Business

The Private Business Awards 2026, sponsored by BDO, have officially launched, with nominations now open to private or PE-backed businesses in the South West with a turnover of over £10m.

The second year of the awards programme, which serves to celebrate the businesses that drive UK economic growth, aims to recognise the very best of private business in the region and the rest of the UK. It also recognises the people behind these companies. Last year's inaugural awards saw winners such as Totalmobile, Flagstone Group and Cycle Pharma.

The Private Business Awards is...

Shipping thousands of orders every month changes everything about how you package products. What works for ten packages a day falls apart at a hundred. Your team wastes time wrestling with oversized boxes, damaged goods come back as returns, and shipping costs keep climbing because you're paying to ship empty space.

The companies that master high-volume shipping don't just pack faster. They build systems that cut costs, speed up fulfilment, and keep products safe without overthinking each box. The difference between struggling with growth and scaling smoothly often comes down to...

Picking the right chef clothing is a crucial decision for anyone working long shifts in a professional kitchen. With demanding hours, hectic environments and high temperatures, chefs need garments that can withstand the pressure while keeping them comfortable and safe. Investing in durable and ergonomic chef wear not only helps with performance but also contributes to your overall wellbeing during busy services. Here are top tips for selecting chef clothing that stands up to long hours in the kitchen.

Prioritise Quality Materials

The first thing to consider when...

How many of you became self-employed for the paperwork? We’re guessing the answer to this question would be none.

You likely did it for freedom. Maybe to build something of your own. Or to spend more time with family. Maybe you did it because you were brave enough to back yourself. And you’re not alone.

Last year, around 4.39 million people in the UK were registered as self-employed. That’s millions of people making the same choice as you. Back in 2000, that number was about 3.2 million, and it’s been growing steadily for years.

In Devon, we see it everywhere:...