Business

For companies that accept cryptocurrency from their clients, finding the best crypto wallet for business is essential.

The best crypto wallet for business should ensure both security and seamless crypto management. In this article, we will discuss the key factors to consider when choosing a crypto wallet for business.

What Is the Best Crypto Wallet for Business?

One That Integrates via API

When asking, “what is the best crypto wallet for business?”, the first thing to consider is API integration. A reliable wallet for busines should be easy to integrate with your website or trading platform. Without this, accepting cryptocurrency from clients becomes highly inconvenient.

A best crypto wallet for business that supports API integration will automatically generate unique deposit addresses for each customer selecting cryptocurrency as a payment method. This means:

The client immediately sees the deposit address on the screen.
Once the payment is received, the wallet updates the balance on the website in real time.
Each transaction can be easily identified in the wallet’s workspace, as every customer has a unique deposit address.

One That Protects the Privacy of Your IP Address

Despite common misconceptions, cryptocurrency transactions are not completely anonymous. Every time a crypto wallet for business interacts with the blockchain, it reveals its IP address when connecting to a node. If this data is intercepted by malicious actors, they can trace the physical location of the wallet’s server and even attempt to target the business owner.

To enhance security, businesses should choose a corporate crypto wallet that protects the IP address. For example, BitHide offers a specialized technology that modifies the wallet’s IP address three times before sending it to the node. This ensures that no one can determine the real IP address.

One That Can Be Installed on Your Own Server

When choosing what is the best crypto wallet for business, it is important to prioritize self-hosting. A business can only have full control over its cryptocurrency funds and transaction history if the crypto wallet software is installed on its own server.

With a self-hosted crypto wallet for business, the business owner has complete authority to decide whether KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks are necessary for their clients.

By choosing a best crypto wallet for business that runs on its own infrastructure, businesses eliminate third-party interference, ensuring privacy and operational autonomy.

One That Generates a Seed Phrase

Owning cryptocurrency means having sole control over the seed phrase. For a business, this is a critical security feature. A reliable crypto wallet for business must generate a mnemonic seed phrase, ensuring that the business retains complete ownership of its crypto assets.

If a wallet does not generate a seed phrase, it means that a third party has some degree of control over your funds—something no business should risk.

One That Provides Essential Crypto Management Tools

At first, advanced crypto management tools may not seem necessary. However, as soon as a business starts accepting cryptocurrency payments, it quickly becomes clear that efficient financial tracking is crucial.

A best crypto wallet for business should offer the following essential features for seamless financial operations:

Unlimited sub-wallet creation for better fund organization.
Multi-user access with different roles and permissions.
Detailed reports on balance history and transaction flow.
Bulk payments to multiple recipients at once.
Automated withdrawals for operational efficiency.

Conclusion

If you are searching for what is the best crypto wallet for business, do not rush your decision. It is crucial to find a crypto wallet for business that fully meets your company’s needs. All the features discussed in this article are available with BitHide.

Read more:
Best Crypto Wallet for Business: Secure and Reliable Solutions

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Spring Statement announcement to cut 10,000 back-office civil service roles has drawn support from leading policy recruitment experts, who see the move as a long-overdue correction that could increase public sector efficiency and create new career pathways.

Lauren Maddocks, Associate Director at specialist recruiter Policy by Murray, described the planned reductions as a chance to modernise and reshape the public sector for the future.

“While the headline-grabbing news has been around proposed job cuts, these are long overdue, and could dramatically cut wastage in what has become a ‘flabby’ public sector,” she said. “Both Brexit and the pandemic led to huge increases in the size of the public sector workforce. The planned reductions represent a correction of that growth and will help to drive greater efficiency and better use of public funds.”

Maddocks pointed to previous examples of successful public sector reform — such as the 1980s Next Steps programme and the 2004 Gershon Review — which demonstrated how workforce restructuring can deliver substantial efficiency gains. She believes the same is possible now, particularly if the civil service embraces new technology and agile ways of working.

As the government moves to modernise public services, Maddocks expects to see a rising demand for professionals skilled in change management, innovation and digital transformation. “We anticipate that as the public sector undergoes this transformation, there will be an increased demand for professionals who are adept at managing change, implementing innovative solutions, and driving efficiency.”

She also noted that reforms to planning policy, outlined elsewhere in the Spring Statement, will likely fuel demand for infrastructure, planning and construction professionals across all levels of government.

