small business

WASHINGTON — President Trump’s signature plan to impose import taxes on products coming from countries around the world ran into sharp skepticism at the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Most of the justices, conservative and liberal, questioned whether the president acting on his own has the power to set large tariffs as a weapon of international trade.

Instead, they voiced the traditional view that the Constitution gives Congress the power to raise taxes, duties and tariffs.

Trump and his lawyers rely on an emergency powers act adopted on a voice vote by Congress in 1977. That measure authorizes sanctions and embargoes, but does not mention “tariffs, duties” or other means of revenue-raising.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said he doubted that law could be read so broadly.

The emergency powers law “had never before been used to justify tariffs,” he told D. John Sauer, Trump’s solicitor general. “No one has argued that it does until this particular case.”

Congress has authorized tariffs in other laws, he said, but not this one. Yet, it is “being used for a power to impose tariffs on any product from any country for — in any amount on any product from any country for — in any amount for any length of time.”

Moreover, the Constitution says Congress has the lead role on taxes and tariffs. “The imposition of taxes on Americans … has always been a core power of Congress,” he said.

The tariffs case heard Wednesday is the first major challenge to Trump’s presidential power to be heard by the court. It is also a test of whether the court’s conservative majority is willing to set legal limits on Trump’s executive authority.

Trump has touted these import taxes as crucial to reviving American manufacturing.

But owners of small businesses, farmers and economists are among the critics who say the on-again, off-again import taxes are disrupting business and damaging the economy.

Two lower courts ruled for small-business owners and said Trump had exceeded his authority.

The Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal on a fast-track basis with the aim of ruling in a few months.

In defense of the president and his “Liberation Day” tariffs, Trump’s lawyers argued these import duties involve the president’s power over foreign affairs. They are “regulatory tariffs,” not taxes that raise revenue, he said.

Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan disagreed.

“It’s a congressional power, not a presidential power, to tax,” Sotomayor said. “You want to say tariffs are not taxes, but that’s exactly what they are.”

Imposing a tariff “is a taxing power which is delegated by the Constitution to Congress,” Kagan said.

Justice Neil M. Gorsuch may hold the deciding vote, and he said he was wary of upholding broad claims of presidential power that rely on old and vague laws.

The court’s conservative majority, including Gorsuch, struck down several far-reaching Biden administration regulations on climate change and student forgiveness because they were not clearly authorized by Congress.

Both Roberts and Gorsuch said the same theory may apply here. Gorsuch said he was skeptical of the claim that the president had the power to impose taxes based on his belief that the nation faces a global emergency.

In the future, “could the President impose a 50% tariff on gas-powered cars and auto parts to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat from abroad of climate change?” he asked.

Yes, Sauer replied, “It’s very likely that could be done.”

Congress had the lawmaking power, Gorsuch said, and presidents should not feel free to take away the taxing power “from the people’s representatives.”

Justice Amy Coney Barrett said she was struggling to understand what Congress meant in the emergency powers law when it said the president may “regulate” importation.

She agreed that the law did not mention taxes and tariffs that would raise revenue, but some judges then saw it as allowing the authority to impose duties or tariffs.

Justices Brett M. Kavanaugh and Samuel A. Alito Jr. appeared to be leaning against the challenge to the president’s tariffs.

Kavanaugh pointed to a round of tariffs imposed by President Nixon in 1971, and he said Congress later adopted its emergency powers act without clearly rejecting that authority.

A former White House lawyer, Kavanaugh said it would be unusual for the president to have the full power to bar imports from certain countries, but not the lesser power to impose tariffs.

Since Trump returned to the White House in January, the court’s six Republican appointees have voted repeatedly to set aside orders from judges who had temporarily blocked the president’s policies and initiatives.

Although they have not explained most of their temporary emergency rulings, the conservatives have said the president has broad executive authority over federal agencies and on matters of foreign affairs.

But Wednesday, the justices did not sound split along the usual ideological lines.

The court’s ruling is not likely to be the final word on tariffs, however. Several other past laws allow the president to impose temporary tariffs for reasons of national security.

MOLLY-MAE has revealed that her two-year-old Bambi is flying first class, despite dad Tommy Fury vowing to ban ‘five star hotels and business class flights’ for his daughter. 

It’s been a hectic year for Tommy and his partner Molly-Mae Hague, both 27, who recently confirmed they had rekindled their romance following their shock break-up.

But the rekindled pair have now jetted off on another holiday to Dubai, and showed a snap of Bambi lapping up first class service en-route.

The tot could be seen in a black and white photo with headphones on watching TV on the plane, as they jetted abroad.

Bambi looked content in her tracksuit as she reclined on the large first class seats with her legs outstretched.

But boxer Tommy, who said raising Bambi is his top priority, had warned that business class flights and five star hotels were a thing of the past for his daughter, while talking on The Good, The Bad & The Beast podcast a few months back. 

During the interview, he said: “Today’s world is tough because you don’t wanna spoil your children, but then it’s hard to not, in a way. I just said to myself, ‘She can’t take business class flights every time, that ain’t the real world.’

“I didn’t go on a plane until I was 17! It was a Flybe flight and the propeller nearly broke.

“But Bambi’s got more air miles than me now, and she’s two and a half.”

Evidently, Tommy’s rule has gone out of the plane window as he continued to say at the time: “I want her to know the meaning of normal, which is, you know, a nice camping holiday, driving to the lake.

“Not staying in five star hotels, not going business class flights, not doing that sometimes – and that’s okay.”

It comes just days after Molly was slammed as “selfish” and “out of touch with reality” by former fans. 

Not only this, but after watching the new episodes of the influencer’s hit new Amazon docuseries, Molly-Mae: Behind It All, many viewers have admitted the Love Island star’s “bratty behaviour” has “put them off her.”

Since the release of the Amazon docuseries, former fans of the influencer have slammed the mother as “selfish” and “tone deaf.” 

A content creator named Emily Entwistle took to social media to share her thoughts on the episode as she wrote: “Why was this scene in episode three the hardest watch?

“At times she’s so relatable but this season just shows a girl who needs a wake up call.”

Not only this, but Emily also added: “Really enjoyed season one but this season is not the one.

“She’s just showing someone who’s so out of touch with reality.”

And it appears that Emily isn’t the only viewer to think this way, as her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @emilyentwistle_x, caused a flurry of women expressing similar views.

One person said: “I genuinely thought the exact same thing and lowkey put me off her. 

“I’ve always liked her but I think she’s done so many things now that’s off putting. She’s massively out of touch with reality.” 

Another added: “She’s definitely out of touch with reality, these new episodes have made me really change my opinion of her. 

“I actually think she’s selfish and it’s not her friend or her manager’s fault that she forgot the product she was supposed to review.” 

A third commented: “It was very bratty behaviour tbh.” 

Meanwhile, someone else chimed in: “She gives spoilt brat vibes.”

At the same time, one former fan penned: “Tone deaf in today’s economic climate. She’s so out of touch with reality and spoiled.” 

However, others tried to sympathise with the busy mother.

One fan wrote: “She’s trying her best and running a business and being a mum trying to do her best. 

“Being a mum is hard work. I respect her for showing the reality of her world that everyone wants to judge.” 

Whilst another explained: “You guys have such high standards for these influencers/celebrities. 

“This documentary was supposed to show the inside of her life and not the glitz and glams and to show the true struggles of motherhood.” 

BRITS could be set to welcome a new mega zipline after the world’s biggest tunnel flopped.

The Olympic Park’s iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit was crowned the world’s longest tunnel after it was built in 2012.

But, despite all its glory, the site never attracted enough visitors to operate a sustainable business.

In a bid to save the location from ruin, Zip World took over in September and vowed to install a huge zipwire.

The company has submitted a planning application which, if accepted, would see a switchback zipwire made.

Tourists would be strapped into a chair that takes them from the top of the Orbit and back up again.

The wire would measure a whopping 440m and stretch over to London Stadium.

Plans need to be approved by Tower Hamlets and Newham council officials.

If they are given the greenlight, it is estimated the attraction would fetch 60,000 visitors each year.

Designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond for London 2012, the ArcelorMittal Orbit delighted visitors during the games before reopening to the public in 2014.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit isn’t just a huge sculpture, it’s also home to the world’s biggest tunnel slide, the Helix.

Standing at 76m and stretching for 178m, brave visitors can reach speeds of up to 15mph on the slide.

The huge tunnel slide also features 12 turns, which twist and snake around the Olympic Park sculpture, making for a dizzying journey.

If this sounds too stomach-churning, then visitors can also take in panoramic views over London from the ArcelorMittal Orbit 360 viewing deck.

Located at the top of the sculpture, the viewing platform boasts views for as far as 20 miles on a clear day.

Roughly, 1.2million have visited the London-based attraction since it opened to the public.

Visitors have praised the attraction in their reviews on TripAdvisor, with one person writing: “The views across London are spectacular, and you get great views across the park, the stadium, and the city”.

ZipWorld boss, Andrew Hudson, said earlier this year: “We are excited to announce the re-opening date for the ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, ready for half term.

“This is just the start for Zip World in London, and we can’t wait to welcome both locals and thrill-seekers from around the world. 

“We’ve got many more epic adventures lined up that will redefine urban excitement in the heart of the city.

“We’ll continue working closely with LLDC as we expand our off world-class experiences to bring something truly unique to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.”

Entry tickets to the ArcelorMittal Orbit 360 viewing deck start from £7, with tickets for Helix starting from £14.

Adventure giant Zip World has a host of other attractions in the UK, including the UK’s first zipline rollercoaster at Penrhyn Quarry in Snowdonia.

The Aero Explorer ride opened in 2023 and offers thrill-seekers a “high-speed journey across the quarry” like no other.

An overhead track is connected to a harness on the rider, which enables them to glide around as if they’re on a rollercoaster.

The track is found high above the quarry, offering views of the landscape as people fly around connected to the circuit above.

This comes as The Sun revealed London’s best free indoor attractions for families – perfect for rainy days.

We also shared the 15 attractions in the UK that have £1 per person tickets from huge castles to kid-friendly museums.

Plus, how London’s newest tourist town in a “forgotten” district is a £1.3billion attraction with hotels, theatre and a rooftop bar.

THE Co-op has warned that up to 60,000 small shops across the UK could face closure without upcoming business rates reform for small shops.

In the 2024 Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised to provide permanent business rates relief for small retail properties.

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At the time, the Government proposed raising business rates on the biggest retail properties with values over £500,000.

This would allow for a discount on rates for small retail and hospitality premises to be permanent.

The government has not yet set the rates, but changes are due to take effect in April 2026.

But the Co-op is now urging the Government to commit to the maximum levels of relief for smaller stores in the upcoming Autumn Budget on November 24.

Research conducted by the supermarket found one in eight small high street business owners will be at risk of shutting down if reforms are not delivered.

A further 10% of small said they would need to lay off staff.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op group chief executive, said: “The proposed system would improve the financial situation of 99% of retailers.

“How much they are protected from tax rises depends on decisions made in this Budget. To boost local economies, create jobs and provide community cohesion, we need inclusive growth.”

“That means supporting the businesses on the corners, in the precincts, on the parades and the high streets of every community.

” In order for them to not only survive, but to thrive, the government has to commit to the maximum levels of relief.” 

It comes as many larger retailers have voiced concerns over plans to increase business rates on larger stores, arguing the move could make them unprofitable or lead to price hikes.

In August, a letter signed by Morrisons, Aldi and JD Sports, warned that further tax rises on businesses could result in the Labour government breaking its manifesto pledge to provide “high living standards”.

It reads: “As retailers, we have done everything we can to shield our customers from the worst inflationary pressures but as they persist, it is becoming more and more challenging for us to absorb the cost pressures we face.”

Analysis carried out by the British Retail Consortium also suggested that 400 larger-format stores, such as department stores and supermarkets could close if the changes took place.

Many businesses have already seen their labour costs rise thanks to the rate of employer national insurance being increased in last year’s Budget.

The Treasury expects the new rates system will only impact the top 1% of properties.

A Treasury spokesperson said: “We are creating a fairer business rates system to protect the high street, support investment, and level the playing field by introducing permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from April that will be sustainably funded by a new, higher rate on less than 1% of the most valuable business properties.

“Unlike the current relief for these properties, there will be no cash cap on the new lower tax rates, and we have set out our long-term plans to address ‘cliff edges’ in the system to support small businesses to expand.”

VICTORIA Beckham’s daughter Harper is set to follow in her footsteps and become a beauty entrepreneur.

It comes after the fashion designer, 51, hinted that 14-year-old Harper could become the next Kylie Jenner.

