Summer Set To Be Hottest On Record

Pool and spa retailers across UK and Eire should be getting set for a sizzling summer according to German weather experts.
Pool and spa retailers across UK and Eire should be getting set for a sizzling summer according to German weather experts.

It may have been the wettest winter in a hundred years but pool and spa retailers should be getting set for a sizzling summer, if we are to believe scientists, who are 75 per cent certain that 2014 will be the hottest summer on record for the UK and Eire.
The weather is being linked to the El Niño pattern, which occurs when waters on the Pacific equator are unusually warm, which can lead to disruptive changes in ocean and wind currents across the world.
In a study published by the ‘PNAS’ journal, scientists in Germany claim they are able to forecast El Niño trends a year in advance, up from the six months currently forecast, LiveScience reported.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the recent budget believing it shows progress on economic recovery and maintains the momentum for growth aspirations.
John Allan, national chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Reducing the corporation tax rate will make the UK a more attractive investment opportunity for overseas investors,” he said.
Recent FSB research showed that only two per cent of members knew about the recent increase to £250,000 – meaning most firms hadn’t taken advantage of it. This change should encourage greater investment, and key for the government now is to increase communication about the allowance to encourage take-up.
“We are pleased to see how seriously the Chancellor is taking the cost of energy,” continues John Allen. “Without addressing the issue, especially in manufacturing, jobs could be lost to abroad.
“ The FSB’s first quarterly Small Business Index for 2014 shows utilities remain the main cause for rising business costs for more than half of small firms and as a result the FSB has continuously called for action on energy taxes and increased transparency in energy prices.

FAIRER MARKET

“Small firms want these overheads reduced, and for reforms to energy markets to make the market fairer for these customers,” says John Allan. “Support for exporters is needed to meet the export targets the government has set. Funnelling more money to businesses will enable many of them to increase their exporting activity. This needs a sustained effort to give small firms the confidence to take the first step and enter a new market.”

Federation of Small Businesses
Tel. 0808 20 20 888

http://www.fsb.org.uk/