“While the reductions do present some initial challenges, they also offer an opportunity to reassess and redesign public sector operations so they are fit for 2025 and beyond,” Maddocks added. “By embracing this change, the public sector can emerge more agile, responsive, and better equipped to serve the needs of the country.”

The government’s wider plan includes a £3.25 billion Whitehall transformation fund, which will support workforce restructuring and investment in new technologies, including AI, as part of a broader strategy to reduce inefficiencies and future-proof public services.

Read more:
Civil service job cuts will drive efficiency and open new opportunities, says policy recruiter

A sweeping new round of tariffs from President Trump has sent shockwaves through global markets, wiping billions of euros off the value of major European carmakers and dealing a fresh blow to the UK’s automotive sector.

Trump’s decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all imports of cars and parts into the US — set to take effect on 2 April — triggered sharp selloffs in global equities, with automakers bearing the brunt.

Shares in German giants Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen fell between 2 per cent and 5 per cent, while Stellantis — parent company of Vauxhall, Fiat, Citroen and Peugeot — dropped 6 per cent in Paris. In London, luxury carmaker Aston Martin fell 4.47 per cent, dragging the FTSE 100 index down 0.6 per cent to 8,638.04. Germany’s DAX lost 1.42 per cent and France’s CAC 40 slipped 1 per cent.

The fallout wasn’t limited to Europe. In after-hours US trading, General Motors fell 8 per cent and Ford 3.7 per cent. Asian markets followed suit, with Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai and Kia all dropping, while Tata Motors — parent of Jaguar Land Rover — fell 5 per cent on India’s stock exchange.

The new tariffs threaten a vital lifeline for the UK automotive industry. The US is the UK’s second-largest car export market, accounting for nearly 17 per cent of total exports, or around 79,000 vehicles in 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Exports to the US had surged by 38.5 per cent last year, even as exports to the EU and China declined sharply.

Nissan, which operates the UK’s largest car plant in Sunderland, exported more than 73,000 vehicles to the US last year — a full 10 per cent of its total UK output. Meanwhile, luxury marques like Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and McLaren are heavily reliant on US sales.

The SMMT warned that nearly eight in ten cars made in Britain are exported, with any disruption to international trade posing a serious threat to the industry’s recovery.

Even before the tariffs were announced, British car production was struggling. Output fell 11.6 per cent in February, marking the twelfth consecutive month of declines, according to SMMT data released overnight.

President Trump defended the tariffs, claiming the US was “the piggy bank that everybody steals from.” He views tariffs as a tool to raise revenue to pay for tax cuts and revive domestic industry — even as economists warn of higher prices, supply chain disruption, and retaliatory trade action.

Trump has threatened even harsher tariffs if trading partners respond in kind. “If the EU and Canada team up to retaliate, we’ll go further,” he warned.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the tariffs as a “direct attack” and pledged to defend national interests, while Japan and South Korea signalled emergency responses were being prepared. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would continue to pursue “negotiated solutions while safeguarding its economic interests.”

In the UK, Chancellor Rachel Reeves told Times Radio that talks were under way to secure a trade agreement with the US to avoid the tariffs. However, economists warned that even if the UK is spared direct inclusion, the knock-on effects could be damaging.

David Miles, economist at the Office for Budget Responsibility, said: “There is a growing realisation that we could be in for a major blow to trade that wasn’t there a few weeks ago.”

The OBR now forecasts that if global trade tensions escalate into a full-blown tariff war — with average import duties rising by 20 percentage points between the US and its partners — UK GDP could shrink by up to 1 per cent at its peak.

With tariffs set to take effect from 3 April and further retaliatory measures on the horizon, the risk of a full-scale trade war is growing. For UK and European carmakers already under pressure, Trump’s latest move could not have come at a worse time.

Read more:
Trump’s car tariffs wipe billions off European automakers as global trade war escalates

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to spend most of our time indoors -whether at work, home, or commuting between the two.

However, spending time outdoors is essential for both our physical and mental wellbeing. Engaging in outdoor activities can boost health, enhance mood, improve productivity, and even contribute to better sleep quality. We all know this deep down, but scientific studies have reinforced our understanding of these benefits, showing the profound impact of nature on human health and behaviour. For example, the Journal of Global Health analysed 39 studies on nature-based interventions and found that 98% of them reported improvements in mental health outcomes, while 83% and 75% noted enhancements in physical and cognitive health respectively.