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Earlier this month the HIKU BY Harper, the proposed name for the skincare and beauty brand, was filed under two trademark applications by the business Victoria incorporated for Harper, H7B Limited, matching the teenager’s full name, Harper Seven Beckham.

A source said: “Harper loves fashion and make-up and has already started doing make-up tutorials. 

“The plan is to create a brand aimed at the younger market, taking inspiration for pop culture and Korean beauty.

“The Beckhams are incredibly encouraging parents when it comes to their kids’ talents and exploring their hobbies and business ideas.  They’re a very entrepreneurial family.”

Harper has been increasingly popping up on mum Victoria’s Instagram feed and even set up her own account earlier this year.

Victoria said: “Harper is going to be one of two things. She’s either going to be a beauty mogul or she’s going to be a stand-up. She is hilarious.”

Last year Harper, who has been stepping out in custom-made dresses by her mother’s VB label, spoke publicly for the first time to present Victoria with a prestigious award for entrepreneurship, on behalf of Harper’s Bazaar magazine at its annual Women of the Year event.

She said: “I’m so nervous. Especially as tonight’s a school night. Hopefully this isn’t going to get me in trouble.

“My amazing mummy has built an incredible business from the ground up and has shown me the value of working hard.

“But above all, she’s taught me to always be kind and, even though she has a million things to do, she rarely misses school.”

Harper is still being made to do her homework in addition to her online make-up tutorials alongside her mum.

Victoria chooses to lead by example, instilling a work ethic into each of her four children.

While eldest son Brooklyn, 26, is forging a career with his own hot sauce company Stateside, former footballer Romeo is successfully modelling.

She told The Sun: “I mean, I feel sorry for these kids that are considered nepo-babies.

“The kids are simply the kids of their parents.

“It’s not their fault. Give them a chance.

“What matters is that people are good and kind.

“It is fine to be ambitious, but it is more important to be kind.”

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HIGH tax fears ahead of next month’s Budget have sent business confidence to its lowest level in three years, a survey shows. 

Company bosses fear a Groundhog Day experience as concerns grow they will bear the brunt of another slew of punishing taxes. 

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Optimism levels appear to be in freefall as tax concerns hit profits growth, recruitment and investment plans. 

Businesses have now lowered their expectations for the year ahead as muted domestic sales growth also drags down confidence — now at its lowest level since the end of 2022. 

Six in ten bosses say the tax burden is a growing challenge — a historic high for the survey and a big rise from just one in 16 making the claim towards the end of 2020. 

They also say that they were hurt by the £25billion National Insurance tax raid — and are now concerned about rises in next month’s Budget. 

Nearly half say regulatory requirements are the second biggest worry in a push for better performance. 

It comes ahead of the two-year roll out of a new workers’ rights package which will heap more red tape on employers grappling with costs. 

Concerns have been raised over giving day-one rights to workers and bolstered trade union rights.

Business sentiment is found to be weakest in the property sector, followed by retail companies, the research by the Institute for Chartered Accountants in England and Wales reveals. 

CEO Alan Vallance said: “It’s Groundhog Day for Britain’s businesses as we enter another run up to a Budget with poor growth, strained public finances and a fear that business will once again bear the brunt of higher taxes.” 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to try to find about £30billion to help plug the gap in the nation’s finances.

But she has been given an extra £2billion of wriggle room after borrowing stats showed inaccurate data on VAT receipts. 

A SAVVY entrepreneur ditched her boring desk job at ASOS and is now raking in as much as £56,000 in a single day.

Aimee Smale, has taken her fashion brand Odd Muse from a bedroom side hustle to a multi-million-pound empire.

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The twenty-eight year old has now cemented her place among luxury giants by flinging open the doors to her first UK flagship on London’s exclusive New Bond Street.

Humble beginnings

Just a few years ago, Aimee was slogging away in a £21,000-a-year admin role, feeling unfulfilled working from home during the pandemic.

But with a burning ambition, she started a clever side hustle, flogging £10 logos to Brits who’d started small businesses in lockdown.

Speaking candidly to Grace Beverley on the Working Hard, Hardly Working podcast, she revealed how the tenner-a-pop gig became a goldmine, saying: “I was making like 30 logos a day at one point. 

“Finishing ASOS, closing my laptop, staying up all night to just make logos. But it got me £12,000 for Odd Muse.”

Aimee’s dream was to have her own fashion brand and so she began saving to start what would become her own fashion empire.

Aimee ploughed her entire side-hustle earnings into ordering the first batch of stock, admitting she was “almost arrogant” in her belief that it would be a roaring success. 

She ordered 100 units of her now-iconic blazer, and her bold gamble paid off big time, selling out in days and breaking even instantly.

A significant moment for Odd Muse came when influencer Lorna Luxe purchased the blazer, leading to a massive surge in sales.

Aimee shared, “I remember saying to everyone – everyone would be like who do you want to wear your brand and I would say Lorna. Anyone in the world – Lorna.

“She literally bought it, put it on her story, and it changed the game for me.”

The success of the Ultimate Muse Blazer was followed by the launch of the Pearl Dress, which sold out within a minute.

The brand made over £100k in its first three months and is now a certified smash hit, turning over a whopping £5.2 million in 2023. 

Fashion visionary

Aimee’s vision was to create timeless, luxury clothes that young women could actually afford, offering an alternative to the world of throwaway fast fashion.

She previously told The Sun: “I just remember thinking fashion when I left university aged 21 was fast fashion, which is all we can afford, and the luxury sector is unattainable. 

“I just wanted to offer a fast fashion alternative and justify a price point that encouraged re-wearing and investing in your wardrobe.”

Flagship store opening

Now, Aimee has officially taken over one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the world, having opened her glitzy new store on October 3. 

Despite her mega-success, she admitted on TikTok she still gets terrified no one will show up to her events, a fear that was quickly squashed when 2,000 eager fans turned up to a recent sample sale.

The fashion mogul revealed she was even warned against the bold move onto Bond Street.

“I was told no… I didn’t need to take on New Bond Street,” she said. 

But Aimee was determined to create a space for her loyal fans, “inviting our community into a world luxury fashion previously didn’t think to invite them into.”

The shy girl from class is now the poster girl for her own business, using her relatable personality on TikTok to connect with thousands of customers worldwide. 

She credits this authentic approach for building a massive community, with a staggering 60% of orders now coming from the US.

Meanwhile, the company’s permanent boutique in London’s Covent Garden celebrated its second anniversary back in March.

From her bedroom to Bond Street, Aimee’s incredible journey shows what can happen when you have a bit of northern grit and a brilliant idea. 

As she puts it, seeing addresses from all over the world flooding in made her realise “Odd Muse was going to be something big.”

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THE three jobs most at risk of being taken over by AI have been revealed.

British workers will be forced to compete with a surge of 100,000 virtual AI employees by the end of 2026, research by Agentic AI firm Gravitee has suggested.

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Software engineers, HR managers and customer service managers appear to be most at risk.

Almost half of company executives surveyed by Gravitee said more than half the work of these roles could be done by an AI agent.

It means companies could cut these jobs to slash business costs.

The other jobs at risk include salesperson, marketing manager and communications manager.

The AI firm surveyed 250 executives at large UK companies and all said they were planning to use AI agents in some way.

Most of the companies said they would ’employ’ between 16 to 20 AI agents to carry out tasks previously carried out by human employees.

Meanwhile 65% of the firms said they would be making job cuts over the same period, suggesting much of the work done by their current employees could be performed more cheaply by AI bots.

Still, nearly a quarter of companies said they plan to increase their headcounts to support the AI expansion.

Rory Blundell, chief executive at Gravitee, said: “Agentic AI will offer a huge productivity boom to firms of all sizes, with AI agents completing rote, repetitive tasks while workers are freed up to focus on more interesting challenges.

“However it’s clear that, at least in the short term, there’s a risk of widespread job cuts until companies know how to balance the investment with the return, which may be shortsighted. Not least because AI Agents, without proper governance, can cause widespread chaos and disruption.”

A report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that AI could hit three in five workers and even replace their jobs.

Companies and even the government have already begun to slash their workforce to make way for the technology.

The UK’s biggest accountancy firms – PwC, Deloitte, KPMG and EY – have reportedly slashed the number of junior roles available by up to 29 per cent, while the government is axing at least 10,000 roles in the civil service.

Amazon, Telstra, Salesforce and Fiverr have all announced plans for lay-offs in the last 12 months, with jobs going instead to AI agents. 

There were 315,550 available entry-level roles in November 2022 (when the popular AI tool ChatGPT was launched) across the UK, which dropped to 214,934 last month, according to the jobs site Adzuna.

The 40 roles most at risk

Similar research has previously been carried out by Microsoft, which revealed the 40 jobs most likely to be taken over by AI.

Researchers looked at 200,000 conversations between people in the US and Microsoft’s AI chatbot, called Copilot, as part of the study.

They found that the jobs most likely to be affected by AI are those in the communications industry.

Interpreters and translators are the jobs most at risk, followed by historians, and passenger attendants such as air hosts and hostesses or train ticket inspectors.

Sales representatives came fourth on the list, then writers and authors, and customer service representatives.

Other jobs on the list included radio DJs, concierge workers, teachers, public relations specialists and telephone operators.

Jobs that involve physically working with people, operating or monitoring machinery, or doing manual labour tend to be the least-impacted by AI.

This includes nursing assistants, sewage workers, painters and plasterers, roofers, cleaners, and massage therapists.

MANCHESTER, Leeds and Oxford have been named as top powerhouses for business growth in the UK, according to a report.

The study, carried out by NatWest and data company Beauhurst, analysed growth across innovation, profit, headcount and turnover among mid-market firms nationwide.

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Manchester ranked highly thanks to its thriving creative and digital sectors, fuelled by MediaCityUK and a flourishing start-up scene.

Oxford stood out for its research-driven businesses, many of which began as university spinouts before scaling into significant mid-market enterprises.

Leeds, meanwhile, has built a reputation in health technology to complement its long-established financial services sector, strengthened by close ties to NHS Digital and leading hospitals.

While London remains the largest centre for profit, headcount and turnover in the mid-market, the report reveals other areas of the UK are increasingly standing out for their innovation.

Smaller authorities also made the list, with Slough and Telford & Wrekin both highlighted as growth hotspots.

Swindon has also emerged as one of the nation’s leading climate technology hubs, thanks to its cluster of renewable energy and clean-tech firms.

Andy Gray, managing director of commercial mid-market at NatWest, said: “The UK’s economic story is no longer written only in its biggest cities.

“Across the country, mid-sized businesses are scaling up, investing in people and creating high-quality jobs.

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“These boom regions demonstrate that entrepreneurial energy and economic resilience can flourish anywhere.”

Among the emerging centres of growth, researchers pinpointed South Cambridgeshire as home to a thriving cluster of university spinouts.

Aberdeenshire also performed strongly in the innovation category, reflecting its long-standing expertise in oil and gas, now being redirected into renewable energy, carbon capture and wider climate technologies.

Local firms there have benefitted from specialist engineering skills, proximity to North Sea projects and strong research links – helping the area reinvent itself as a hub for innovation in the UK’s energy transition.

The research focused on mid-market companies turning over between £25m and £500m annually – these businesses account for 26 per cent of employment and 30 per cent of UK economic Gross Value Added.

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The findings also project that, with the right support, mid-market companies could add an extra £115 billion in turnover and £35 billion of Gross Value Added by 2030 – despite representing just 0.5 per cent of businesses in the UK.

Henri Murison, chief executive at The Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “While London remains an important location for mid-market businesses, this new report from NatWest clearly points to the impressive growth and innovation that is taking place in the North.

“As the Autumn Budget approaches, we should be backing concrete steps towards adoption and diffusion of innovation in businesses that are seeking to scale up, providing more high skilled jobs in Northern towns and cities, and playing a fundamental part in delivering the UK Government growth mission.”

Louise Hellem, chief economist at the CBI, said: “This report underlines the vital role the mid-market sector plays in driving regional growth and strengthening our economy.

“These businesses are not just surviving, they’re expanding, innovating, and investing in their communities.

“To fully unlock the UK’s potential and develop high growth clusters, we should harness their strengths as part of regional growth plans, ensure they are engaged in shaping local skills plans and have greater access to finance to scale.”

SHE described her stint on Dragons’ Den as the “biggest and the most public rejection” ever – but Zara Saleem has had the last laugh.

The 37-year-old mum-of-two, who quit her underpaid £27k-a-year job, now has a business worth £5 million – and she started it all with just £500 at her kitchen table.

