The government makes no bones of its intentions to kickstart a new era of increased competition and choice in the education sector. The raising of the cap on tuition fees as well as the removal of quotas for universities taking AAB+ students provide the tools to create a more competitive market.

Charity sector umbrella groups are campaigning for a relaxation to the cap on certain tax reliefs, including charitable ones, with effect from 6 April 2013. The Give it back George campaign is in response to the announcement in this year’s budget that the cap is to be set at the greater of £50,000 or 25 per cent of total income of the donor.

Social media has spread from a network of ordinary people exchanging and sharing information to become an essential tool for governments and businesses to spread their corporate message. David Jones, global CEO of Havas and Euro RSCG Worldwide, confirms how social media has brought corporate social responsibility into the profit and loss statement and why this new form of communicating with clients and partners begins with the necessity of practising an authentic and transparent CSR policy.

Parents will be painfully aware of the ever-increasing costs of a university education for their children, especially in England. Throw in the additional cost of accommodation and living expenses and the privilege of a further education is set to come at a high price for many.

The essential differences between an academy and a local authority-controlled school are the freedom to choose how the money is spent, delivery of the curriculum as well as the teachers’ pay and conditions. But with it comes a whole raft of new responsibilities and getting the balance right between business acumen and education standards is crucial if the model is to work.

Charles Batte was awarded the title of Smaller Earth Ambassador last month in Liverpool, where the 16 finalists were required to carry out a number of tasks over a five-day period including pitching to Sir Richard Branson, Sir Terry Leahy and Martha Lane Fox. Facilitated by Mazars, his role as global ambassador for social entrepreneurship will involve travelling the world for one year meeting captains of industry, world leaders and gain first-hand experience of working in CSR projects across five continents. 

Every year, the Open University (OU) educates over a quarter of a million students participating in more than 600 undergraduate and postgraduate courses and professional qualifications. Miles Hedges talks about the OU’s latest technological advances and how this very British institution has developed a truly global reach, alongside its support for well over half of the FTSE 100 companies’ sponsorship of employees who are put through its programmes. 

As an area of outstanding natural beauty and historic coastline, the South West has long been a hotspot for holidaymakers. But get past the cream teas you will find a dynamic business environment that is waving the flag for organic goods and sustainable business ventures.

Everyone knows it’s a tough environment at the moment and, for many employees, pay rises have stalled as companies seek to control costs.  Getting the best value from benefits is therefore an increasingly important area to focus on.

Armed with a friendly and open-minded corporate culture, Sweden is often the go-to choice for prospective entrepreneurs and businesses seeking a pilot market for their new products or services. And standing as the largest recipient of foreign direct investment and imports from the UK in the Nordic region, businesses can capitalise on strong ties the two countries have.

Kitemarks, standards and accreditations can identify a company as being a quality provider in their sector. Most companies say they have benefitted from the process of assessment and inspection, which also gives recommendations for improvements. The work involved often pays dividends by impacting on the bottom line and rejuvenating a sense of common purpose across all staff.

A list of the forthcoming Mazars seminars taking place over April and May across the UK. Including a Russian perspective for businesses, board effectiveness for financial directors and an update on the charity sector.