The decline in outdoor time

Despite awareness of the benefits, recent studies indicate that people in the UK are spending less time outdoors compared to just a few years ago. According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately one million fewer people in the UK are gaining health benefits from spending time in nature compared to 2020. Recent data also indicates a general decline in outdoor activities (like walking for exercise) since March 2021. Similarly, Natural England’s People and Nature Survey found that nearly 45% of adults in England reported spending more time outdoors in March 2022 than before the pandemic, but this trend has since reversed. All told, it seems clear – we need to individually and collectively prioritise outdoor time!

The benefits of outdoor activities

Improves physical health

Regular outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or playing sports contribute to cardiovascular health, stronger muscles and better overall fitness. According to a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, individuals who engage in outdoor exercise experience greater reductions in blood pressure and stress hormone levels compared to those who exercise indoors. Even a short walk in the park can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Boosts mental wellbeing and sleep quality

Spending time in nature has been linked to lower stress levels, reduced anxiety and improved mood. A study from the National Academy of Sciences found that individuals who took a 90-minute walk in a natural setting showed reduced neural activity in the brain region associated with rumination, a key factor in anxiety and depression. Fresh air, natural light and green spaces help reset the mind and combat mental fatigue, making outdoor activities an excellent remedy for modern-day stress.

Moreover, exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which plays a key role in sleep quality. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that individuals who spent more time outside during the day experienced better sleep, both in duration and quality, at night. Just a short amount of daylight exposure in the morning can help improve sleep patterns and overall wellbeing.

Think about it – in the millions of years we were hunter gatherers, were we ever sat behind a desk in unnatural light for all daylight hours?!?

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a well-known advocate for lifestyle medicine, often talks about the simple yet powerful habit of enjoying a coffee outside each morning. This small daily ritual allows for a mindful moment outdoors, helping to lower stress levels, enhance wellbeing, and support better sleep by reinforcing the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

Enhances creativity and focus

Being outside can stimulate creativity and improve concentration. A joint study by the University of Kansas and the University of Utah found that individuals who spent four days in nature without technology showed a 50% increase in creative problem-solving skills (50%!). A change of environment – especially one filled with natural elements – can enhance cognitive function and inspire innovative thinking. Additionally, seeing new places and experiencing different surroundings can stimulate curiosity and fresh perspectives, further fuelling creativity. Who doesn’t like exploring something/somewhere new?

Encourages social connections

Outdoor activities provide an excellent opportunity to connect with friends, family, or even meet new people. Whether it’s playing team sports, going on group hikes or participating in outdoor events, these interactions foster stronger relationships and a sense of community. Research published in the Journal of Aging and Health suggests that social interactions in outdoor settings contribute to greater overall life satisfaction and emotional resilience.

Increases environmental awareness

Spending time outdoors helps build an appreciation for nature and the environment. This awareness often translates into more sustainable habits, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting green initiatives. A study from Frontiers in Psychology found that individuals who spend more time in natural environments are more likely to adopt pro-environmental behaviours.

I doubt any of this will surprise anyone, but that awareness alone doesn’t change anything, especially when it’s 2 degrees outside and much easier to curl up on your sofa in front of a screen than head outside!

If you want a few ideas to make a positive change, read on…

Practical tips to make outdoor activities part of your life

Start small and make it a habit

If you’re not used to spending much time outdoors, start with small, manageable activities. A 10-minute walk during lunch, a weekend picnic, or a short morning jog can make a significant difference. Maybe just get off the tube one stop earlier and walk the last leg to your office/back home?

Consider adopting Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’s suggestion of having your morning coffee outside – it’s a simple yet effective way to build outdoor time into your routine.

Incorporate outdoor activities into your routine

Find ways to integrate outdoor time into your daily schedule. Walk or bike to work, hold meetings outside, or exercise in a nearby park instead of a gym. A lunchtime walk or even short walking meetings can be great ways to get fresh air and stay active during a busy day. You’re a team leader and are concerned it will look bad? Invite your team to join you for a lunchtime walk and enjoy the added benefit it brings to everyone!

Plan social outings outdoors

Instead of meeting friends at a café, suggest a walk, a hike, or an outdoor game, for example StreetHunt Games. Organising outdoor activities makes socialising more dynamic and enjoyable. Activities with colleagues outside can also boost team morale and encourage a more active lifestyle.