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But things haven’t all been smooth sailing for Zara, who has two daughters, aged eight and seven and her thriving beauty brand, Delhicious.

Not only did she deal with a huge plummet in sales during the coronavirus lockdown, but she’s also been faced with numerous rejections by top high-street retailers too.

However, now sales are flying for the award-winning skincare brand, which is approved by dermatologists and clinically tested. 

Opening up on her business journey, Zara exclusively tells us: “I had no money when I started – we had no more than £500.

“We started with just buying a small batch of ingredients and a tiny bit of packaging. Everything else that we could do for free, we did for free, including making the website. 

“The first year of revenue was very low. It was around £50,000 in year one. But now, we’ve made over £5 million since we launched.

“We’ve sold over 100,000 bottles of hair oil – we sold 10,000 bottles in three days.

“We are currently on track to make between £2 and £3 million this year and are hoping to scale the business to £8 million in the next two to three years.” 

Making products in the kitchen

It was when Zara found herself having to mark up to 150 school books a day that she realised being an “underpaid” teacher was no longer for her.

And it was when Zara, who is married to her co-founder Zak Ismail, 36, came face to face with skin challenges in 2018 that the mother began making products in her kitchen.

Zak helped out too and whilst on maternity leave, things really took off, as the beauty guru, who lives in Wembley, London, explains: “I had really dry skin and really ugly, scaly patches that were really painful. 

“I didn’t really want to use steroid creams and that’s when I started to experiment with ingredients that I knew had anti-inflammatory properties.

“I used to use black tea as a face toner, so I would brew the tea and add some oils, and I knew that it was a good anti-inflammatory.

“I formulated the body scrub in my kitchen and it had incredible results. Within a couple of days, my skin had almost completely cleared.”

We were really scared in the beginning but we took the risk. We were quite delusional

Zara Saleem

At the time, while Zara was employed as a teacher, her husband Zak was working in a corporate job. 

However, their lifestyle was far from lavish, as she adds: “I wasn’t living a luxurious life at all.

“The money wasn’t great – teachers are incredibly underpaid for the amount of work that they do.”

The GlossyBox deal that changed everything

Unsure of the brand’s future, Zara shares: “It was never really meant to be a proper beauty brand – I didn’t really have it in my head how far I could take it. 

“It was literally just me and my husband with the scrappy website that we made, hoping that we would get some sales.

“I had 20 bags of body scrub at the time and we had no sales coming in. 

“I was like, ‘if I sell a couple of body scrubs, I’m great,’ but I was very much at home with my two children under two.”

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But it was a huge deal with GlossyBox that really made the business take off, as Zara recognises: “Once we’d launched and started to get a couple of sales, I was adamant that I wanted to try and get some press, so I started to reach out to a couple of journalists.

“I went on the radio and then after that, we got approached by GlossyBox, who at the time were the biggest beauty box around, and beauty boxes around that time were really taking off. They wanted to place an order of 100,000 units.

“We were still making products in our kitchen. We had no manufacturer, we had no idea how we would actually be able to fulfil the order, but we took it on and turned our house into a factory.

“Our neighbours very kindly took our furniture in, we had our family and friends coming and filling body scrubs for us and we had a crazy four months where we hand-packed and made 100,000 body scrubs.

“I think it was at that point that we kind of thought, ‘this could actually be something.’”

Going viral on TikTok

After the success with GlossyBox, Zara and Zak turned to body balms – now one of their bestselling, award-winning products. 

Zara explains: “We made our body balms which went super viral on TikTok because they had incredible results for people with eczema and psoriasis. 

“Our fridge was full of balms and we couldn’t make enough because the minute we would put them online they were gone.

“We created waitlists. I think we had a waitlist of around 50,000 people at one point. It was actually insane. 

“We started hitting five-figure sales a month. We were growing, growing, growing and sales were pouring in.”

Whilst running the business, Zara returned to her teaching job, but shortly after, realised it was time to quit for good and focus on her business full-time. Soon after, Zak followed suit.

The couple were initially fearful to take the risk and Zara describes her actions as “delusional.” But in just three months, she had matched her monthly teacher wage.

The businesswoman shares: “We had no business background whatsoever. We were really scared in the beginning but we took the risk.

“We were quite delusional. I don’t think we thought things through enough to be honest.

“We were really lucky. We had a really supportive circle of family and friends who helped us get through. 

“Who knows, if anyone did doubt us, but it wasn’t to our face.”

Rejection after rejection

But things haven’t always been easy for this couple, as Zara shares: “When we first launched, we aimed to get into Boots and buyers rejected us straight away.

“They were like, ‘no you’re not ready’, and I agree with that now.

“We’ve had multiple rejections – every single retailer you can think of rejected us.” 

After sales plummeted in lockdown, just four years after launching the business, Zara decided to go on Dragons’ Den, where she asked for £50,000 for 15% of the business.

But Zara left the infamous den without an investment, as she shares: “I felt like the Dragons didn’t quite get the brand.

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“But also, what had happened was, we had a spike in our sales with the GlossyBox order, and then after that, it was lockdown, which meant that I had both of my very small children at home, so I had to step back because I didn’t have any childcare available.

“I had to make that conscious decision to not invest as much time as I could in the business and obviously to the Dragons that didn’t sound good.

“I think they just didn’t really get it and they thought we were a TikTok brand. It felt like a little bit more of an excuse as to why they may not have wanted to invest.”

Reflecting on her time on the BBC show, the mother admits: “Dragons’ Den was probably the biggest and the most public rejection I’ve had, which was really difficult.

“Even before it aired, I was really nervous because I felt like I’d let myself down, I felt like I’d let the brand down because I didn’t get the investment.

“It was a really tough experience and at the time, I felt like I doubted everything about the brand.

I thought it would be good if I could have secured the investment, not for the money but more for the guidance, because obviously I didn’t have a mentor and we didn’t really know what we were doing

Zara Saleem

“They didn’t think it would scale and they didn’t think it was investable because of that one dip.

“And actually, rejection is always redirection and it’s something you need to overcome if you truly believe in whatever it is that you’re building.

“And I do fully believe in the brand, I believe in the ethos and the values of it, so I guess that keeps me going.

“I wasn’t relying on Dragons’ Den for the success of the business. I thought it would be good if I could have secured the investment, not for the money but more for the guidance, because obviously I didn’t have a mentor and we didn’t really know what we were doing.” 

Expansion and £120,000 salaries

But despite walking away empty handed, it didn’t take long for things to pick up again for Delhicious. 

As well as being online for Debenhams, Zara says: “Retail was a big move for us – we always wanted to be on the high street. We are in store in Beauty Base and exclusively in store with Superdrug.”

Things have since expanded from Zara and Zak’s kitchen and now, Delhicious is a team of five.

Zara adds: “We’ve got all UK manufacturers now – that process took us quite a long time.

“Obviously when you’re making products at home, it’s a very different process – you’re making a couple of hundred to now making thousands at a time.”

“We used to pack every single order that used to come in. Now we have a fulfilment centre and it’s a very, streamlined process compared to how it was before, which was very hands-on by me and Zak literally seeing every order coming in, making the products, printing labels, and packing them ourselves.

“We’ve outsourced all of that so we can actually focus on the growth of the business.”

Being able to focus on the business growth has proved profitable for Zara and now, both she and Zak are on £120,000 salaries. 

Life-changing success

Reflecting on the company’s success, she acknowledges: “We’ve had six-figure months – we’ve done at least £200,000 in one month.

“It’s been so life-changing in so many ways. Financially, to have that ease of mind, it’s incredible.

“I’m not a big spender but if we want to go on a nice holiday, we can go on a nice holiday.

“We’ve recently done a big house renovation, which was amazing – it’s something we’ve always wanted to do.

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“Going from a £27,000 salary to then being able to be on six-figures now – I would never have been able to get that in teaching.

“We’re very, very blessed and very lucky, but we’ve worked really hard for it.

“I’m still very modest, I’m very conscious of the way that I spend my money, and that’s something that I pass on to my children as well.”

Now that Zara is her own boss, she has much more flexibility over her life, as she beams: “I absolutely love that I can do all the school drop-offs and pick-ups. I have a lot of flexibility over my time which is so nice.

“Of course, we still do work a lot. People get the impression that when you run your own business, you’re not working as much.

“We work a lot but it’s on our own terms – that was the one thing that I couldn’t get in teaching and it used to break my heart.”

Zara is now on a mission to get more women into the industry, as she continues: “I’m a really big advocate for women going into business. I think it’s such a great way for women to be independent, but still be able to be present in their other roles. We need more women in business.”

Discussing the future of the business, Zara concludes: “Hopefully we’re going outside of the UK now as well and hoping to be able to expand distribution and go to more multiple retailers as well. 

“We’ve definitely got our eyes on Australia and the US, as well as Kuwait and Dubai.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

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TRADESPEOPLE are struggling to expand their businesses because of growing costs, bureaucracy and hiring pressures, a new study suggests.

A survey of 850 tradespeople working across the UK by Checkatrade showed they were eager to contribute to the Government’s plan for growth, but challenges were preventing them from doing so.

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Four out of five of those surveyed said rising costs of materials and tools, plus increased levels of tool theft, were preventing them from growing their business.

A similar number blamed rising taxes, such as the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions.

In April the Government increased the rate of National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15%.

It also lowered the threshold at which employers start paying National Insurance from £9,100 to £5,000.

This has piled further pressure onto tradespeople already struggling to make ends meet.

Jambu Palaniappan, chief executive of Checkatrade, said: “The UK is a nation dependent on the trade industry — from carpenters to electricians, decorators to roofers.

“The 900,000 people behind it couldn’t be more important for propelling our economy.”

He said that the research shows how eager tradespeople are to contribute to the Government’s growth agenda.

As part of the plan the Government wants to improve the UK’s rate of economic growth and boost national productivity.

But while there is lots of optimism and significant opportunities for growth, there are still significant challenges tradespeople face.

Palaniappan said: “The Government needs to work with industry to close skills gaps, ensure apprenticeships work for small businesses, and do everything they can to reduce the burdens, the costs, and the taxes that can stifle tradespeople’s growth.”

What support is available?

If you are self-employed and are struggling with the higher cost of living, then there is support available to you.

Universal Credit

One way is to top up your income with Universal Credit.

You can apply if you need to top up your income and have low income and savings.

But you won’t be eligible if you live with a spouse or partner and have combined savings of more than £16,000 or your partner earns too much.

You can check if you are eligible and your claim is likely to be successful by using a benefits calculator.

Turn2us and Entitledto both offer calculators that can help you check whether you qualify.

You will need to attend a gateway interview with a DWP work coach so they can check that being self-employed is your main job.

They will also confirm if you are making a profit or are expected to if you’ve just started out.

This means you’ll need to provide evidence such as receipts, a business plan, copies of invoices, trading accounts or proof you’ve registered as self-employed with HMRC.

If you don’t have enough evidence, then they may decide that you’re not “gainfully” self-employed.

You will need to look and be eligible for other work while you get Universal Credit.

For more information and to apply visit the GOV.UK website.

Employment and Support Allowance

If you’re self-employed, then you can’t claim Statutory Sick Pay.

But if you’ve paid enough National Insurance, then you may be able to claim the new-style Employment and Support Allowance if you’re ill.

If you qualify for the benefit, then you can claim it regardless of your household income or savings.

But if you haven’t paid enough National Insurance, then you may be able to claim the limited capability for work and work-related activity element of Universal Credit.

To be eligible your savings must be less than £16,000.

If you live with a partner, then their income will also be taken into account as part of the claim for Universal Credit.

For information on if you qualify for Employment and Support Allowance and what to do if you don’t visit GOV.UK.

Cut your tax bill

You could be missing out on key tax allowances that could save you hundreds of pounds a year.

If you work from home, then you may be able to claim for costs associated with work, such as business phone calls, gas and electricity.

If you work from home between 51 and 100 hours a month, then you could get £18.

Meanwhile, if you work for more than 101 hours a month from home, then you could get £26 a month – or £312 a year.

If the amount of time you work from home varies month-to-month, then you can claim the relevant amount for that month.

To apply visit the GOV.UK website.

You may also be able to claim tax relief on your mileage if you drive a car or van for work.

You can claim 45p tax relief on every mile you do for the first 10,000 miles a year of business journeys.

If you travelled this distance in a year, you would get £4,500 in tax relief a year.

If you drive more than 10,000 miles, then you can claim 25p tax relief per mile.

You can also get an additional 5p per mile in relief if you carry a passenger.

You can log the number of miles you do and add reminders to report your mileage using apps including driversnote and Fuelio.

