Former Marsh Nurseries could be replaced by 17 homes

Fresh details have been revealed of plans to convert a former landmark plant nurseries in Cheshire into a housing development.

A reserved matters application has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council to construct 17 properties on the site of the former Marsh Nurseries, off Boathouse Lane in Neston.

According to the application submitted by Heritage Court Developments, the business has not operated since early 2019 but surrounding land owned by the applicant is still being used for things like tented wedding receptions, community festivals, temporary car parking, and operation as a licensed caravan site.

There are several unused buildings on the site such as greenhouses and permission is sought for the erection of 17 homes, comprising a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties, with five being earmarked for affordable housing.

Outlining some of the design aspects of the planned properties, design and access statement submitted in support of the scheme, said: “The architectural approach, incorporating Cheshire brick, black timber cladding and a mix of slate and clay tile roofs, reflects local vernacular traditions and ensures visual integration with the wider landscape context.”

It added: “The scale and density are modest and appropriate to an edge-of-settlement location, avoiding suburban sprawl and instead presenting as a cohesive rural cluster.”

All homes are designed with a minimum of two allocated parking spaces, with several larger units benefiting from three spaces.

The site is in the protected Green Belt – where planning rules are tougher to protect the countryside against urban sprawl. An outline planning application was knocked back in 2021 but allowed following an appeal to an independent planning inspector in 2023. The latest application essentially fleshes out that outline scheme.

The statement added: “The development provides safe, convenient and dignified access for all residents and visitors and is robustly compliant in access terms.”

No date has yet been set for a decision. The plans can be viewed on the Cheshire West and Chester planning portal under the following reference number: 19/03423/OUT

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

China significantly boosted western luxury brand growth, particularly scotch whisky, which saw exports rise. Yet, recent sales declines suggest maturing consumer preferences shift from volume to premium quality.

Key Points

• Over the past decade, China significantly boosted growth for western luxury brands, especially scotch whisky, with exports rising rapidly before a recent sales decline. Young consumers are now prioritizing premium offerings, showcasing market maturation.
• Exports of scotch to China surged from under £90 million to over £235 million between 2019 and 2023, despite recent sales drops. Factors like inflation and rising costs have impacted margins.
• This slowdown reflects a shift to more selective and knowledgeable consumers. While overall volumes have decreased, interest in premium aged single malts remains strong, with a younger demographic driving whisky consumption.

China has been a vital growth engine for Western luxury brands over the past decade, significantly impacting sectors such as fashion, watches, fine wines, and spirits, particularly Scotch whisky. This surge in demand was largely fueled by rising incomes and increased global exposure, with Scotch whisky exports to China escalating from under £90 million in 2019 to over £235 million in 2023. However, recent trends indicate a decline in sales for three consecutive years, attributed to inflation, rising operational costs, and trade tensions that have pressured profit margins.

The overall slowdown in sales can be interpreted as a sign of a maturing market. Chinese consumers are becoming increasingly discerning, shifting from a mindset of volume purchasing to a focus on value, driven by younger demographics who are more knowledgeable and demanding. These changes mark a transition from conspicuous consumption to a more thoughtful approach, reflecting a broader cultural shift within the Chinese luxury landscape. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer confidence waned, leading to more cautious luxury spending—consumers are now buying fewer items but investing more wisely in premium products.

Despite the decline in volume, Scotch whisky is benefiting from a phenomenon called “premiumisation,” characterized by sustained interest in aged single malts, limited editions, and high-profile distilleries. In China, the profile of whisky consumers skews younger compared to Western markets, with urban, affluent, and well-educated individuals, predominantly from Generation Z, increasingly discerning in their choices.

Currently, China ranks as the ninth largest market for UK whisky exports, with the UK supplying 85.6% of the overall whisky imports by value, most of which is Scotch. For Chinese consumers, luxury is often associated with authenticity and heritage, making this perception especially influential in the premium spirits sector. The halving of tariffs on Scotch whisky from 10% to 5% may provide a much-needed boost to exports, further solidifying the intricate relationship between the Chinese market and Scotch whisky.

Read the original article : Heritage, desire and diplomacy: why China still values scotch whisky

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Accounts Payable (AP) automation is revolutionizing how finance teams manage invoices, payments, and vendor relations.

This technology streamlines processes that were traditionally manual and labor-intensive, offering a host of benefits such as increased efficiency, reduced errors, and improved cash flow management.