Try a new outdoor hobby

Different activities like kayaking, birdwatching, photography or street exploration games are just a couple of examples of potential hobbies. Trying something new keeps outdoor time exciting and engaging. Park Runs, which are free, weekly 5k runs in parks around the world, can be a great way to stay active and connect with others.

Make it a family affair

Encourage family members, especially children, to spend time outdoors. Outdoor play, nature walks, and weekend adventures help develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and an active lifestyle. When do you get the best behaviour from your kids? When they’ve been running outside all day, or when they’ve been cooped up at home in front of screens?

Set outdoor goals

Challenge yourself with goals like completing a certain number of outdoor workouts, hiking a specific trail, setting a steps per day target or participating in a community clean-up. Goals provide motivation and make outdoor time more fulfilling – also who doesn’t love a medal/excuse for a treat once a challenge is completed?

In summary

Outdoor activities are not just a luxury; they are essential for a healthy, balanced life. By making small changes to incorporate outdoor time into your daily routine, you can enjoy the numerous benefits nature has to offer. Scientific research continues to support the importance of spending time outside for both mental and physical wellbeing. However, with recent studies showing a decline in outdoor time in the UK, it’s more important than ever to prioritise getting outside.

Spending time outdoors doesn’t have to be a grand adventure – sometimes, the simple act of seeing new things, stepping outside for fresh air, or enjoying a mindful moment with a coffee in hand can be enough to reset and recharge.

So, what’s your next outdoor adventure? Good luck in finding ways to get outside more!

Read more:
Why is it important to get outside? Practical tips to make outdoor activities part of your daily routine

Next has become only the fourth UK retailer in history to post annual pre-tax profits exceeding £1 billion, joining the ranks of Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and Kingfisher.

The FTSE 100-listed fashion and homewares giant reported a profit of £1.01 billion for the year to 25 January — up 10.1 per cent on the previous year — and raised its guidance for the year ahead.

Shares in Next jumped as much as 9.55 per cent in early trading on Thursday to £109.40 after the group increased its profit forecast by £20 million to £1.066 billion, citing stronger-than-expected full-price sales at the start of the financial year. Full-price sales in the first eight weeks of the year were up 5 per cent, prompting the group to revise its full-year sales forecast from 3.5 per cent growth to 5 per cent.

However, Next cautioned that it was not increasing forecasts for the second half of the year, pointing to tougher comparisons and concerns about the impact of upcoming tax rises. The company expects April’s planned increases to National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage to weaken the UK jobs market and dent consumer confidence later in the year.

Next’s strong performance has been buoyed by a 5.8 per cent rise in full-price sales and successful acquisitions of premium brands including Reiss and FatFace. Total group sales rose 8.2 per cent to £6.3 billion — slightly ahead of analyst expectations.

Chief executive Lord Wolfson of Aspley Guise, who has led the business since 2001, remained upbeat despite warning signs in the wider economy. “We are as positive about the company today as we were this time last year,” he told investors, “albeit in an environment where the risks to the wider UK economy are growing.”

Wolfson — the FTSE 100’s longest-serving chief executive — has been widely credited with steering the business through a period of rapid transformation, navigating challenges from the cost of living crisis, rising inflation, and the shift to e-commerce that has claimed many high street casualties.

This marks the ninth time in two years that Next has raised its profit forecast, reinforcing Wolfson’s reputation as a leader who under-promises and over-delivers. But even with record profits, the company is not immune to mounting cost pressures. In January, Next confirmed it would raise prices by 1 per cent this year to help offset a projected £67 million rise in wage costs by January 2026, driven by the government’s tax and wage policy changes.

Internationally, the retailer expects overseas sales growth to ease from 24 per cent to around 20 per cent, as it scales back marketing spend in markets such as Saudi Arabia, Australia and the US.

Next, which operates 458 UK stores, has continued to outperform in a challenging retail landscape. While rival JD Sports was once considered neck-and-neck in the race to hit the £1 billion profit milestone, it pulled back its forecasts in January after weaker-than-expected Christmas trading.

With shares up nearly 20 per cent over the past 12 months and early trading reflecting investor confidence, Next remains a standout success story on the high street — but with growing pressure on costs, taxes and consumer demand, the retailer knows the path ahead may be less smooth.

Read more:
Next profits top £1bn for the first time, but retailer warns of tougher year ahead

Up to 2,700 jobs are at risk at British Steel’s Scunthorpe steelworks after its Chinese owner, Jingye Group, announced plans to shut down the site’s two remaining blast furnaces and scale back rolling mill operations.