To use these apps just download them from the app store and create an account.

Read our helpful guide for more advice on how to cut your tax bill if you’re self-employed.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

A MASTERCHEF star has announced the closure of all of his UK pastry shops, after struggling to cope with climbing costs.

Graham Hornigold, who has also appeared on Junior Bake Off co-founded gourmet doughnut brand Longboys back in 2019, but just six years later, the business has gone bust.

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The brand’s three London sites, in Liverpool Street, Coal Drops Yard and Market Halls Canary Wharf have all closed their doors for their final time.

Writing on Instagram, the pastry chef explained: “You’ve probably noticed we’ve been a little quieter than usual.

“The truth is, with rising inflation, changes to NI, and product costs spiralling, the past few months have been incredibly tough.

“Like so many small independents across the UK hospitality industry, we’ve felt the impact hard.

“You may have seen that we made the difficult decision to close all Longboys sites in the hope of reopening. Sadly, we won’t be able to bring them back.

“But this isn’t the end -it’s a redirection.”

Graham added that himself and his team will “dust ourselves off and go again”.

Longboys was famous for its finger shaped doughnut and eclair hybrids, filled with creative flavours, such as Sticky Toffee Pudding and Raspberry Rose Lychee.

Commenting under the post, pastry fans shared their devastation at the closure.

One person said: “Gutted to hear this news!

“Look forward to your return soon.”

A second person said: “Your lychee raspberry donuts will be living rent-free in my mind forever.”

A third person added: “Sorry to hear this news. I enjoyed many visits to your Coal Drops Yard shop.”

More restaurant closures

And Longboys isn’t the only eatery that’s struggled to stay afloat.

Rick Stein’s Marlborough restaurant could be set to close its doors for good, just five years after being saved.

A spokesperson for Rick Stein Marlborough told Gazette and Herald: “We can confirm that we are proposing the closure of our Marlborough restaurant and are consulting with the team to explore whether this can be avoided.

“Our other restaurants and rooms continue to trade well, but this particular site has not delivered the same level of return.”

And last month, Channel 4 chef Dom Taylor announced he is closing his Marvee’s Food Shop in Ladbroke Grove, West London, due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

The Caribbean restaurant only opened a few month’s prior, in May, as part of the music and events space UNDR, near the famous Portobello Road.

CHRONIC shortages of builders, plumbers and plasterers are making it ever harder to build the homes, schools and hospitals we need.

But today we publish a Government-backed list of construction apprenticeships to help YOU learn a trade, whatever your age or background.

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It is part of The Sun on Sunday’s Builder Better Britain campaign, praised recently by Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson.

With thousands of young people out of work as shops and pubs stop hiring, the Government is pumping £100million into courses to help train the 12.8 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds currently not in education, employment or training – NEETs.

So now is the time to build YOUR career.

After we ran a similar pullout last year, scores applied for placements and the success stories included 18-year-old Brooke Knight.

She said: ‘It gives a skill for life, there are no college fees and you can earn thousands a week after tax.”

Check out our pullout for 110 jobs in all areas of the construction industry . . . 

TO APPLY GO TO gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship using company name and postcode

North West

Business Administrator Apprentice

Watson Construction Ltd

Motivated individual to join our small, supportive team to help us deliver a great service to our clients and their homeowners.

You will support the team with enquiries, admin tasks and aftercare, whilst learning on the job.

If you’re organised, friendly and ready to grow with a leader homebuilder we want to hear from you.

£18,000 a year.

Salford (M7 2ZS). Closes Sep 19, start Sep 29.

Apprentice Construction Maintenance Operative

Edward Anthony Ltd

Enthusiastic individual who wants to learn and train.

Role requires physical labour such as lifting, carrying materials, assisting set-up/close down of work areas, ability to take direction to ensure safe working standards, and ability to work as a team.

Role is predominantly a labouring position.

£11,778 for first year, then could rise depending on your age.

Birkenhead, Wirral (CH41 9AH).

Closes Sep 12, start Sep 15.

Building Materials Apprenticeship

Joseph Parr (Alco) Ltd

Designed for supply-chain warehouse operative who wants to be upskilled to understand and get involved in the entire distribution operation, including picking, loading, unloading, booking in, safety and recycling and virtual learning. £17,667 a year.

Manchester (M27 8SN).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.

Bench Joiner

A J & D Chapelhow (Cliburn) Ltd

Seeking a motivated, detail-oriented apprentice to join our team specialising in manufacture of high-quality timber windows and doors.

Will have a strong interest in woodworking, basic understanding of joinery tools and technique, and commitment to developing practical skills in a workshop environment.

£15,704 a year.

Penrith, Cumbria (CA10 3AL).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.

Apprentice Bricklayer

MSP Projects Ltd

Enthusiastic individual to join our growing team and learn from industry experts.

Work toward your Level 2 bricklayer apprenticeship qualification, in a close team.

Wage, £11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Knutsford, Cheshire (WA16 8RW).

Closes Sep 23, start Sep 29.

Apprentice Landscaper

Ashbourne Garden and Property Maintenance

Motivated, hardworking apprentice to join our team.

Role involves cutting grass, trimming hedges, and weeding.

Candidate should have a passion for outdoor work, a keen eye for detail, and a desire to learn and grow in the landscaping industry.

£14,526.20 a year.

Stockport (SK7 6DW).

Closes Oct 1, start Oct 6.

Apprentice Landscape Gardener

Distinctive Gardens Ltd

Learn how to design, build and maintain outdoor spaces, combining practical skills with creative design to create gardens, driveways and landscaped areas.

£15,600 a year.

Lancaster (LA2 0RD).

Closes Sept 28, start Oct 13.

Business Administration Apprentice

Construction Resources

Specialist recruitment company within the built environment sector seeks a motivated, organised apprentice to support our team with a variety of administrative and operational tasks.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Liverpool (L22 0PJ).

Closes Sep 30, start Oct 4.

Apprentice Fenestration Installer (Level 2)

Everglaze Ltd

Installers here often work as part of small teams, on jobs for small shop owners, landlords, tenants and home owners, or on large-scale projects for developers.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Wigan (WN5 8QJ).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.

Business Administrator Apprentice

Watson Construction Ltd

Motivated individual to join our small, supportive team to help us deliver a great service to our clients and their homeowners.

Support the team with handling enquiries, admin tasks and aftercare – all while learning on the job.

If you’re an organised person, friendly and ready to grow with a leader homebuilder, we want to hear from you.

£18,000 a year.

Salford (M7 2ZS).

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 29.

Apprentice Stonemason

Bullen Conservation Ltd

Excellent opportunity for an apprentice with a conservation business specialising in heritage skills.

£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Oldham (OL1 3NN).

Closes Sep 21. Start to be determined.

B&Q Customer Advisor Apprenticeship

Bamber Bridge

Become an expert advisor, who gets to know each customer and their home-improvement project.

Sales is important, of course, as is managing stock, setting up displays and keeping a shop looking great.

£10,575 a year.

Preston (PR5 6BZ).

Closes Sept 2, start Sep 9.

Grounds & Garden Apprentice

Sedbergh School, Cumbria

The gardening team here provide pupils, staff and visitors with gardens commensurate with Sedbergh’s long- standing reputation as a leading independent school.

Tasks will vary daily, determined by the assistant grounds manager or head gardener and will include use of hand tools and light machinery to maintain the gardens.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Sedbergh (LA10 5HG).

Closes Sep 7, start Sep 22.

‘Opening for military vets and ex-offenders’

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TO match the Government’s £100million for training courses, the National House Building Council is injecting the same.

They are looking to get more young people into construction, but also other groups including ex-military and people who have been in prison.

Roger Morton, Director of Business Change at the NHBC, said: “The industry needs more than 250,000 construction workers by 2028 to meet demand and build the 10,000 new homes we need. We need 2,500 brickies, 2,500 groundworkers and 1,000 carpenters and that’s why we’re investing £100million. We’re investing in 12 new NHBC multi-skilled training hubs across the country, to support 3,000 apprenticeships each year. We are targeting young people but also career changers, veterans, ex-offenders. We provide a unique, immersive facility where we can train people in 14 to 18 months, many with distinctions. That’s nearly twice as fast as traditional routes.

“We need to change perception so people see that being a trade is a great career. The average bricklayer earns £50,000, and they might progress to management, senior management, director. A colleague began as an apprentice and runs a 230-strong department.”

North East

Groundworker Apprentice

WL Straughan & Son

Seeking a keen, willing-to-learn apprentice to learn all aspects of the trade.

£15,311.40 a year.

Bedlington Lane Farm, Northumberland (NE22 6AA).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.

Property Maintenance Apprentice

Simpson & Hill Construction Ltd

Be part of a well-established and highly recommended building company based in Stokesley, North Yorks that covers all aspects of construction throughout Co Durham & North Yorks.

Looking for an apprentice to a busy team.

£15,311.40 a year.

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Machining/Tool Room Apprentice

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies Ltd

Earn as you learn with this major employer.

Training is underpinned by practical experience.

£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

North Shields, Tyne and Wear (NE27 0QH).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Joiner

Andy Dunbar Joinery

Work for a premium company, experts in bespoke design and manufacture of handmade architectural joinery.

Looking for an apprentice to join a busy team.

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Middlesbrough (TS2 1DY).

Closes Sep 8, start Sep 15.

Conventional Machining Apprentice

Clifton Engineering (NE) Ltd

Fantastic opportunity for a manual machining apprentice to join this fantastic team based in Morpeth, and earn while you learn.

Your training will be underpinned with practical experience which will prepare you for an exciting career.

Wage, £14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Northumberland (NE61 6JN).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 13.

Signage Apprentice Technician

Alan Rowe Signs and Graphics

Offering a route into a potential full-time career within a family-run business.

We specialise in creating signs and custom graphics for vehicles, with over 40 years’ experience.

Offering the opportunity to work in a hands-on role within the business and achieve a qualification in the process.

£17,550 a year.

Tyne and Wear (NE6 4QL).

Closes Sep 12, Start Sep 15.

Groundwork Apprentice

Meldrum Group

Northern Skills are recruiting for Meldrum Group.

This will allow you to gain on-the-job experience while studying toward a Level 2 property maintenance apprenticeship qualification.

£15,311.40 a year.

Stockton-on-Tees (TS18 3TX).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 9.

Apprentice Design & Development Engineer

Elfab Ltd

Learn and develop skills within a range of engineering, technical and design expertise.

Duties include concept feasibility, design, development, launch and production.

Additional activities include rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and performance analysis.

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

North Shields, Tyne and Wear (NE29 8SD).

Closes Sep 13, start Sep 22.

Administrative Apprentice

In Charge Construction Ltd

Northern Skills are recruiting on behalf of In Charge Construction Limited who are looking for a motivated candidate to join their team.

Learn the role of a business administrator while also gaining a qualification.

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Darlington (DL1 4FA).

Closes Sep 29, start Oct 6.

Wood Product Manufacturing Apprentice

Balmoral Joinery

Passionate about working with your hands to create quality wood products?

Join our Wood Product Manufacturing Apprenticeship at Balmoral Joinery and gain experience in a dynamic environment.

Grow your skills, master your craft, and become part of a team that values tradition, precision and innovation.

£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Swalwell, Tyne and Wear (NE16 3AD).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.

Welder Fabricator Apprentice

Shell Engineering

Work with metals including steel and aluminium, learning welding, fabrication and use of precision tools.

£14,918.80 a year.

Chester-le-Street, Co Durham (DH2 1AJ).

Closes Sep 6, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Welder/Fabricator

Bulkhaul Ltd

Looking for an enthusiastic, reliable, punctual candidate, ideally in their second year of college.

This role requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and to be able to follow safety protocols.

There is the opportunity of a full-time role upon completion, pending a review of progress/performance while on the apprenticeship.

£17,680 a year.

Middlesbrough (TS2 1PS).

Closes Sep 3, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Welding and Workshop Technician

Aliweld Ltd

Be responsible for supporting fabrication and assembly of aluminium tipper and waggon bodies under the supervision of experienced welders.

Ideal for someone with a keen interest in engineering, a strong work ethic and desire to learn and grow in a skilled trade.

£17,926.96 a year.

Newcastle upon Tyne (NE40 3DG). Closes Sep 2, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker

Boyd Ductwork Ltd

Learn from sheet-metal workers and fabricators, and about how to read drawings, select steel and prepare materials for ductwork projects.

Given the start times, this would suit a local candidate or one with access to their own transport.

£14,918.80 a year.

Blaydon on Tyne (NE21 5SD). Closes Sep 12, start Sep 16.

