For many business owners, hiring an apprentice can feel like more effort than it’s worth. So, despite the higher cost, they opt to bring in someone with more experience. But with wage costs rising, driven by recent increases to the National Living Wage and higher employer National Insurance contributions, apprenticeships are becoming a much more practical option. In some cases, they can be a better long-term investment than hiring a fully trained employee. So how do you decide what’s right for your business? What an apprentice actually is An apprentice is an employee who combines paid work with structured training. They work towards a recognised qualification while gaining hands-on experience in your business. They are not short-term or unpaid help. They are on your team and have real responsibilities, but they are still learning. That difference is important because the value doesn't come right away; it comes over time. The financial side Many people think that apprenticeships are too expensive, but they are often more affordable than they think. While the apprentice is learning, their pay is usually lower, and in many cases, the training itself is paid for, either in full or in part. There are also incentives available. Recent announcements include: up to £2,000 for SMEs hiring apprentices aged 16–24 wider support aimed at encouraging youth employment This can reduce the upfront cost compared to hiring an experienced employee. The advantages One of the biggest benefits is the ability to train someone your way. Rather than undoing habits from previous roles, you can build good practices from the start. Over time, this often results in a team member who is better aligned with your systems and expectations. Apprenticeships can also support long-term retention. People who develop within your business are often more likely to stay and progress with you. There is also a practical benefit to hiring. Many businesses are having trouble finding experienced candidates, and so building your own pipeline can be more reliable than relying on the market. The drawbacks The main consideration is time. An apprentice will need support, particularly in the early stages, and that can slow things down before it starts to pay off. You should also expect productivity to rise slowly over time instead of right away. Mistakes and supervision are part of the learning process. In short, an apprentice isn't a quick fix. If you need someone to step in and get things done right away, this is probably not the best option by itself. Important note: Apprenticeship starts among young people have fallen significantly over the past decade, while close to one million young people are not currently in education, employment or training. As a result, there is increasing support for employers who are willing to invest in early talent. For businesses, this creates an opportunity to access funding while strengthening the team in a more sustainable way. Should you hire an apprentice? The answer is: maybe. An apprentice can be a great choice if you want to build a team that grows with your business, can train someone well, and are thinking long-term. If you need someone to make a difference right away and don't have much time to train, taking on an apprentice is probably not right for you. How we can help If you are considering taking on an apprentice, we can help you understand the true cost compared to hiring an employee and importantly, what support or incentives you may be eligible for. To get in touch, call us on 01904 787 973 or book a call with our team .

Whether working from home, in an office, or on the move, most people overlook how much their environment affects their ability to focus. Recently, our team has been trying a few small, practical adjustments to see whether they could improve energy levels, concentration and overall output. The results have been encouraging, so it felt worth sharing what’s been working. The good news is that none of these require specialist equipment, and all can be put in place immediately. 1. Alternate between sitting and standing There is no single “perfect” working position. Evidence suggests that alternating between sitting and standing is more effective than sticking to one or the other. A practical approach is to work seated for 20 to 30 minutes, then switch to standing for a similar period. This helps reduce strain on the neck, shoulders and lower back, while also supporting sustained concentration. There is no need to invest in expensive equipment. A simple raised surface using books or a sturdy box can work just as effectively. Short breaks are equally important. Stepping away from the desk for five to ten minutes after around 45 minutes of work can help maintain focus throughout the day. 2. Align tasks with energy levels Productivity is not constant throughout the day. Most people experience natural peaks and dips in alertness. Earlier in the day tends to be better suited to analytical or demanding work, such as problem solving, financial analysis or technical tasks. As the day progresses, a more relaxed state often makes it easier to approach creative thinking, planning or broader strategy work. Rather than forcing productivity at the wrong time, it is more effective to match the type of work to the level of mental energy available. 3. Be intentional with background sound Some people work best in silence, while others benefit from background noise. Low-level, consistent background noise can help maintain focus during shorter periods of work. However, it may become distracting over longer stretches. In an office environment, this can be less practical, as any sound choice will affect those around you. In those settings, it is often best to be mindful of shared space or use headphones where appropriate. When working from home, there is far more flexibility to choose what works best on an individual level. For tasks that require deep concentration, many find that minimal or no background noise is most effective. For more routine work, light background sound or music may help maintain momentum. 4. Position screens at the correct height Posture plays a significant role in both comfort and concentration. Working with a screen positioned too low encourages a downward gaze, which can lead to poor posture and reduced alertness. Raising the screen so that it sits at, or slightly above, eye level promotes a more upright position and helps maintain focus. This simple adjustment can reduce physical strain while also supporting better engagement with the task at hand. 5. Use your environment to support the task The physical space itself can influence how people think and work. More open environments can encourage broader, more creative thinking, while smaller or more enclosed spaces tend to support detailed, focused work. Of course, not everyone has the flexibility to change their surroundings, particularly in a fixed office setup. In those cases, the focus can shift to smaller adjustments, such as repositioning a desk, changing where certain tasks are done, or stepping into a different space when needed. Where possible, it can still be useful to vary the working environment depending on the task. This might mean using different rooms, adjusting desk setups, or occasionally working in a different location altogether. Final thoughts There is no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity, and individual preferences will always play a role. What works well for one person may not suit someone else. These are the approaches our team has been testing, and we hope you find some of them just as useful.