The decision marks a major blow to the UK’s industrial heartlands and follows the rejection of a £500 million state support package. British Steel, the UK’s second-largest steelmaker, cited mounting financial pressures, high environmental costs and the ongoing impact of Trump-era tariffs as the reasons behind the move.

In a statement, the company said: “Challenging market conditions and significant ongoing financial losses have made it unsustainable to continue operating the blast furnaces and wider steelmaking operations.”

British Steel has entered a consultation process with its 3,200-strong workforce and trade unions to determine the scale of redundancies. The closures are expected to result in job losses ranging from 2,000 to 2,700, depending on how the plans progress.

Chief executive Zengwei An described the announcement as “an extremely difficult day for our staff, their families and everyone associated with British Steel,” but added that “this is a necessary decision, given the hugely challenging circumstances the business faces.”

Steelmaking at Scunthorpe dates back to the 1890s, and the site plays a vital role in UK infrastructure projects — particularly in providing rail track and structural steel for construction. However, the site has faced mounting challenges in recent years.

Jingye, which acquired British Steel in 2020 following the collapse of previous owner Greybull Capital, said it had invested £1.2 billion into the business over five years. Still, it claims the company is losing £700,000 a day — or £250 million a year — due to “ongoing production instability and significant financial losses.”

The company insists it has been in lengthy negotiations with the UK government to secure financial backing for a transition to cleaner electric arc furnace technology, similar to the plans already in motion at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot site. However, talks have failed to reach agreement. Jingye has reportedly been seeking over £1 billion in state support to make the switch.

“The blast furnaces and steelmaking operations are no longer financially sustainable due to highly challenging market conditions, the imposition of tariffs and higher environmental costs relating to the production of high-carbon steel,” the company said.

The trade and tariff environment has further complicated matters. Allan Bell, British Steel’s chief commercial officer, recently told MPs that the company was losing export business due to cancelled US contracts and warned of the risks of cheap foreign steel flooding the UK market as a result of trade diversions caused by US protectionism.

“The indirect impact of potential diversion of steel originally bound for the US market into the open market is our biggest concern,” he said.

Trade unions are now urging the government to step in and safeguard Scunthorpe’s future, branding it a nationally strategic asset. There have been growing calls for the UK to take a more proactive approach to preserving key industrial capabilities in the face of foreign ownership and global market volatility.

The news follows a broader trend of upheaval in the UK’s steel sector, with Tata Steel also cutting 2,500 jobs at Port Talbot in its shift to electric arc furnaces.

Without a breakthrough in talks or a new support package, the Scunthorpe closures could mark the end of traditional steelmaking at one of Britain’s most historic and strategically important industrial sites.

Read more:
British Steel to cut up to 2,700 jobs as blast furnaces at Scunthorpe face closure

The UK faces an eye-watering debt interest bill of nearly £600 billion over the next five years, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), as the government contends with soaring borrowing costs, weak economic growth, and mounting fiscal pressure.

The stark projection was released alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s spring statement, which included a £14 billion package of cuts to restore lost fiscal headroom. The move came in response to rising bond yields and a downgrade to the UK’s growth outlook.

Researchers at the OBR estimate that debt interest payments will exceed £100 billion every year until 2030 — a level not seen before — with the total approaching the size of the UK’s entire economy. The organisation has also halved its growth forecast for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent and warned that inflation could climb to 3.8 per cent this summer, up from 2.8 per cent in February.

Despite the grim outlook, bond markets responded positively to the Debt Management Office (DMO)’s updated issuance plan, which revealed that it will issue £299 billion of UK government debt this year — lower than the £310 billion anticipated by markets. The yield on the 10-year UK gilt edged down three basis points to 4.721 per cent, as investors took comfort in the more moderate supply outlook.

James Smith, developed markets economist at ING, said: “While that’s still a huge number by historical standards, some had feared we’d see another significant rise versus October’s plans.”

Michael Sheehan, of EdenTree Investment Management, added: “The market welcomed the DMO’s bond sale forecast with open arms. With a lower-than-forecast inflation print this morning and a favourable debt issuance outlook, we would expect a recovery in the underperformance seen so far this year in gilts.”

To reduce long-term exposure to today’s elevated interest rates, the DMO is increasing the issuance of shorter-dated bonds, providing more flexibility should rates begin to fall later in the year.

