News reports located on this page = 2.

Warrington small business owners urged to "recoup what they are owed"

THE boss of a Warrington Challenger Bank is urging business owners to:- "recoup what they are owed" with the help of a free Government appointed support service. Gary Wilkinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Redwood Bank, is recommending small business owners tackle late payment issues with help from the Small Business Commissioner (SBC). The SBC is an independent public body which was launched by the Government in December 2017 to tackle late payment and unfavourable payment practices in the UK. As a result of the late payment culture that exists between businesses, a ⅓ of payments to small businesses are late, with the average value of each payment amounting to ₤6,142.

Gary Wilkinson said:- "Government statistics show that 20% of small businesses have run into cash flow problems due to late payments. If they were paid on time, this could boost the economy by an estimated ₤2.5 billion annually. Many businesses owners have been forced to close their doors and adhere to the Government guidelines in place to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. As a result, revenue has been cut dramatically, but the need to pay bills still remains. There has never been a more pertinent time for small and medium sized businesses to recoup what they are owed."

The Commissioner urges small businesses affected by late or unfair payment practices to use the SBC's complaint investigation service and promises to take action to tackle the worst examples of supply chain bullying. Gary added:- "It is vital that small and medium business owners access the free help available to them."

Complaints are considered from small businesses with fewer than 50 staff who are having payment issues with larger businesses that have more than 50 employees. The independent Government appointed service is impartial and free to use on a non-risk basis. It provides general advice and information about resolving disputes and dealing with unpaid invoices as well as signposting businesses to dispute resolution services. It is also able to check contracts and ensure invoices are correct.

Those seeking help can visit:- SmallBusinessCommissioner.Gov.UK, email:- Enquiries@SmallBusinessCommissioner.Gov.UK or call:- 01216957770. Phone lines are open Monday to Thursday between 9am to 5pm and on Fridays from 9am to 4:30pm.

For further information about Redwood Bank, the UK's first business challenger bank to be completely:- 'born in the cloud' visit:- RedwoodBank.Co.UK.

Listen to Frankie Goes to Hollywood performed by BBC orchestra!

THE 'anthem of Merseyside', Frankie Goes to Hollywood's debut single Relax, as nominated by listeners, has been remained into its own unique rendition by an 80 piece orchestra. In just 2 weeks, the BBC Philharmonic has written, adapted and performed Relax, with each musician having recorded their part in their own home to make up the final piece. Relax was written and recorded by Liverpool based band Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Topping the charts for 5 consecutive weeks in 1984, it won the 1985 BRIT Award for Best British Single. It continues to claim the top spot for the best selling debut single by a group.

BBC Radio Merseyside breakfast presenter Tony Snell, said:- "What a piece! Hearing the iconic classic Relax performed by a world class orchestra is incredible. You can't resist dancing and singing along to their creation!"

The song, 1st played on BBC Radio Merseyside's breakfast show, on 29 June 2020, will be added to the Great Northern Playlist on BBC Sounds, a collection of songs made up from one tune from each of the North's 10 BBC Local Radio areas.

Simon Webb, director of the BBC Philharmonic, said:- "Reimagining Relax was no easy feat, but the BBC Philharmonic rose up to the challenge and produced a truly incredible piece! The Philharmonic has been playing and broadcasting concerts in the North of England for nearly 100 years and continues to showcase the musical talent of the Region."

Listen to the BBC Philharmonic's cover of Relax on:- Radio Merseyside Sounds now!