Business Administration Apprentice

In Charge Construction Ltd

A great opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join a busy office team.

The apprentice will help with a broad range of administrative tasks covering many aspects of the business.

£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Darlington (DL1 4FA).

Closes Sep 12, start Oct 1.

‘I love to learn and earn’

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SHE is sleight of figure, so many think Tegan Pryor is joking when she tells them she’s a builder.

But having ditched a leisure-centre job to study bricklaying at college, the hard grafter is now backing our Build A Better Britain campaign to urge more young people to take up a trade.

Tegan, 23, from Shefford, Beds, said: “I started training as a bricklayer three years ago and honestly, I’ve never looked back.

“It is 100 per cent the right career for me. I was a lifeguard and receptionist at a leisure centre before but there wasn’t much career opportunity, it felt like a dead end.

“Now, I get to work outdoors and have a laugh with my colleagues – and I’m not treated any differently because I’m a woman.

“There is respect, and I learn something new every day.

“I’m on about £130 a day for an eight-and-a-half hour shift and some days it’s hard, but it’s also satisfying when you look back on what you achieved.

“The average wage for a bricklayer is about £50,000 a year and that’s what I’m heading towards.”

Yorkshire & The Humber

Apprentice Construction Quantity Surveyor

Sum ADR Limited

Join this independent consultancy adjudication/Q/S firm.

Role combines on-the-job training with structured learning to gain job-specific skills.

Earn a wage and receive holiday pay, while working alongside experienced staff and dedicating time to relevant study.

£15,704 to £25,396.80 a year.

Wetherby, West Yorks (LS23 6FJ). Closes Sep 11, start Oct 30.

Apprentice Assistant Site (Level 3) Manager

Greenchurch Developments

Apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures has teamed up with Greenchurch Developments to offer this exciting opportunity.

If you want to work with a company that values quality, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification, apply today.

£15,704 a year.

Doncaster (DN6 8QA).

Closes Sep 11, start Sep 15.

Building Services Design Engineer Apprentice

Hoare Lea LLP

Collaborate with the industry’s best, working with a wide range of specialists.

Be part of progressive and exciting projects, able to experience innovative schemes across all sectors.

Advance your career, your way, thanks to our structured career paths framework.

Wage £24,250 a year. Leeds (LS2 8LY). Closes Oct 31, start Jan 3.

Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor

Greenchurch Developments

Apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures has partnered with Greenchurch Developments to offer this opportunity to work for their company.

If you are wanting to work with a company that values quality, whilst working towards a nationally recognised qualification. £16,881.80 a year.

Doncaster (DN6 8QA).

Closes Sep 11, start Sep 15.

Construction Management Apprenticeship

Lovell Regen

Partnered with Lovell Regen, EN:Able Futures is offering an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn, whilst working toward a Level 3 construction support technician qualification.

£15,410 a year.

Doncaster (DN6 8QA).

Closes Sep 4, start Sep 8.

Business Administration Apprentice

Dutton FM

Exciting opportunity to work for Dutton Group, specifically facility managers Dutton FM, as a business administrator within a small team, friendly team.

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Wakefield, West Yorks (WF1 2ED).

Closes Sep 6, start Sep 8.

Engineering Fitter Apprentice

Trivent

Long-standing manufacturer of kitchen ventilation systems is looking for the newest engineering talent to join its operation in Leeds.

This apprenticeship leads you to become a skilled engineer within the company’s mechanical fitting department.

Candidates must be 18-plus, due to the nature of work.

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Leeds (LS11 0EF).

Closes Sep 2, start Sep 8.

Apprentice Assistant Site Manager (Level 3)

Huber Parking

Apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures are partnering with Huber Parking to look for an apprentice manager to join their busy team.

Working on the Calderdale Royal Hospital site, you will learn everything to get you through your nationally recognised qualification. £16,588 a year.

Halifax, West Yorks (HX3 0PW).

Closes Sep 11, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor

GS Kelsey Construction

Apprenticeship employer EN:Able Futures are partnering with GS Kelsey to support the delivery of new-build housing.

Fantastic opportunity for an apprentice to become part of a growing team.

£16,784 a year.

Rotherham, South Yorks (S66 8DW).

Closes Sep 26, start Sep 29.

‘You can make £300 a day’

5

HE was toying with going to university but the prospect of three more years’ book study, and the debt, swung Lucas Robinson to learn a trade.

Lucas, 25, from Nottingham, did a two-and-a-half year bricklaying course at Derby College, while working on sites for his employer at £170 a week.

He said of bricklaying: “I’ve been doing this for four years and the company I work for is all over the country. Bricklaying is what you make of it. You can start at 8am, finish at 3pm and make £300 a day, depending on the deal. I’ve been doing ‘price bricklaying’ for a while, paid 65p a brick and about £150 a day, but I hear you can make £1 a brick in London.

“Eight hours is a long day carrying bricks and it can be stressful when things are not going right, but I love my job. My dad’s a bricklayer too.

“My mum wanted to push me down the uni route, but I decided on a different path and I’m so happy.

“Looking at a house and thinking, I built that and people are going to live in it, it’s a good feeling.”

East Midlands

Estimator

FP McCann

Undertake the tasks involved within the estimating process, from measuring and doing take-offs, to producing quotations for external customers.

An estimator creates quotations based on drawings, listing products and costs for customer orders.

£14,722.50 to £23,809.50, depending on your age.

Derbyshire (DE6 4PH).

Closes Sep 10, start Sep 30.

Apprentice Fabricator/Welder Metal Fabricator

James Engineering

We pride ourselves on family values – the company was founded by the grandfather of the current owner.

Our mission is simple: to provide high-quality services without compromising on quality.

We are seeking an apprentice fabricator/welder to join our team.

Learn all aspects of steel- welding including MIG, TIG and MMA.

Wage £17,238 a year.

Alfreton (DE55 7JR).

Closes Sep 12, start Sep 15.

Maintenance Apprentice Engineer

Gordon Ellis & Co

Opportunity for an enthusiastic apprentice to join our maintenance team.

The successful candidate will work alongside our skilled maintenance engineers to develop a broad range of practical engineering skills.

£17,550 a year.

Derby (DE74 2PY).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.

Warehouse Operative Apprentice

International Abrasives Ltd

Join our growing business where hard work is recognised and development encouraged.

Pick, pack and ship orders, unload and restock deliveries, keep the warehouse organised and support stock control.

A strong work ethic is essential.

£14,133.60 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Leicester (LE9 6TJ).

Closes Sep 16, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Estimator

James Engineering Constructions Ltd

Opportunity to join this family business.

You will be part of the estimating team, working in a busy office, supporting the supervisor and sales director.

£17,162.60 a year.

Alfreton (DE55 7JR).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Cabinet Maker

Alias Industries Ltd

Enrol on a furniture- manufacturing apprenticeship with Leicester College.

You will be trained as a cabinet maker/bench joiner, working in a modern workshop environment to produce high-end, bespoke furniture and displays for domestic and retail sectors.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase.

Peckleton, Leicester (LE9 7RN).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.

Hardware Engineer Apprentice

Brick Ltd

You will help construction colleagues to get the most value from their tech tools, rectifying any faults and providing advice about a wide range of hardware and related software.

We are looking for someone who has great hardware knowledge as well as impressive customer service skills.

£20,000 a year. Leicestershire (LE67 6HS).

Closes Sep 23, start Oct 1.

Health, Safety and Environment Apprentice

Mecc Alte (UK) Ltd

Exciting opportunity for a motivated apprentice to work within our Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (GHSE) department to help ensure that compliance measures are adhered to within the company.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Oakham, East Mids (LE15 6RF).

Closes Sep 5, start Oct 1.

Machinist – Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice

Metrol Springs Ltd

Full-time employment, with day-release training, offering a competitive salary and 21 days’ paid holiday as well as bank holidays.

Based in Northampton, Metrol Springs is the UK’s largest manufacturer of gas springs.

Metrol is part of the PLC Lesjofors Group.

Our group includes almost 40 manufacturing and sales companies in many countries.

£19,760 a year.

Northampton (NN3 6QF).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.

Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor

GS Kelsey Construction

Apprenticeship employer EN:Able Futures is partnering with GS Kelsey Construction to support delivery of new-build housing.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an apprentice to become part of a dynamic and growing team.

£16,784 a year.

Scunthorpe, Lincs (DN16 2HF).

Closes Sep 26, start Sep 29.

‘I’m problem solving daily’

5

DILIGENT Dan Smoker has been a builder for 18 years and reckons the trade is going from strength to strength so there’s good money to be made for those with the right skills.

Dan, 34, from Epsom, Surrey, said: “I did bricklaying at college and after that went into being a multi-trader.

“Now I run my own company and business is good. If someone needs a new kitchen or bathroom, they call me.

“I work on word-of-mouth so don’t have to advertise, and my niche is the maintenance side of things. It’s been a fantastic career for me because you rarely work for the same person and you’re dealing with a range of issues and problems.

“You are problem-solving every day and the bit I like is when you do the work, stand back and see the customer is happy. You feel really proud of what you’ve done. It’s a feeling of immense satisfaction.

“You’ve got to turn up, want to learn the craft then do it properly, and it will come – all the trades are on the up right now.”

West Midlands

Apprentice Joiner Carpenter (Level 2)

Middleton Traditional Joinery Ltd

Looking to recruit a motivated apprentice to support our growing business needs.

Your role will allow you to gain hands-on experience working alongside skilled professionals, learning the craft of carpentry and the processes involved in producing precision-manufactured components.

We are seeking someone who takes pride in their work.

£15,704 a year. West Coppice Road,

Walsall (WS8 7HB).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 8.

Plumbing & Heating Apprentice (Level 3)

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

A great opportunity to work alongside our existing Trades staff, getting hand-on experience and travelling across Sandwell.

You will be trained in all aspects of plumbing and domestic heating work, such as installing bathrooms and kitchens, replacing pipework and fixing leaks and repairs – all whilst undertaking a Level 3 qualification.

Wage £14,526.20 a year.

Oldbury (B69 3ES).

Closes Sep 12, start Nov 3.

Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor

GS Kelsey Construction

Partnering with award-winning apprenticeship employer EN:Able Futures, this new-build housing provider is offering a fantastic opportunity for you to become part of their growing team.

£16,784 a year.

Gainsborough, Lincs (DN21 1SJ).

Closes Sep 26, start Sep 29.

Apprentice Grounds Maintenance Operative

Brass Facilities

Seeking an apprentice to join our hardworking mobile gardening department that works on our various contracts in the Midlands Area.

The successful candidate will be cutting grass and hedges and dealing with maintenance duties.

£16,640 a year.

Wednesbury (WS10 0PD).

Closes Sep 5, start date Sep 8.

Bricklayer Apprentice (Level 2)

All Britain Construction Ltd

Join a driven construction team with an impressive client portfolio.

This is a full-time position, in an environment that will allow the right person to unlock their potential.

If you have the right attitude – either with the experience or determination to learn how to perform and grow with a winning team – then this is the role for you.

£15,704 a year.

Worcester (WR5 2PT).

Closes tomorrow, start Oct 1.

Apprentice Production Technician.

Narros Aisle Ltd

Looking for an apprentice to work as part of a skilled team, in a dynamic and growing company.

Narros Aisle Ltd are recruiting for our team at our production facility in the West Midlands.

You will play a crucial role within the production unit, ensuring that products meet our high-quality standards.

The role will involve you in learning about assembly, maintenance and repair of our forklift trucks.

£15,311.40 a year.

Tipton (DY4 7AU).

Closes Sep 4, start Sep 18.

Apprentice Carpenter

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside our existing trades staff, getting hands-on carpentry experience while travelling across the Sandwell Borough.

You will be trained in all aspects of carpentry work while undertaking a Level 2 apprenticeship qualification.

£14,526.20 a year.

Oldbury (B69 3ES).

Closes Sep 12, start Nov 3.

Apprentice Painter & Decorator (Level 2)

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Great opportunity to work alongside our existing trades staff, getting hands-on experience and travelling across the Sandwell borough.

You will be trained in all aspects of painting and decorating, whilst undertaking a Level 2 qualification.

Wage £14,526.20 a year.

Oldbury (B69 3ES).

Closes Sep 12, start Nov 3.

Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Apprentice (Level 3)

Hadley Group

Looking for a metal-forming manufacturing technician apprentice to gain the knowledge and competence required to effectively operate at semi-skilled or skilled operator status.

You will carry out a range of engineering and manufacturing processes within the cold-rolling environment.

£15,743 a year.

West Midlands (B66 2PA).

