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Novuna Business Finance survey: Small business growth forecasts fall for the first time since July 2024

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LONDON, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The percentage of UK small business owners predicting growth (33%) has dipped to a nine-month low, according to the latest quarterly data from Novuna Business Finance. Whilst 45% see Q1 as a standstill period, there is a four-year high in the percentage of small businesses saying they will contract by the end of March (13%) and the percentage of enterprises that fear closure in the next three months has hit a two-year peak (8%).

The findings are from Novuna Business Finance’s Business Barometer study, which has tracked the growth forecasts of more than 1,000 small business owners every quarter for the last 11 years.

The new Novuna Business Finance data reveals that UK small business owners are already gearing up for contraction, with major falls in growth forecasts already registered across many key regions.

  • In London the percentage of small business owners predicting growth has plummeted from 57% to 39% in just three months – presenting a two-year low point in confidence for enterprises in the Capital (since Q2 2023).
  • The North East was one of the regions that saw a post-election resurgence in small business confidence during the second half of 2025. This quarter, the percentage of North East small business owners that predict growth has fallen sharply back from 36% to 25%. A similar picture emerges for the East Midlands, where growth forecasts have fallen from 37% to 31% since last quarter.
  • Growth forecasts are a serious concern in the South West and Wales, these two regions now falling significantly behind all other UK regions (17% and 16%).
  • Scotland bucks the trend prevalent in England. For Q1 2025, the percentage of small business owners predicting growth has hit a five-year high at 36% (the highest figure in Scotland since Q3 2019).

Sector analysis

Whilst growth outlook held firm in many sectors, Q1 2025 saw falls in small business growth outlook for the manufacturing, retail, IT and hospitality sectors. Growth outlook in manufacturing fell to its lowest level since Q4 2023.

Joanna Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance comments: “Over the last 11 years, our research suggests that small businesses are remarkably resilient when it comes to  their quarterly growth forecasts. The fall for this quarter represents a reverse on a gradual upward trend over the previous six months. Of concern are signs of more small businesses predicting contraction for the next three months – and some even fearing closure.

“From the Business Barometer study over the last decade, it is clear that there are often fine margins between businesses that predict growth or contraction and decline. Now is a time for small businesses to be supported, so caution and contraction can be replaced by confidence and belief. We are serious about helping small businesses put plans in place to achieve their true potential and, midst the market uncertainty, small business confidence this year will be key to economic growth.”

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/novuna-business-finance-survey-small-business-growth-forecasts-fall-for-the-first-time-since-july-2024-302371190.html

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BingX Joins NBX 2025 as a Gold Sponsor: Empowering Blockchain Innovation

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PANAMA CITY, March 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BingX, a global leading cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to announce its participation as a Gold Sponsor at the 5th edition of Next Block Expo (NBX), scheduled for March 19-20, 2025, at Multikino Złote Tarasy in Warsaw, Poland. As one of Europe’s premier Web3 events, NBX 2025 is expected to attract over 2,000 attendees, making it a key platform for blockchain innovation and collaboration.

NBX serves as a dynamic hub for industry leaders, startups, investors, and developers, fostering knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities to drive the future of blockchain. As a firm advocate for Web3 advancements, BingX will showcase its ongoing commitment to innovation through an interactive booth, featuring engaging activities, expert insights, and exclusive giveaways. Attendees will gain firsthand knowledge of how BingX supports high-potential blockchain projects with financial backing, technical expertise, and strategic growth consultations.

In addition to its sponsorship, Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer of BingX, will be a key speaker at NBX 2025, contributing to discussions on strategic trading approaches, risk management, and the evolving landscape of blockchain investments. She will also deliver a keynote speech exploring BingX’s vision for blockchain innovation and how the company translates emerging technologies into real-world applications.

“At BingX, we believe that true innovation comes from bold ideas and strategic execution,” said Lin. “Sponsoring NBX 2025 is more than just a presence for us — it’s a commitment to fostering a thriving blockchain ecosystem. We are here to connect with visionaries, provide the resources they need, and help shape the future of decentralized technology. By empowering builders and innovators, we’re not just supporting projects — we are accelerating the evolution of Web3 itself.”

BingX’s participation at NBX 2025 underscores its long-term vision of driving blockchain innovation and supporting the next generation of industry leaders. As BingX continues to expand its global footprint, initiatives like this sponsorship reinforce its role as a catalyst for growth in crypto space. By engaging with emerging projects, thought leaders, and investors, BingX remains at the forefront of Web3 advancements, bridging the gap between groundbreaking ideas and real-world impact.

About BingX 

Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange, serving over 20 million users worldwide. BingX offers diversified products and services, including spot, derivatives, copy trading, and asset management – all designed for the evolving needs of users, from beginners to professionals. BingX is committed to providing a trustworthy platform that empowers users with innovative tools and features to elevate their trading proficiency. In 2024, BingX proudly became the official crypto exchange partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking an exciting debut in the world of sports.