The pound dropped 0.45 per cent against the dollar to $1.28 and 0.11 per cent against the euro to €1.19. Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 rose by 0.30 per cent to close at 8,689.59, and the FTSE 250 gained 0.29 per cent to 20,039.

Falling inflation figures earlier in the day gave markets further encouragement. The unexpected drop in the headline rate from 3 per cent in January to 2.8 per cent in February has raised expectations that the Bank of England could begin cutting interest rates as early as May 8, when it publishes its next round of economic forecasts. Rates were held steady at 4.5 per cent in the latest meeting.

Still, the economic risks remain. The OBR cautioned that Chancellor Reeves could face a £50 billion hole in the public finances if productivity growth falls short of forecasts — a risk that could further complicate the government’s efforts to bring borrowing under control.

While the bond markets breathed a sigh of relief on the day, the broader picture is one of growing concern: a record debt interest burden, sluggish growth, and a tightrope fiscal strategy that leaves little room for error.

Read more:
UK warned of £600bn debt interest bill as borrowing soars

You’ve probably never thought about radiation in your cargo. Most people don’t, and yet this invisible threat actually poses real problems in global shipping.

Radiation can hide in the most ordinary materials. It can hide in metal scraps, ceramic tiles, and even food products, sometimes contain trace radiation. This quiet danger needs addressing before containers leave the port.

This article is going to show you exactly how you can detect radiation in your cargo containers. It is very important, especially as many countries frown on these violations.

Why Radiation Detection Really Matters

Before we go on to identify how radiation can be detected, let’s look at the risks. Radiation isn’t always obvious, so you can’t really see or smell it. Your senses simply can’t even pick it up. Undetected radiation in cargo can cause serious issues at border crossings, and even worse, your shipment might get rejected, causing costly delays.

Besides the financial impact, there are safety concerns for everyone who will be handling the goods. The workers themselves deserve protection from these invisible hazards. So does everyone along the shipping route.

This is where a radiation portal monitor comes into play. You’ve likely seen these large structures at ports without knowing what they do. Well, they look like big frames that cargo passes through, and these monitors can easily detect radiation levels as your shipment moves past them. They’re actually quite simple in concept but very sophisticated in execution.

How These Monitors Actually Work

When your cargo approaches the radiation portal monitor, you don’t need to do anything special. The system works automatically, and the radiation detection happens in seconds as the container passes through. Its very sensitive sensors pick up even minimal radiation signatures. This way, dangerous materials don’t slip through unnoticed, and the monitor will alert operators if radiation exceeds safe thresholds.

Radiation portal monitors do more than just detect radiation. They actually distinguish between the harmless natural radiation and concerning types. So, even if you have ceramic tiles that might contain normal background radiation, the monitor knows this difference. Moreover, these systems work without disrupting the flow of commerce, so your cargo will move quickly in most cases.

Setting Up Your Own Monitoring System

If you think that implementing radiation detection is complex, then it’s not. It’s actually simpler than you’d think, and the modern radiation portal monitors are user-friendly. Your port or shipping facility can install them at entry and exit points. You will need to train your staff, and it will take just days instead of months to do this. Also, the investment pays for itself by preventing costly quarantines and delays.

People usually think radiation detection requires complex equipment and scientists. This isn’t actually true for basic screening. Your average shipping professional can even learn to use these systems. Another misconception is that monitoring will slow down shipping, but in reality, most cargo passes through these portals without stopping. So, screening happens as part of the normal movement process. In essence, it won’t cause any details, but instead, it will make it easy for your shipments to clear. It will also ensure that you meet safe shipping standards and practices.

Looking Forward: The Future of Cargo Screening

When you integrate these monitors into your shipping process, you’re protecting your business and others. This simple step prevents major headaches down the road. Your cargo arrives safely, and you avoid unnecessary delays, which is really what successful shipping is all about.

There is no doubt that radiation detection technology will continue to improve. In fact, there will be newer models that will be more accurate and faster. It will make it a lot easier in the future to screen for radiation, and the entire process will be seamless.

Besides radiation, these systems may likely evolve soon enough to detect other hazards simultaneously. The improvements will help make shipping safer for everyone in the future.

Final Thoughts

So what should you do next? Consider assessing your current shipping procedures, as your operation might benefit from radiation screening. It is wise to invest in a radiation detector for your peace of mind. After all, your reputation depends on reliable, safe shipping practices.

