One size doesn’t fit all in terms of R&D and innovation

While some of us have been able to work at home during the Covid-19 crisis – and may have actually improved our productivity – this has not been the case for most of those involved in research and development (R&D). Lock-down has meant no access to laboratories or the specialist kit needed, so many R&D… Read more

ERC to be involved in new £32m Productivity Institute

The ERC are pleased to be involved in a major new research institute funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) which will focus on how to make the UK economy more productive. The new £32m Productivity Institute is being hosted by the Alliance Manchester Business School at Manchester University for five years, starting from… Read more

June 2020 Press Coverage

Business News Wales: Lack of support for workers’ mental health “cuts firm productivity by a quarter”  IPSE: IPSE sets out case for more support for self-employed in latest Treasury Committee evidence                      

ERC research used in new business diagnostic and recovery tool

The ERC have partnered with business support organisation Oxford Innovation to create a new GROWTHmapper® Recovery diagnostic and recovery planning tool. The tool helps SMEs assesses their immediate and future needs in the context of the Covid19 crisis, working in conjunction with an accredited GROWTHmapper® coach or advisor. A suite of tools developed by the… Read more

May 2020 Press Coverage

FT Online: UK’s emergency loans for small companies likely to bring rash of defaults, say bankers Evening Standard: More than 635,000 jobs at risk from disputed business interruption claims SME online: Ignoring mental health issues could cost firms millions Hereford & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce: Lack of support for workers’ mental health “cuts firm productivity… Read more

UK companies facing COVID-19 “pincer movement”, data shows

 News release: 20 April 2020 New data shows a spike in limited companies going out of business – coupled with a big decline in new starts – has hit all regions and sectors since the start of March   New data suggests the UK economy is facing a worrying “pincer movement” due to the coronavirus pandemic,… Read more

Left in the cold: How company directors are excluded from the Government’s coronavirus support schemes

The Government’s various coronavirus support schemes aim to provide a safety net for both employees and the self-employed during the suddenly-imposed ‘lockdown’ period now affecting the UK economy. But while the headline measures announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak over recent weeks – including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (JRS) aimed at employees, Coronavirus Business Interruption… Read more