting growth has remained at under 30% for four consecutive quarters.

Percentage of small businesses predicting growth each April over the last decade

These static growth forecasts for 2026 come at a time when more than three in four small businesses (78%) fear disruption to their enterprises that result from current geo-political and economic uncertainty. Of those that expressed concerns: 

·      45% of small businesses feared the impact the Middle East war would have on their business and supply chain. This rose sharply to 70% for small businesses in the transport and distribution sector, 68% for those in the agriculture sector and 61% of manufacturing small businesses.

·      17% of UK small businesses also said that the war in Ukraine and instability in the broader region would impact their business and supply chain.

·      16% of respondents said they still feared the potential impact of US tariffs on the UK.

·      As a result of all this uncertainty on the UK economy, 71% of small businesses said they feared the prospect of the UK government raising UK taxation later in the year.

These findings follow Novuna Business Finance research in March on rising energy prices, after the outbreak of war in the Middle East region, which revealed that small businesses estimated their transport costs would increase by an average of £753.56 a month, and the cost of running machinery estimated to rise by an average of £785.92.

North South growth divide emerging

Around the UK, the regional data suggested early signs of a north-south divide emerging for the summer months. In the North East, the percentage of small businesses predicting growth rose from 22% last quarter to 33% for the three-months to the end of June. There was a similar rise in the North West, with small business growth forecasts up from 22% to 26% since last quarter. In contrast, the percentage of small businesses in London predicting growth fell (from 40% to 37%). The same was true in the South East, with growth forecasts falling from (23% to 21%).

Joanna Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance comments: “From 10 years of tracking small business outlook, the spring months usually see a rise in confidence, but this year growth forecasts remain static. Without question, current worries over energy prices and broader economic uncertainty are of great concern to many business owners. Looking back over the decade, the growth outlook of small businesses is now settling at a level that is much lower than what was the norm before the pandemic. 

“This is a concern, but it also highlights the work that needs to be done to help small businesses take a longer-term view and feel supported in making the investments needed to secure growth. Novuna Business Finance is committed to supporting established enterprises with funding that will help them navigate market uncertainty and power future growth.”

The timely advice has been issued by a leading motoring website – DrivingExperience.com – which highlights how this month is ideal for those in the market for a motor, such as an older model, approved used or second-hand car.

One of the main reasons is that March sees the arrival of new ‘26’ number plates, meaning car dealerships are keen to get rid of old stock in February with the previous year’s registration, especially if there’s little space on the forecourt.

Additionally, February is one of the slowest months for car sales, with cold weather keeping people indoors and with post-Christmas bills to be paid, meaning car salespeople are more likely to negotiate on price.

The lack of other car buyers also gives potential car buyers more time to consider their options, with less pressure to make a rash purchase.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at DrivingExperience.com, said: “While February is famous for romance and pancakes, it is less well known in the UK as one of the best months of the year to buy a car.

“The UK’s love affair with the number plate change, which happens every March and September, means the month before is an ideal opportunity to look for a four-wheel bargain.

“This is even more so in February when cold weather and a post-Christmas financial hang over are thrown into the mix, deterring other buyers and making deals even more likely.”

Another February influence is that dealers are aiming to meet end-of-quarter (March) goals, meaning discounts are more possible.

Imran added: “Car buyers hold all the cards in February, putting them in a great position to pick up a bargain from dealers who are planning for the arrival of the new registration plates launch in March.”

For more information about DrivingExperience.com, which offers a diverse range of cars and vehicles available to book for driving experiences at race tracks and other venues across the UK, visit www.drivingexperience.com.

By industry sector, small business owners in manufacturing (89%), construction (87%), transport and distribution (87%), and agriculture (84%) where most likely to report being kept awake at night by business worries.

Compared to the position two-years ago, the biggest rises in business owner concerns related to tax and interest rates (up from 28% to 42%), a worry that has been more prevalent among small business owners since the National Insurance hike for businesses that took effect last April. Worries over red tape (up from 21% to 30%), compliance and regulations (25%) and business rates (22%) also recorded rises – with concerns over cashflow and retaining business largely unchanged compared to two-years ago.

Regionally, business worries were most likely to be keeping small business owners awake at night in the South West (82%), the North West (81%), Yorkshire (81%) and the South East (80%).

The findings are part of the Business Barometer study from Novuna Business Finance, which has tracked small business growth outlook every quarter for the last 11 years. With small business owners grappling with challenges on a daily basis, Novuna Business Finance asked a nationally representative sample of 1,000 business owners which worries kept them awake at night – as a measure of the business concerns that were taken most seriously, issues that business owners could not switch-off from. 

Joanna Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance Comments: “At the start of 2026 we saw the first, slight rise in small business growth outlook for 18-months. That said, our latest data suggests that this comes at a human cost for many business owners, many of whom take their business worries home with them and struggle to switch-off.  When business owners are kept awake at night working through enterprise issues, we gain a sense of the intensity of some of these concerns for entrepreneurs. Further, our research suggests that sleepless nights are not just confined to businesses that are struggling to grow. Managing fast-paced or significant growth can also be stressful for established businesses. Among those enterprises surveyed that predicted significant expansion this quarter, there was a significant rise in the percentage of business owners that said business worries kept them awake at night.”