Closes Sep 2, start Sep 15.

Production Operative Apprentice

Frederick Cooper

Looking for someone excited to start their successful career in the manufacturing sector, with opportunity to specialise in several different roles including wet-paint spraying, powder-coating, polishing, business administration and more.

£15,392 a year.

Birmingham (B9 4TS).

Closes Sep 8, start Sep 29.

Landscaping Apprentice

Flagstone and Flora Ltd

Experience all aspects of landscaping, including laying slabs, setting levels and installing decking.

Learn about paving, fencing, and woodwork, and brick and block work to build retaining walls, garden walls and raised beds.

£15,704 for the first year, then could increase depending on age.

Evesham, Worcs (WR11 8PR).

Closes Sep 2, start Sep 9.

East of England

Apprentice Electrical Draughtsman

Nordson Test & Inspection

The company has a strong portfolio of award-winning products for destructive and non-destructive mechanical testing, as well as the inspection of electronic components.

If you are keen on building your knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering, then join our research and development team in Colchester and experience product innovation first hand.

£14,820.65 to £23,968.23 a year.

Essex (CO4 9AS).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 8.

Apprentice Fitter (Level 3)

DXB Pump & Power Ltd

We are a leading pump-manufacturing company focusing on their customers.

Our main objective is to design and manufacture high-quality pump sets that offer outstanding reliability.

We have a reputation for exceptional customer service, backed by a large selection of quality pump products.

£19,500 a year.

Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk (IP30 9HR).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker

Fine Line Sheet Metal Engineering Ltd

Start your career with a well-established sheet-metal engineering company.

As an apprentice, you’ll receive hands-on training, develop a wide range of practical skills, and gain a solid understanding of the industry.

With guidance from experienced professionals, you’ll build the foundations for a rewarding and long-term career in engineering.

£15,704 to £25,396.80 a year.

Essex (CM7 2YN).

Closes Sep 3, start Sep 4.

Multi-Skilled Engineering Apprentice

Trivium Packaging

Swarm Group is working with Trivium Packaging in their search for a Level 3 maintenance and operations engineering technician apprentice.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a robust work environment and gain valuable skills to become a multi-skilled engineer.

£20,000 a year.

Norwich (NR7 9AZ).

Closes Sep 10, start Sep 15.

Apprenticeship in CNC Machining (four years)

NE Engineering

Fast-growing manufacturing facility that offers the ideal environment for candidates to learn the required skills in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing.

The successful candidate will be trained to set, operate and programme the latest technology.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone to get into engineering.

Competitive wage.

Norwich (NR13 6LJ).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.

Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)

TML Precision Engineering Ltd

You will become integral to an already established team, and be exposed to all areas of the business to grow and develop knowledge and expertise.

£15,311.40 to £24,761.88, depending on your age.

Hethel, Norfolk (NR14 8QR). Closes Sep 12, start Jan 1.

Apprentice Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician

SA Tooley Ltd

Shadowing/assisting qualified engineers, to develop your skills and knowledge in all aspects of the plumbing and domestic heating work carried out by the company.

£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age.

Scratby, Norfolk (NR29 3LW).

Closes Sep 12, start Jan 1.

Estimating Apprentice

Loughton Contracts PLC

Seeking a motivated and detail-orientated individual to support our fit-out estimating and sales team in preparing accurate, cost-effective bids for commercial flooring projects.

This is an exciting entry-level opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-performing environment, working within the construction industry.

£15,500 a year.

Loughton, Essex (IG10 3FL).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Plasterer

Training and Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd.

This is a full plastering course, not just skimming.

The apprentice will be learning the following: mixing techniques, material- estimation handling and stick-management, defect repair, floating and beading techniques, rendering, base-coat application and scratch coats, dry-lining, jointing, levelling compounds, screeds and much more.

£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age.

King’s Lynn, Norfolk (PE34 3AH).

Closes Sep 30, start Oct 1.

Apprentice Construction Landscaper

Training and Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd.

If you love the outdoors and are interested in developing hands-on skills in landscaping, then this Essex-based business, in Chelmsford, is looking to recruit enthusiastic individuals to be part of their team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about a trade while also gaining hands-on, practical experience in the construction industry.

£17,667 for your first year, and then could increase depending on your age.

Closes Sep 30, start October 5.

Apprentice Carpenter and Joiner

Training & Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd.

Successful apprentice candidates will join our first fix joinery team in putting together our proprietary timber frame.

This frame has been developed by our design team over a number of years and forms a key component of our house types.

£17,680 a year.

Epping, Essex (CM16 6LT).

Closes Sep 30, start Oct 1.

Fencing Installer Apprentice

Training & Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd

Looking for motivated individuals to gain hands-on, practical experience and build toward a career within a growing and dynamic field.

£17,667 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Essex (CM1 3AA).

Closes Sep 30, start Oct 1.

London & The South East

Apprenticeship

Brenbar Electrical Services Ltd

Seeking an enthusiastic Level 4 quantity surveyor apprentice to join our team, supporting the quantity surveying team through various stages of a project.

£11,778 to £19,047.60, depending on your age.

Romford (RM3 8UR).

Closes Sep 10, start Sep 15.

Site Supervisor Apprentice

Brenbar Electrical Services Ltd

Looking for a motivated and hardworking individual to join our team as a construction site supervisor apprentice, to assist the site manager with daily tasks.

Wage £11,778 to £19,047.60, depending on your age.

Romford (RM3 8UR).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Bricklaying Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Roberts Brothers Construction Ltd

Our bricklayers lay bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures.

£14,722.50 to £23,809.50 a year.

Reading (RG31 6HF).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.

Groundworks Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Kilnbridge Construction Services Ltd

Opportunity to lay the foundations of a career within construction, as part of a recognised company working on showpiece jobs such as London’s Canary Wharf.

As an apprentice, you will be on a development plan, and a career mentor will help your progression throughout your apprenticeship.

We offer a competitive salary, 20 days’ annual leave and more.

CSCS card required. £31,000 a year. London (NW10 6DZ).

Closes Sep 5, start Nov 10.

Formworker Apprenticeship

Kilnbridge Construction Services Ltd

Opportunity to start a career within construction, with a recognised company working on prestige jobs such as London’s Canary Wharf.

As an apprentice, you will be on a development plan and a career mentor will support your progression.

We offer a competitive salary, 20 days’ annual leave and more. CSCS card required. £31,000 a year.

London (NW10 6DZ).

Closes Sep 5, start Oct 5.

Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

Byoot Construction Ltd

Great opportunity to join our team. £16,672.50 a year.

London (W3 0TE).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Associate Project Manager

Apprentice Byoot Construction Ltd

Learn the ropes of project management, including site programs, progress reports, site inspections, cost reporting, tender analysis and monthly valuations.

£22,500 a year.

London (W3 0TE).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Construction Site Supervisor Apprentice

Byoot Construction Ltd

A great opportunity in the construction industry, to play an integral role within a dynamic team at Byroot.

£21,000 a year.

London (W3 0TE).

Closes Sep 8, start Sep 15.

Quantity Surveyor Apprentice

Trinity Surfacing Ltd

Seeking a motivated and detail-orientated apprentice who will be part of our commercial team.

Role offers hands-on, practical experience working in the areas of cost management, contract administration, and project delivery, while also studying towards achieving a recognised qualification in quantity surveying or construction management.

£22,000 a year.

Rochester, Kent (ME3 9ND).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Business Administrator

Sunninghill Construction Co Ltd

Exciting opportunity for an apprentice to develop foundation knowledge as an apprentice, by providing administrative support to a leading marketing and business development team, whilst also studying for a business administrator Level 3 apprenticeship qualification.

£14,133.60 a year.

Haywards Heath, West Sussex (RH16 1BP).

Closes Sep 22, start date Oct 26.

Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor

Kori Construction

Award-winning contractor, and one of the fastest-growing construction companies in the UK, is offering an exciting opportunity for an apprentice to work on our Hampton project in Kingston upon Thames, South West London.

£28,812 a year.

Hampton, South West London (TW12 2AX).

Closes Sep 8, start Sep 22.

Construction Apprentice

Kori Construction

You will be working with a strong team of highly knowledgeable individuals to develop your skill set and progress your career.

In exchange for your hard work and commitment, we will provide you with a competitive salary and support you with a top-quality apprenticeship training programme.

£21,000 a year.

Hampton, South West London (TW12 2AX).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Landscaper

Bobby Brown Garden Construction Ltd

We are a small, high-end local business.

With increased demand, we are excited to provide a valuable opportunity for a young person to learn, develop skills and build a rewarding career with us.

Working typically within Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, specifically around Thame and Chinnor.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Aylesbury, Bucks (HP17 8QZ).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Construction Materials Technician

BAM Construct UK

Learn all about construction materials testing – no experience needed, just a great work ethic and willingness to get stuck in.

You’ll split your time between site and lab, working on the HS2 Project – the UK’s biggest-ever rail infrastructure development, stretching from London to the North West.

£20,000 a year.

Aylesbury, Bucks (HP18 0BX).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.

South West

Bricklaying Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Liam Quick Construction Ltd

You will be working alongside other builders so will also pick up experience in other home-improvement activities.

£15,704 a year.

Plymouth (PL3 5SF).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 15

Carpentry Apprenticeship – Carpentry and Joinery (Level 2)

AC Construction and Carpentry Ltd

Looking for a hard-working, reliable and passionate apprentice to join an experienced team in and around Plymouth.

We are a very experienced company that has taken on many apprentices throughout the years.

We work to teach them new skills and develop the ones they already have.

£15,704 a year.

Langage Business Park, Plympton, Devon (PL7 5BG).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 15.

Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Pathfinder Park Homes Ltd

Work under the direction and guidance of a team leader to assist in installing all aspects of plumbing and heating into new-build luxury lodges, whilst upholding safety guidelines and complying with codes and regulations.

You will be required to undertake work throughout the site.

£15,311.40 a year.

Devon (TQ12 6FJ).

Closes Sep 10, start Sep 20.

Customer Advisor

Apprenticeship B&Q – Torquay

Join our team, and you’ll become an expert advisor – an inspiration as well as a guide, the person who gets to know every customer and their home improvement projects.

Sales will be important, of course, as will things such as managing stock, setting up displays, and making sure your store looks great at all times.

£11,897 a year.

Woodland Business Park, Torquay (TQ2 8AS).

Closes Sep 18, start Sep 25.

Maintenance Apprentice (Level 2)

Rowcroft House Foundation Ltd

Our Vision is to make every day the best day possible for our patients and their families in South Devon.

Working as part of a small estates team, you will help deliver our vision by participating in the maintenance of the fabric and structure of all the hospice buildings, as well as contributing to various ongoing grounds maintenance work.

£14,918.80 a year.

Torquay (TQ2 5LS).

Closes Sep 3, start Sep 15.

Bricklaying Apprenticeship (Level 2)

JMP Bricklaying & Building Services Ltd

Looking for an apprentice to join their team in Saltash, Cornwall.

Main duties will include applying and sealing foundations with materials that are damp- resistant, spreading and removing excess mortar, inspecting vertical and horizontal brick alignment.

£15,704 a year.

Buckfastleigh, Devon (TQ11 0LL).

Closes Oct 31, start Nov 3.

Apprentice Bricklayer

Crestmoor Construction

Seeks an energetic apprentice to join its construction team.

Projects include bridges, retaining walls, commercial builds, and domestic works.

You’ll learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable skills to build a lasting career in the construction and civil- engineering industry.

£15,704 a year.

Wincanton, Somerset (BA9 8AP).

Closes Sep 3, start Sep 10.

Business Administration Apprentice

Planning Inspectorate

Whether you’re starting your first job, returning to work, or seeking a fresh challenge, our Level 3 apprenticeship offers hands-on experience, with support from City of Bristol College, and a welcoming team at the Planning Inspectorate.

£22,728 a year.

Bristol (BS1 6PN).

Closes Sep 7, start date Nov 3.

Roofing Apprenticeship

Heritage Building & Roofing Ltd

Learn to install, repair and maintain slate and tile roofs while working safely at height.

Earn as you learn, gain hands-on experience, and build skills for a career in a high-demand trade with excellent progression and opportunities for self-employment.

£15,704 a year.

Bristol (BS1 5AR) and two other locations.

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.

Drylining Apprenticeship

Lumini Developments Ltd

Learn to install partition walls, ceilings, and interior fittings to a high standard.

Gain hands-on experience, work with a skilled team, and start a career in a growing trade with strong demand and excellent progression opportunities.

Wage £15,704 a year. Bristol (BS3 1HT) and two other locations.

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.

