Posted by guest blogger, Steven Blacker, director in R&D Tax Services at Deloitte in Leeds

Research & Development (R&D) tax credits are one of the biggest funding mechanisms provided by Government to encourage innovation in UK businesses.  However, the definition of what constitutes R&D activity is much wider than is often thought and tax relief is available to many businesses outside the traditional research-based industries such as…

Posted by guest blogger, David Raistrick UK manufacturing industry leader for Deloitte, based in Leeds

Despite another oil crisis looming, a recent survey carried out by Deloitte show that mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is still a distance away.  According to the survey, only 16 per cent of European consumers identify themselves as potential first movers, while 53 per cent say they might be willing to consider…

Published by guest blogger Paul Snape:

Much has been made of UK manufacturing’s key role in the revival of the economy with local, regional and national sourcing an important part of the mix.

In this light, a golden opportunity to fly the flag for the best of British appears to have been passed up by the Royal couple, in by-passing the craftsmanship of Stoke-on-Trent and ordering wedding tableware from a…

Jeff Gold, Professor of Organisation Learning, Leeds Metropolitan University and Fellow of the Northern Leadership Academy argues that the changing business support regime offers the opportunity to rethink engagement with SMEs, particularly in the ‘hard to reach’ manufacturing sector.

Posted by guest blogger, David Raistrick  UK manufacturing industry leader for Deloitte, based in Leeds

September’s manufacturing purchasing managers index has slipped slightly from last month, falling to 53.4 from 54.3.  However, it is important to recognise that manufacturers are still reporting rising activity, so it is not entirely negative news.

While the PMI figures suggest that the industry has suffered from a three month period of…

Posted by guest blogger, David Raistrick, UK manufacturing industry leader for Deloitte, based in Leeds

Our global manufacturing competitiveness index reveals that the UK, US, Japan and Western European countries are expected to become less competitive over the next five years, as China, India and Korea maintain their leading positions. The UK is currently ranked 17 on Deloitte’s global competitiveness index and is expected to drop three positions to…

Jeff Gold, Professor of Organisation Learning, Leeds Metropolitan University and Fellow of the Northern Leadership Academy talks about the need for learning and change in business and the challenges this presents for SMEs.

Posted by guest blogger, David Raistrick, UK manufacturing industry leader for Deloitte, based in Leeds