Read more:
Radiation in Cargo: A Simple Method to Detect It Before Shipping 

The government’s 2025 spring statement has come under fire from the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, which warns that the Chancellor’s plans risk undermining business productivity and job creation by failing to address the real workplace challenges faced by employers.

While the Chancellor announced increased funding for defence and infrastructure, CIPD Head of Public Policy Ben Willmott said the statement lacked meaningful support for businesses and failed to tackle the growing cost and complexity of employing staff in the UK.

“While the Chancellor highlighted welcome support for key sectors such as defence and plans to boost investment in infrastructure and housing, there was no recognition of the need to provide more support for employers,” said Willmott.

He warned that recent government moves — including national insurance hikes and the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill — have added costs and regulatory burdens to businesses at a time when they need greater flexibility and support.

“We now need to see the Government back businesses by setting out how it will work with employers to address these challenges and boost productivity, as together these measures stand to undermine business investment in workforce training and employment,” he said.

CIPD data has shown that regulatory uncertainty and rising employment costs are already having a chilling effect on hiring and investment, particularly in skills development. Willmott urged the government to ensure that new regulations under the Employment Rights Bill do not unintentionally deter recruitment — especially of young people and those who need additional support to thrive at work.

“If the Government wants to see more people in work, then there must be jobs for them to go to. It’s important that new regulations don’t deter employers from hiring staff,” he said.

The CIPD also called for a clear implementation plan for the Employment Rights Bill, including additional funding for ACAS and the employment tribunal system, to cope with a likely rise in claims once new rights come into effect.

On skills, Willmott called for urgent action to benefit everyday economy sectors that employ millions across the UK. This includes fast-tracking consultation on the proposed Growth and Skills Levy to give businesses the tools they need to upskill their workforce and tackle labour shortages.

He also urged the government to support the forthcoming recommendations from the Keep Britain Working review — particularly on improving access to occupational health services for SMEs, helping more people stay healthy and in work.

“The Government has been quick to introduce costs, but now is the time to back British businesses,” Willmott concluded. “This means real investment in skills, genuine engagement with employers, and a practical approach to regulation — all essential for driving long-term economic growth and keeping people in good jobs.”

Read more:
CIPD: Spring statement fails to support employers, risking productivity and jobs

The government’s pledge to invest £300 million in HMRC over the next five years to close the UK’s tax gap has been branded “wholly insufficient” by a leading tax expert, who warned that without a long-term strategy and systemic reform, the country’s complex tax system will continue to hinder progress.

Nimesh Shah, CEO of audit, tax and business advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, said the investment — which forms part of the Chancellor’s spring statement — “won’t scratch the surface” of tackling the UK’s widening tax gap, which now stands at a record £40 billion.

“The government’s claims of a three-fold return on this investment in additional tax revenue seem incredibly ambitious,” Shah said, “especially given that HMRC has faced repeated criticism from both the government itself and the Public Accounts Committee.”

He noted that despite successive waves of funding over the past decade — including £1.4 billion in the past three years alone — the tax gap has remained stubbornly around 5 per cent of total revenues, even as overall tax receipts have grown. “The result is that the absolute value of the tax gap has never been higher,” he said.

Shah argued that Britain’s tax burden, now at its highest level in 50 years, is being undermined by HMRC’s continued inefficiencies and a lack of focus on effective collection. “It’s fine for the government to increase taxes as it sees fit, but without accountability and operational reform at HMRC, the gap will continue to grow,” he warned.

As part of the Chancellor’s plans, the government announced 500 new HMRC compliance officers and 600 additional staff in debt management, along with promises to modernise tax systems through digitisation and partnerships with businesses. But Shah remains sceptical: “These plans sound sensible on paper, but HMRC’s customer service is at an all-time low. Phone lines are closing, taxpayers can’t access the right information, and there’s a long way to go before we can have confidence in these projected returns.”

He believes the root of the issue lies in the complexity of the UK’s tax code — the longest in the world — and argues that HMRC is simply unable to keep pace with the volume of new legislation introduced each year.

“The government needs a proper strategy on tax and the future direction of HMRC,” Shah said. “Piecemeal investments and bold claims of revenue returns do not inspire confidence. A future Chancellor focused on true reform would take a step back and develop a long-term, sustainable strategy — because history shows that throwing more money at HMRC alone won’t address the problem.”

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Throwing more money at HMRC won’t fix Britain’s £40bn tax gap, warns leading tax expert