Apprentice Groundworker

C&R Construction

Learn to prepare sites, dig foundations, lay drainage and handle materials safely.

Gain hands-on experience, work as part of a skilled team and build a career in a high-demand trade with progression opportunities.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Crediton, Devon (EX17 6AX).

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.

Apprentice Roofer

Deelis Roofing Ltd

You will learn about how to install, repair and maintain slate and tile roofs while working safely at height.

Earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and build skills for a career in a high-demand trade that offers excellent career progression opportunities.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Taunton, Somerset (TA1 5NF).

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.

Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

CoTrain

This apprenticeship is a springboard for anyone wishing to progress into construction quantity surveying.

Assisting senior managers with the budgeting of construction projects, as well as control of costs.

£15,311.40 to £24,761.88, depending on your age.

Gosport (PO12 2HE).

Closes Sep 4, star Sep 15.

Apprentice Groundworker

Morcom Construction Ltd

Morcom are offering an exciting opportunity to join their dynamic team as an apprentice Gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to kick-start your career as a groundworker.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Sites across Cornwall. (TR15 3RD).

Closes Sep 12, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Roofer

Greenlight Group

Established in 2009, Greenlight Group has been in operation for more than 15 years, supplying safety consultancy and safety assessment services to an ever-growing roster of clients.

Your apprenticeship would be based in Bristol, and you should apply for this role if you are interested in a long-term career as a roofing specialist.

£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

(BS3 2EB)

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.

Wales

Apprentice Electrical Engineer

Kaisaian Electrical Ltd

Work for a company offering a range of services from electrical installations and maintenance (reactive and planned), electrical inspection and condition reports (EICR), to fire and emergency lighting installation and maintenance, UPS and generator installation, thermo-graphic surveys and lightning and surge protection.

Pay will be at apprenticeship rates.

Cardiff.

Closes Sep 15, possible start Sep 22.

Apprentice Electrical Engineer

Jones & Jones Electrical

Work for a company offering a range of services from electrical installations and maintenance (reactive & planned) electrical inspection and condition reports (EICR), to fire and emergency lighting installation and maintenance, UPS and generator installation, thermographic surveys, and lightning and surge protection.

Pay is at apprenticeship rates.

Trebanos, Neath Port Talbot (SA8 4DW).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Electrical Engineer

Oasis Software Solutions (OSS)

Work for a company offering a range of services from electrical installations, electrical maintenance (reactive and planned), electrical inspection and condition reports (EICR), to fire and emergency lighting installation and maintenance, UPS and generator installation, thermographic surveys and lightning and surge protection.

Wage, apprenticeship rates.

Cwmbach, Rhondda CF44 0AE.

Closes Sep 8, possible start Sep 22.

Refrigeration Engineer Trainee

UK Refrigeration Services Ltd

Work involves the installation of mechanical services to sites and supermarkets.

Pay is national minimum wage.

Swansea, SA6 8QW.

Closes Dec 1, possible start Dec 2.

Scaffolding Apprentice

MAC Scaffolding (Cardiff) Ltd

Join one of the largest and most trusted independent scaffolding companies in Wales.

For 40 years, MAC Scaffolding has been a leading supplier of access scaffolding solutions across the UK.

Career-path progression from Part One trainee to Part Two scaffolder and advanced scaffolder.

You will be working on projects of varying sizes and complexities.

Wage, national minimum wage.

Cardiff (CF11 8TY).

Closes Sep 30, possible start Oct 10.

Scotland

Freight Logistics Apprentice

Microcom Training

We are expanding our team and have created a junior role suited to a recent school or college leaver.

This is an Apprentice Warehouse Operative role where you will be trained to pick computer generated orders and maintain high levels of health and safety; working across different areas of the business to enhance your knowledge and skills whilst providing excellent customer service and operating within a safe working environment, ensuring complete legal compliance.

£14,723 per year.

Newbridge, near Edinburgh (EH28 8LQ).

Closes Sep 19, start date to be determined.

Warehousing and Trade Counter Apprentice

Microcom Training

We are a well-known and established Builders Merchants.

We are growing our team and have an opportunity to recruit an apprentice to support our warehouse and counter staff.

Work involves receiving and checking in of goods, checking and loading a delivery van, putting goods into stock and generally keeping the store tidy, recording stock, recording missing/damaged items, counter service at peak times, laying out customer orders, and keeping an eye on stock levels. £14,134 per year.

Dalry, North Ayrs (KA24 5DZ).

Closes Sep 19, start to be determined.

Health, Safety and Environmental

Apprentice/Trainee

JB Management Ltd

Gain hands-on experience in creating a safe, compliant and proactive workplace.

You’ll be involved in risk assessments, safety checks and incident investigations, while learning from experienced professionals in a fast-paced industry.

Perfect for someone with a keen eye for detail, strong communication skills, and a passion for safety.

£20,800 to £25,397 per year.

Kilmarnock, East Ayrs (KA12 8AS).

Closes Sep 2, start to be determined.

Apprentice Panel Technician

FMG Repair Services

Earn while you learn with an apprenticeship that will see you work full-time in a garage workshop and gain a SCQF in vehicle body repair.

In this role, you will be trained to repair vehicle damage to an exacting standard.

£15,311 to £16,224 a year.

Dundee (DD5 3RU).

Closes Sep 19, start immediate.

Service Engineer Apprentice

JWF Process Solutions Ltd

During this apprenticeship you will attend college part-time, while also gaining experience from working closely with experienced engineers.

You will undertake calibration, servicing, testing, maintenance and repair work covering a wide range of instrumentation equipment.

£13,800 to £15,800 per year.

Glasgow (G41 1HJ).

Closes Sep 30, start to be determined.

Light Vehicle Mechanic

Armit’s Autos

Work toward achieving a Level 7 Scottish Vocational Qualification in vehicle maintenance and repair.

Learn the skills you need to be a fully qualified light vehicle diagnostic technician.

£15,312.

Broxburn, near Edinburgh (EH52 5NN).

Closes Sep 12, start to be determined.

HUNDREDS of thousands of Brits could be hit by a surprise £500 tax bill as a new rule comes into effect. 

The new scheme could affect nearly 900,000 business owners across the UK. 

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The Government’s new Making Tax Digital scheme will require people over a certain income threshold to keep electronic records and file updates every financial quarter.

The move is part of the Government’s efforts to crack down on tax fraud, which cost Britain £12.4 billion from 2021 to 2022.

However, financial advisors have warned that the cost of reporting your tax figures could cost up to £500 a year once staff training, software and admin time are factored in – according to George Holmes, managing director of Aurora Capital. 

Only people who earn £50,000 from self-employment or from rental properties will be subject to the new rules.

Ahead of the change, Craig Ogilvie, director of Making Tax Digital at HMRC, said: “With April 2026 on the horizon, we are issuing letters to customers we believe will be mandated, outlining specific requirements and timelines.”

He added: “We urge those who meet the mandate criteria to join our testing programme on GOV.UK now to help shape the final service and make your transition smoother.”

An estimated 864,000 sole traders and landlords will need to comply with the new rules.

James Murray MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “MTD for Income Tax is an essential part of our plan to transform the UK’s tax system into one that supports economic growth.”

Murray added: “By modernising how people manage their tax, we’re helping businesses work more efficiently and productively while ensuring everyone pays their fair share.”

The news comes after experts warned Rachel Reeves that she would have to find £50 billion to plug a black hole in Britain’s finances. 

The Chancellor has remained committed to her fiscal rules, which requires the UK to have financial cushion of £9.9billion by the end of the decade.

In order to put the UK’s finances on a firm footing, experts from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research have said that Ms Reeves will have to raise taxes.

Prof Stephen Millard, from the institute, said: “We would advocate building a bigger buffer. 

“To do that requires moderate but sustained increases in taxes.”

The think tank also upped its growth forecast for this year to 1.3 per cent but knocked their prediction for 2026 down to 1.2 per cent from 1.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, tax refund letters have started landing on doorsteps across the UK but Brits have been warned to watch out for scams.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Sun found that HMRC refunded a staggering £8.3billion in overpaid tax from 2022 until 2023 — with the average worker pocketing £943.

However, any letter or email which requires you to give your credit card details, transfer money or click a link should be avoided at all costs. 

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THE best takeaways in the UK and Ireland have been revealed – and your local favourite could be on the list.

Uber Eats has announced a shortlist of 12 finalists competing in this year’s Restaurant of the Year Awards.

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Takeaway fans have been voting for their favourite restaurant to claim the top prize, which will be announced later this year.

A total of 130 restaurants originally made the nominations list.

Now one takeaway from each region has been selected to have a shot of becoming the overall winner.

These are the finalists:

• London – Sanjugo
• Yorkshire – Silver’s Deli
• Scotland: YAYAS
• North West: Burg N Ice
• North East: Sushi Me Rollin’
• West Midlands: Taqi’s Grill
• Wales: Sharkbite Burgers
• South West: Low & Slow
• South East: Umami Street Food
• East Midlands & Anglia: Wok & Grill
• Northern Ireland: Seed
• Ireland: Urban Health

London gem Sanjugo has an impressive 4.8 stars out of 5 on Google Reviews.

The Japanese sushi restaurant currently has locations in Angel, Shoreditch and Victoria.

Another Japanese restaurant to make the cut is Sushi Me Rollin’ in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

It’s known for its hand-crafted sushi with wacky names, including The Attenborough and The Karate Squid.

Two burger restaurants are also on the list.

There’s Burg N Ice, which offers smashed burgers and crispy chicken tenders alongside sweet treats like ice cream and waffles.

Meanwhile Sharkbite Burgers in Cwmbran, Wales, serves up giant burgers like the Daddy Shark and the Megalodon.

It was set up by competitive bodybuilder Mark, also known as Sharkey, and his partner Tash.

Barbecue and grill restaurants also feature among the finalists.

Taqi’s Grill in Birmingham is known for its Cajun Chargrilled Doner Kebab, Signature Burger and Beef Smash Burger.

Meanwhile Low & Slow in Bristol smokes its delicious meat dishes for up to 20 hours to get the perfect texture and taste.

Leicester’s Wok & Grill offers a fusion of authentic Indo-Chinese and flame-grilled dishes.

You can get everything from noodle and rice boxes to peri peri chicken and gourmet burgers.

The winner of the sought-after title will be crowned in London.

They will receive a huge £100,000 prize to invest into their business.

All the finalists will receive a £5,000 prize and a tailored support package from Uber Eats to help boost their business.

The winners will be judged by experts such as Levi Roots, Eating with Todd, Clodagh McKenna, and 2024 Restaurant of the Year winner Natty Crutchfield.

More than 60% of restaurants on Uber Eats are small or medium-sized businesses.

Matthew Price, general manager of Uber Eats UK, Ireland and Northern Europe, said: “Independent restaurants are the beating heart of the UK and Ireland’s food scene.

“Whether it’s your local burger joint, a climate-conscious vegan cafe, or a TikTok-famous pop-up, Uber Eats is proud to support the businesses that bring flavour, jobs, and culture to our communities.”

AN ENTREPRENEUR whose restaurant idea was rejected as “a disaster” on Dragons’ Den is set to open 100 new outlets of his popular chain.

Alessandro Savelli, who co-founded Pasta Evangelists and currently serves as its CEO, says the chain is aiming to become the UK’s “fastest-growing, casual dining hot spot”.

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Now worth around £40 million, Pasta Evangelists was rejected on Dragons’ Den by business experts in 2018 when Savelli and co-founder Finn Lagun asked for a £75,000 investment for a 2.5 per cent cut of the company.

Dragon Jenny Campbell even called Finn “delusional” and “a disaster” during their pitch.

However, the entrepreneurs have no doubt had the last laugh as their business is now set for major expansion.

Pasta Evangelists says it will invest £30 million into new restaurants, creating up to 1,500 jobs.

It hopes to open 100 new restaurants across the UK in the next five years, including in the south of England, the Midlands, and Scotland.

The company is also aiming to develop a “Pasta Apprenticeship” scheme to attract new staff and help the current workforce develop new skills and knowledge, reports The Grocer.

Savelli said: “The demand for our fresh, beautifully cooked artisan pasta is growing.

“Our intention is to become the UK’s fastest-growing, casual dining hot spot and the hottest place to eat for pasta lovers of all ages.

“Sustainable growth has always been our plan.

“The hospitality industry is going through tough times at the moment, but we are confident that our business model is robust and dynamic, and the proof of this is we have already bucked the trend with the confirmed opening of five more restaurants in the space of three months, and more to come.”

The chain opened a restaurant in Farringdon, central London, this summer as well as its first outside of the capital in Guildford in July.