Understanding the Need for AP Automation

The manual processing of accounts payable can be fraught with challenges, including errors in data entry, delayed payments, and difficulty in tracking invoices. These issues can lead to strained vendor relationships and financial losses due to missed discounts or late fees. By automating these processes, organizations can ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with financial regulations.

Key Drivers for Adoption

1. Efficiency: Automation significantly reduces the time spent on invoice processing.
2. Accuracy: Minimizes human error through digital data capture.
3. Cost Savings: Reduces costs associated with paper processing and storage.
4. Scalability: Easily adapts to growing business needs without additional manpower.

Key Features of AP Automation Software

When evaluating AP automation software, consider the following critical features:

1. Invoice Capture: Automatic extraction of invoice data through optical character recognition (OCR).
2. Workflow Automation: Streamlined approval processes with notifications and reminders.
3. Integration Capabilities: Seamless connection with existing ERP systems.
4. Analytics and Reporting: In-depth insights into spending and process efficiency.
5. Vendor Management: Centralized portal for vendor communication and self-service.

Top 5 AP Automation Software Platforms

Yooz

www.getyooz.com

stands out as a leader in the AP automation space with its intelligent cloud-based platform that offers comprehensive features for invoice capture, workflow automation, and payment processing. Its user-friendly interface enables easy adoption by finance teams of all sizes.

Tipalti

Tipalti excels in global payment automation, making it an ideal choice for companies with international operations. It supports multiple currencies and payment methods while ensuring compliance with tax regulations worldwide.

Stampli

Stampli is known for its collaborative approach to invoice management, allowing finance teams to communicate effectively within the platform itself. Its AI-driven features enhance decision-making by providing context-specific recommendations.

AvidXchange

AvidXchange caters primarily to mid-sized businesses, offering robust solutions for invoice management and payment automation. Its extensive network of vendors simplifies the process of managing supplier relationships.

SAP Concur

SAP Concur integrates seamlessly with other SAP solutions, providing a unified experience for large enterprises looking to streamline their entire financial ecosystem from travel expenses to invoice management.

Comparing AP Automation Solutions

When comparing these platforms, it’s essential to consider factors such as ease of use, customer support, integration capabilities, and pricing structures. Yooz offers a competitive advantage with its rapid deployment capabilities and intuitive design that minimizes the learning curve for users.

Benefits of Implementing AP Automation

Implementing an effective AP automation solution can yield significant benefits:

1. Time Savings: Automating repetitive tasks allows finance teams to focus on strategic activities.
2. Improved Accuracy: With automated data capture, errors are substantially reduced.
3. Enhanced Compliance: Automated audit trails ensure adherence to financial regulations.
4. Better Cash Flow Management: Timely payments lead to improved cash flow visibility and control.

Industry-Specific Insights on AP Automation

Different industries have unique requirements when it comes to accounts payable processes:

Manufacturing: High volume of invoices necessitates efficient document handling.

Healthcare: Compliance with industry regulations is critical.

Retail: Fast-paced environment demands quick processing times.

Finance teams should evaluate software based on their specific industry needs to ensure optimal performance.

Challenges and Considerations in Choosing AP Software

While the benefits are clear, selecting the right AP automation software involves overcoming several challenges:

1. Integration Issues: Ensuring compatibility with existing systems can be complex.
2. Change Management: Staff may require training and adaptation time for new systems.
3. Cost Considerations: Balancing initial investment with long-term savings is crucial.
4. Customizability: The software must align with unique organizational workflows.

Careful evaluation and planning are necessary to address these challenges effectively.

Future Trends in AP Automation

The future of AP automation is poised for exciting developments:

1. AI and Machine Learning Advancements: Enhanced predictive analytics for better decision-making.
2. Blockchain Technology: Increased security and transparency in transactions.
3. Mobile Accessibility: Expanding capabilities for remote workforces.

These trends will continue to shape how organizations manage their accounts payable processes in the coming years.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right AP automation software is a critical decision that can profoundly impact your finance team’s efficiency and effectiveness. With platforms like Yooz offering innovative solutions tailored to diverse business needs, organizations have the opportunity to transform their accounts payable processes into a streamlined, efficient operation that supports broader financial objectives.

As you evaluate your options, consider how each platform aligns with your strategic goals and operational requirements ensuring that your chosen solution is not just a tool but a valuable partner in achieving financial excellence.