For more information please visit: https://bingx.com/

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Great Bay Insurance Group announces executive changes

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WEST ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Great Bay Insurance Group (the “Group”), a leading provider of coastal homeowners’ insurance in New Jersey, today announced the following leadership changes. Timothy J. Byrne, Jr., has been named as President of the Group and Ronald R. Lovatt has been named President of Great Bay Insurance Company, a wholly owned affiliate of the Group.

Mr. Byrne Jr. has nearly 15 years of industry experience and previously served as the Group’s Chief Operating Officer overseeing the Groups operations and underwriting strategies. 

Mr. Timothy J. Byrne, Sr., Chief Executive Officer of the Group, added, “I’m excited to announce the promotion of Tim Jr. to the role of President of The Great Bay Insurance Group and Ron to the role of President of Great Bay Insurance Company. Tim Jr. and Ron have been an integral part of the Group since its founding in 2019.”

As President, Tim Jr. will provide oversight for all corporate support functions and will continue to report to Tim Sr. 

Mr. Byrne Jr. holds a BS in Economic and Mathematics from the University of Vermont, an MBA in Risk Management and Insurance from St. John’s University and holds a CPCU designation.

Mr. Lovatt has 40 years of broad insurance industry experience in leadership capacities with international, national, regional and start-up insurance companies. Ron is a founding member of The Great Bay Insurance Group, working with Tim Sr. & Tim Jr. to launch Great Bay in late 2019. Ron currently serves as Chief Underwriting Officer & Chief Claims Officer for The Great Bay Insurance Group, has an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting & Marketing from Miami University.

Contact:
Investor Relations
Brian Schleider, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
609-434-2000, x102

brian.schleider@greatbayinsure.com

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Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/great-bay-insurance-group-announces-executive-changes-302401923.html

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Forward Global responds to surge in UK shareholder activism with launch of UK Corporate Contests Practice

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LONDON, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — International risk management firm Forward Global launched its UK Corporate Contests Practice on Tuesday in response to what is described as “all-time high of shareholder activism” in London and Paris. 

Speaking ahead of the launch on Tuesday night, Brendan Foo, Partner and Global Head of Corporate Contests at Forward Global, said “As activism gains currency as an asset class, savvy investors are looking toward the UK and Europe to generate alpha. Indeed, in 2025 alone, we have seen an unprecedented demand for our services not just in our traditional strongholds of the US and Canada, but also in the UK and Europe. This reflects the surge in activist (and active) engagements, with which our team is uniquely well-placed to assist.”

Forward Global’s Corporate Contests Practice was established to meet demand from law firms, investors, and advisers to provide a comprehensive suite of services to support companies in high-stakes shareholder engagements. In keeping with the firm’s established activism practice in the US, the new London offering will deliver investigative and intelligence work such as vetting board nominees, relationship mapping, scrutinizing the track records of both incumbents and challengers, and conducting deep-dive reputation analyses. In Europe, Forward Global’s Patrice Lambert-de Diesbach offers clients battle-tested expertise in investor relations and financial communications.

Shareholder activism in the UK has expanded significantly, with campaigns becoming more frequent and sophisticated. In 2023, the number of new public activist campaigns in Europe surged by 68%, with the UK remaining a primary target. US-based activist investors have also increased their focus on UK firms, launching 40% of all UK activist campaigns in 2024. With contested boardroom battles and regulatory shifts on the rise, the expansion of Forward Global’s Corporate Contests practice into the UK is well-timed, equipping issuers with the intelligence and strategies needed to navigate this evolving landscape.

The firm launched the new practice at an exclusive gathering at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London, bringing together leading voices from the shareholder activism space to discuss the evolving landscape of transatlantic shareholder activism.

The panel discussion, featuring Brendan Foo, Patrick J. McHugh of Okapi Partners, and Sebastian Fain of Freshfields, explored critical considerations for US investors entering the UK market and vice versa, differences in engagement styles across jurisdictions, and strategies for issuers to proactively engage with both activist and active investors. Panelists also examined the impact of anti-DEI and ESG sentiment on investor relations in the UK, as well as how issuers can adapt to evolving regulatory and institutional expectations.

John Watts, Managing Partner of Forward Global UK, added, “Forward Global’s new UK Corporate Contests Practice is designed to provide companies with the strategic intelligence and investigative depth needed to navigate an increasingly complex activist landscape. Our team is committed to equipping clients with the tools to engage proactively with investors, safeguard their strategic interests, and strengthen shareholder relations across Europe.”

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Notes for Editors

Forward Global is an international group, with its historic headquarters in France, boasting five main offices in Paris, Brussels, London, Miami, and Washington. As a leading player in risk management with over 450 employees and 30 partners, Forward Global offers an integrated approach across the three major risks: digital, economic, and informational.

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