Three new London locations are set to open in the coming weeks, helping carry the total number of outlets to 11 as we head into autumn.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the plans were “great news” and highlighted the “dynamism and resilience of British businesses”.

The restaurant has had a remarkable success story since its Dragons’ Den miss.

Recalling their appearance on the BBC show, Finn said he was “shaking life a leaf” before walking out to pitch his business.

He added that he was left devastated by the business experts’ “vicious” comments.

Speaking to The Sun in 2023, he said: “I never would have expected to be called a ‘disaster’ or ‘delusional‘ on national TV – they were vicious things to say to a young entrepreneur.

“To use that kind of language against a young, passionate person was dismaying. I would never talk to any young entrepreneur like that.”

Despite their lack of faith in the business, the Dragons are no doubt feeling red in the face now as Pasta Evangelists is one of the UK’s biggest fresh pasta companies.

It has also earned the highest praise from many voices, including chef Gordon Ramsay.

SCARRED BY EXPERIENCE ON DRAGONS’ DEN

While Pasta Evangelists has gone on to huge success, Finn says he’s still scarred by his experience in the Den.

“We received an extremely strong, negative, visceral reaction,” he says.

“I was 24 years old when I went on Dragons’ Den, so for a seasoned entrepreneur like Jenny Campbell to call me ‘delusional’ and a ‘disaster’ was so vicious… Jenny was savage.

“At one point she said, ‘I like it’ and I replied, ‘Thank you’, only for her to say, ‘I like it because it’s a brilliant business lesson in how not to set up and run a business’.

“I was mortified, I felt like an idiot having grinned at her and thanked her. She was deliberately trying to take me for a ride for entertainment.”

Finn adds: “I don’t want to sound like the Virgin Mary but if the tables were turned and I was Jenny Campbell, I would have apologised.

“If I saw the business had turned into the UK’s biggest pasta company in a few years I’d say, ‘Well done, you defied expectations’ and maybe even offer a little contrition or an apology.”

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A BELOVED car garage with hundreds of thousands of fans has been forced to close its doors. 

The garage is shutting down after nearly six years, after its famous owner battled with “rising costs”. 

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Joe Betty first set up his famous garage Berrow Motors in 2020, in the sleepy town of Burnham-on-Sea.

During that time, he slowly built up his customer base and started posting videos about motors online – quickly racking up millions of views. 

His YouTube channel Shifting Metal takes viewers behind the scenes of his high-flying lifestyle, as he buys and trades luxury vehicles including Porsches, BMWs and Jaguars. 

However, after becoming one of the most famous motor influencers in Britain, Joe has been forced to close the garage which helped launch his career. 

The petrolhead and influencer says that rising costs are to blame for the sudden closure of Berrow Motors. 

He said: “We’ve had nearly six fantastic years here. 

“We’ve won awards, gained over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and raised over £30,000 for local causes — but have decided now is the time to move on.”

“The cost of running a business is constantly rising and has certainly played a part in my decision, but I also wish to focus more time on fundraising and other business ventures.”

He added: “I want to thank all of our wonderful customers for their business over the last few years and of course the team members who made Berrow Motors what it was.

“I really hope another motor trader takes over the site and makes a success of it – you couldn’t ask for better landlords than the Welland family.”

Fans flooded the comments section on Shifting Metal’s social media, as Joe broke the news. 

One wrote: “sorry to hear that the business is closing down. I wish you and your family all the very best for the future”

Others said they would miss Joe’s hilarious challenges that he would set himself on YouTube. 

In one video, he flipped a coin to set the price of a luxury land rover and, in another, he bought and sold a Mercedes C63 for an eyewatering £35,000.

After letting go of the garage, Joe says that he is going to be focusing on producing even more “car-centric” content online.

The news comes as even major car brands struggle to stay afloat.

Nissan has been forced to accelerate the closure of two of its factories in Mexico, as it slashes its number of global factories from 17 to 10.

The crisis-hit brand has been battling rising debt, which it is hoping to remedy through its Re:Nissan plan.

The UK government even threw the manufacturer a lifeline, by allowing UK Export Finance to underwrite a £1 billion loan for Nissan.

It is hoped that the move will keep the Sunderland factory – Nissan’s only site in the UK – open.

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A COCKTAIL chain has fallen into administration, with four sites shutting their doors for good.

Simmons has appointed advisory firm Kroll to oversee the administration, company filings show.

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In its most recent audited account the company posted a loss of £749,000 for the year to end March 2024, reversing a profit of just under £2million the previous year.

Last week Simmons revealed plans to close at least four sites to focus on its best performing venues.

The chain has venues across London and one in Manchester and offers cocktails, brunches and karaoke at its 21 locations.

Last week Nick Campbell, who founded the company in 2021, said the move would “streamline its portfolio and strengthen its financial position”.

He said: “As part of the process, we’ve taken the tough decision to exit four leases, allowing management to focus resources on our strongest performing venues.

“Alongside this, we’ve secured additional investment to support future expansion and operational improvements across the estate.”

Tough times for UK pubs

Many of Britain’s pub and bar chains are feeling the impact of the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

The hike in costs of every day goods has meant that punters have less money to part with at the till.

Meanwhile, hikes to employers’ National Insurance Contributions that were introduced in April have piled further pressure onto businesses that are already struggling.

Last month The Coconut Tree  announced that it would be wound down after defaulting on its Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA).

The Sri Lankan restaurant group entered into the agreement last July, according to a report in Restaurant Online.

As a result, the group was required to initially repay £27,000 a month for the first three months.

Meanwhile, Oakman Inns & Restaurants fell into administration, with six sites shutting their doors for good.

It will see a total of 19 sites either sold or closed for good.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

HOMEWARE giant Wayfair has slashed its UK workforce by more than half in just two years, as it grapples with tumbling sales and a sharp drop in profit.

The US-based furniture retailer, which operates across Britain, cut staff numbers from 847 in 2022 to just 405 by the end of 2024, according to fresh filings with Companies House.

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The dramatic reduction follows a tough period for the business, with UK turnover plunging from £83.4million in 2022 to just £59.4million last year.

Profits also took a hit, with pre-tax earnings slipping from £2.6million to £2.2million over the same period.

Wayfair said it had made a 17 per cent cut to administrative expenses and was now focused on “driving cost efficiency” and “nailing the basics” as it tried to steady the ship.

Despite the ongoing slowdown, bosses remain upbeat about the retailer’s long-term prospects and said the group is working towards maintaining profitability and generating positive free cash flow.

The wider company reported a net revenue of $11.9billion (£8.8billion) globally last year – down $152million (£112million) on the year before.

International sales fell to $1.5billion (£1.1billion), while revenue in its core US market dropped to $10.4billion (£7.7billion).

Wayfair recorded a net loss of $492million (£363million) despite raking in $3.6billion (£2.7billion) in gross profits.

There was some relief in early 2025, as first-quarter results showed a $1billion (£740million) rise in total revenue, thanks to a modest recovery in US sales.

However, international takings continued to fall, dipping by $37million (£27million) to $301million (£223million).

Wayfair isn’t the only retailer feeling the pinch on the high street. Furniture favourite MADE.com collapsed into administration in 2022 after failing to find a buyer, leading to hundreds of job losses.

Habitat also shut down all standalone stores in 2021, moving exclusively online after years of underperformance.

Even major players have been forced to adapt.

Wilko closed its doors for good in 2023 after nearly a century in business, with more than 400 stores shutting and 12,000 staff affected.

Argos has continued to reduce its physical footprint, shutting dozens of standalone shops and moving into parent company Sainsbury’s stores to save costs.

Retail experts say changing consumer habits, rising costs and weaker demand are continuing to batter the home and furniture sector.

Many shoppers have tightened their belts amid soaring bills and higher interest rates, with big-ticket items like sofas and beds often the first to be cut from household budgets.

Wayfair bosses said the company remains “resilient” in the face of economic uncertainty and is pressing ahead with its long-term strategy to streamline operations and stay competitive.

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THE number of summer jobs available has fallen to the lowest level for seven years, as cautious firms cut back on hiring.

Figures from job-matching platform adzuna.co.uk show seasonal vacancies down by 13 per cent on 2024, but there are still more than 20,000 roles on offer nationwide.

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The temporary roles can boost your CV, help you learn new skills and even open up a permanent role.

Adzuna’s Andrew Hunter said: “A summer job might not seem like a big deal, but it’s one of the smartest moves a young jobseeker can make right now.

Beyond the extra cash, these roles offer a chance to build up the kind of soft skills that AI can’t replicate — emotional intelligence, communication, interpersonal skills and teamwork.”

Among the roles which are seeing a surge in hiring are lifeguards, festival crew, theme park assistants and hospitality staff.

Here are Sunemployment’s top tips to land a summer job to supercharge your career . . . 

Seek out a summer role which can lead to long-term work: Not all seasonal roles end when the sunny weather does. Big firms will often have year-round opportunities.

For example, start serving drinks in a beach bar, then move on to an apprenticeship or front-of-house role for a pub or restaurant chain.

Try an alternative industry: They may not seem like an obvious choice, but plenty of sectors from trains, airlines, hotels and coaches to gardeners, warehouses and call centres recruit for the summer.

All of these offer permanent contracts to summer staff.

Use a recruiter: Fed up applying for summer roles then getting ghosted? Recruitment consultants can put your CV in front of hiring managers to speed up the whole process.

Zahida Ahmed joined South Western Railway aged 21 as a temporary event supervisor through Adecco.

Although the initial job only lasted a week, she continued to work through the recruiter and is now a contract consultant with the firm.

Zahida, from Sunbury, Surrey, said: “My summer job was transformative and allowed me to step confidently into the working world and discover a career path I hadn’t considered before.”

Neil Carberry, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, said: “Recruiters can offer people from every background a chance at a job by working at a festival, concert or sporting event this summer, or something calmer in an office, shop or construction site.

“Agency work is a fantastic way to get experience over the summer in ways that suit you — and even kick-start your career.”

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HOLIDAY park operator Haven has 1,200 roles on offer. There are positions in areas including food and beverage, activities and leisure, security and accommodation services.

Ed Camp, 28, joined the firm in summer 2019 on a seasonal contract as a commis chef at the Littlesea park’s Mash And Barrel restaurant.

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He was later offered a permanent job and put on the Grow to Team Manager talent programme. He is now the restaurant’s kitchen team leader managing 16 staff. Ed said: “I’m excited to see where my journey takes me next.”

Apply at jobs.haven.com.

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SIX TIPS RELATIVE TO WORK

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THIS week saw the Gallagher brothers take to the stage together for the first time in 16 years. While working with family isn’t always so stressful, it may still throw up extra challenges.

Peter Duris, co-founder of Kickresume.com, said: “A family member on your team means having a colleague you can really trust.

“But, as in the case of Oasis, it can also mean spending too much time together or making big, stressful decisions with someone who knows how to push your buttons.”

Here, he shares his advice.

1. Set clear boundaries between your work and personal life: If your co-workers are family, it’s a necessity.

You might choose to use email only for work-related communication, while using your phone’s messaging apps for things like planning your dad’s birthday party.

2. Make sure the fact that you’re family doesn’t shape how you treat each other at work, so you don’t favour family members over others.

3. Keep your professional expectations the same: Never expect more or less because someone is family. Expecting more might make things more stressful and harm your personal relationship.

4. Be mindful of your past: Working with someone who knows you really well can be stressful, especially if there is already some tension between you.

For instance, if you’ve always had a bit of a competitive relationship with your sibling, or maybe grew up feeling like you were compared to each other, working together can be very tricky.

If you find yourself getting wound up, it might help to stop and think, “What am I really annoyed about?” When working on a project together, focus on your shared goals.

5. Consider your policies: Many UK companies have policies relating to family members, such as banning direct relatives being line managers over each other. These help you prevent a conflict of interest when it comes to issues like pay rises or performance reviews.

6. Sort your succession planning: If you work for a family business where multiple generations are involved, take professional advice on succession planning to avoid damage down the line.

MAKE FAST ‘BUCKS

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Starbucks has opened applications for its accelerated leadership programme – a fast track for future store managers.

The course offers a Level 3 management qualification which usually takes three years to achieve – but 20 trainees will be able to get it in 13 months.

Positions are available in major cities including London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow. No previous hospitality or work experience is required.

Alex Rayner, general manager of Starbucks UK, said: “Whether you’re leaving school or exploring a fresh start, Starbucks is a place where you can work with great people.”

Apply by July 21 at corndel.foleon.com/starbucks/starbucks-learner-hub.