Novuna Business Finance provides business finance to SMEs and bigger corporations across the UK. This includes asset finance, stocking, block discounting and sustainable project finance provided through brokers, vendor organisations, manufacturers and direct to the business community.    

Based in the striking Grade II listed Richard Irvin building, the seven-surgery clinic has become a well-established provider of affordable cosmetic and general dentistry since its original launch in 2009. Now, under the ownership of Jarlath McAteer and Jamie Dury, the practice is undergoing a significant upgrade designed to increase clinical capacity and modernise facilities.

The investment includes:

• Construction of two additional state-of-the-art surgeries
• Installation of upgraded digital and clinical equipment
• Reconfigured workspace to accommodate a growing team
• Enhanced patient areas to improve comfort and accessibility

The expansion will also lead to the recruitment of two additional dentists and support staff, increasing access to care for the local community.

The practice currently employs 32 staff, including seven dentists, with further recruitment already underway ahead of completion. The expansion will increase clinical capacity at a time when access to dental care remains a significant issue across the region.

Images: Liam Oakes @liamoakesphoto    Drone shot: Zoe Robertson

Jarlath said: “We’ve always believed in the long-term future of this practice and of North Shields. This investment is about creating space to grow, improving patient experience, and ensuring we’re equipped with the very best clinical technology.”

Jamie added: “The Fish Quay is undergoing an exciting transformation, and we’re proud to be investing in one of its landmark buildings. This is about building something sustainable for the next generation of patients.”

The refurbishment is expected to complete in end of March, when Union Quay Dental will mark one year since the transition in ownership with a formal relaunch.

The development aligns with growing confidence in North Shields, as the town bids for UK Town of Culture 2028 status.

Further details on the full refurbishment and expansion will be announced in the coming weeks.

https://www.unionquaydental.co.uk/

The relaunch follows 18 months of intensive development focused on delivering a significantly enhanced data portal and tailored valuation methodologies for finance and leasing providers. Additionally, an all-new market stock and pricing comparison portal for OEMs and leasing companies demonstrates Cazana’s intent to further penetrate these sectors.

The decision to reintroduce the Cazana brand restores a differentiated, trusted and familiar name to the whole automotive sector. The relaunch coincides with the unveiling of a new website and a significantly upgraded platform.

During this period, partners including Motors (Cazoo), Experian, Cartotrade and AUCA have seamlessly integrated with the platform via API, providing unprecedented access to rich, real-time vehicle data.

Percayso has transformed the Cazana portal to provide deeper visibility, smarter tools and greater commercial control. Key features include:

• Companion delivers real-time VRM valuations and tiered retail guides. It includes a full vehicle history and a transparent methodology via live market listings, with all data accessible via a web portal or a simple API.
• Companion Used Car Forecasts provide 1-month to 5-year forecasts, helping retailers value part-exchanges and leasing firms predict EV/defleet residuals. For longer-term planning, 10-year forecasts are accessible via API.
• Cazana Monthly- adds static used car valuations for a fixed monthly view.
• Developed for a Chinese OEM, Stockcompare benchmarks regional prices and demand against competitors. By comparing franchise and independent sales, it helps protect residual values—helping OEMs, fleets, and leasing firms optimise where and to whom they remarket.
• Stockview: A Companion add-on providing stock pricing, turnover data, and repricing advice, plus local competitor and vehicle insights.

Ian Lilley, Director of Automotive, said: “Cazana is a name strongly associated with automotive intelligence. We are bringing back a brand that the industry knows and trusts, now paired with significantly enhanced intelligence capabilities.

“The upgraded platform enables leasecos, fleets and finance companies to price more accurately, buy more efficiently and operate with greater confidence.

“Our advanced RV modelling will give finance and lease companies access to accurate valuations, and we are working with OEMs to provide brand-specific pricing and location visibility across the UK.

“Rebranding clarifies our target audience and reinforces our commitment to specialist automotive insight. This move aligns our brand with an established market identity and strengthens our position as a provider of real-time, market-leading vehicle intelligence.”

In support of the relaunch, automotive expert Derren Martin has been brought in to leverage his extensive expertise in pricing and vehicle valuation. He will lead Cazana’s automotive market insight, thought leadership and customer engagement strategy, serving as the brand’s lead spokesperson across the sector.

Derren added: “It’s exciting to bring back a name that immediately instils trust within motor industry professionals. The work undertaken to rebuild the platforms with a dealer-centric focus and expand into the wider OEM, finance and leasing sectors makes this an exciting opportunity.

“By combining trusted brand heritage with cutting-edge data intelligence, we are empowering the automotive market to make smarter, data-driven decisions and achieve greater profitability.”

Cazana is underpinned by one of the most comprehensive vehicle intelligence databases available, offering:

• Unparalleled data depth – Over 800,000 unique VRNs and millions of data points drawn from more than 12,000 sources, updated daily.
• Extensive market history – Access to more than one billion live and historic vehicle adverts dating back to 2012, all mapped to the Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM).
• Precision intelligence – Tailored retail valuations for individual vehicles, incorporating live, historic and forward-looking residual value forecasts.