For many businesses, spreadsheets are the primary way to handle fleet maintenance. Going that route is affordable, intuitive, and usually sufficient in the initial stages of development.

​But using spreadsheets to organize data on car service, fuel expenses, drivers, and other important factors can become unwieldy quickly as businesses and fleets grow.

​The ability to recognize when a spreadsheet-based fleet maintenance system has run its course is essential. With that said, here are five telltale signs that it’s time to replace spreadsheets with specialized fleet maintenance software.

​1. Updating Records Requires Too Much Time

​A clear sign that it’s time to switch from spreadsheets to specialized software is when workers spend too much time updating data in spreadsheets. With the right solution in place, staff members can focus more time on core duties and less time on time-consuming tasks.

It’s also worth noting that a good fleet maintenance solution means fewer workers are needed in that area of the business. It’ll do much of the heavy lifting, so businesses aren’t distracted.

​Things that businesses need to monitor as their fleets expand include the following:

• The history of servicing of each vehicle
• Information about insurance renewals
• Driver information
• Details about warranty coverage
• Data concerning fuel consumption
• Repair and servicing reports

Updating data, maintaining consistency, and searching for specific information across multiple sheets can become time-consuming as the number of vehicles increases. Investing in fleet maintenance software is about investing in a tool that’ll help businesses operate their fleets more efficiently.

​2. Deadlines Are Frequently Missed

​It goes without saying that regular vehicle servicing and maintenance is critical to ensuring that issues are kept at bay and that all assets perform reliably. Using spreadsheets to track fleet maintenance often requires manually tracking each deadline.

​With a limited number of vehicles, it may be possible to stay on top of things. However, when the fleet grows beyond a certain number of vehicles, it may become difficult for fleet managers to monitor all maintenance schedules to ensure no required work is missed.

​Spreadsheet errors aren’t just an inconvenience — they’re also costly. One study, for instance, shows that spreadsheet mistakes cost companies $4,300 per staff member annually.

​So, if businesses find that spreadsheet errors are negatively impacting their fleets — for example, due to missed service — that’s a key indicator that fleet maintenance software is needed. Fleet assets can become less reliable if required upkeep isn’t completed on time.

​3. Obtaining Meaningful Insights Proves to Be Hard

​Business leaders must collect important data and derive insights to ensure proper decision -making. Using spreadsheets to analyze fleet performance can, all things considered, become increasingly difficult as more vehicles are added to their fleets.

​Using spreadsheets implies that the following important questions remain unanswered:

• Which vehicles require the most maintenance?
• Are fuel expenses increasing?
• Is there an urgent need to replace some assets?
• How much of productivity is affected by vehicle downtime?
• Is the corporate fleet maintenance program yielding positive results?

If businesses with spreadsheet-based systems struggle to answer these types of questions, they should consider solutions that provide essential analytics. Such data will inform good strategic planning to maximize the performance of fleet assets.

​4. Complying With Requirements Becomes Impossible

​Every business has regulatory responsibilities and requirements to adhere to. For companies working with vehicles, there is a wide range of regulations that need to be monitored to avoid trouble, including hefty fines. Depending on the industry, requirements may include the following:

• Vehicle inspections
• Information concerning driver licensing
• Insurance policies
• Service record of vehicles

Manual monitoring may become increasingly difficult as the list of requirements grows. Moreover, it can increase the risk of errors, with serious consequences. If businesses find it difficult to meet certain requirements, a specialized management system can make compliance easier and help ward off potential regulatory issues.

​5. The Fleet Is Growing Fast Enough

​It’s worth underscoring that a clear sign that businesses should abandon spreadsheets in favor of another management system is fast fleet expansion. Something that was suitable for a fleet of five cars may no longer be appropriate for one comprising 20, 50, or even 100 vehicles.

Rapid growth creates additional challenges, including the need to monitor more drivers and the spread of maintenance work across a larger number of cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles in the fleet.

​Attempts to manage rapidly growing fleets using spreadsheets can lead to inefficiency, higher costs, and reduced productivity. At such moments, it’s necessary to look for alternative solutions.

​While there are some situations where using spreadsheets might be a doable option, there may come a time when it’s time to take the next logical step…investing in a software platform.

​If businesses face difficulties with recordkeeping, compliance management, analyzing fleet performance data, and controlling fleet vehicles, they should start looking for alternatives.

Implementing a specialized fleet maintenance management system can be a game-changer, helping companies get the most out of their fleet investments.

Greater Manchester Chamber and Growth Company say there are positive signs in manufacturing but warn on demand dip

Greater Manchester’s economy is staying resilient but seeing only low levels of growth, new figures have shown.

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) showed a slight weakening in the local economy. Its headline Greater Manchester Index fell from 15 in the first quarter of the year to 13 in Q2.

Firms polled said they had been affected by dips in domestic demand and advance orders, while the service sector had seen a decline and construction had seen two consecutive quarters of contraction. Service exports also fell, but manufacturing exports rose as that sector showed some positivity.

The QES figures were revealed at the Greater Manchester Business Index event, held by the Chamber and the Growth Company at The Manchester College’s City Campus.

Subrahmaniam Krishnan-Harihara, director of business policy and research at the Chamber, said: “The key issue is that we’ve had a long period of low-level economic growth. We’re not heading towards a recession, but we do have a consistently low level of economic growth. The services-driven decline we’re seeing signals softer consumer spending but there’s been no collapse in manufacturing and construction activity is still resilient.”

He added: “The Greater Manchester Index has weakened since the last quarter. There’s no crash but it has certainly weakened compared with the last figure. The Index has been consistently hovering around the 13 to 15 mark.”

Mr Krishnan-Harihara said manufacturing had seen growth, while the Chamber’s Construction Pipeline Analysis showed £35bn of projects were planned over the next five years in Greater Manchester.

He added: “Optimism in manufacturing and construction has gone up. Nationally construction is under stress but there is resilience in Greater Manchester. There is some good news about business resilience in the figures, but we need business investment to pick up as we can’t just rely on consumer spending.”

Mr Krishnan-Harihara said the rise in the Retail Sales Index from April to May showed people were continuing to spend, but warned consumer confidence was weakening.

He said: “Many of the services sub-sectors, such as defence and health, are reliant on public sector spending but we can’t rely too much on that during times of financial stress.

“The key challenge for the new Prime Minister is: where will all the investment funding come from?”

At the QES event, Rupert Greenhalgh, head of business intelligence at The Growth Company, discussed what his organisation’s research revealed about the Greater Manchester economy.

He said: “There’s no material impact from the Middle East conflict in the figures but longer term it will wash through. In manufacturing the big concern is future orders, and we will probably start to see more stress in that area.

“Uncertainty about hiring means that the number of job vacancies in Greater Manchester is at its lowest level in five years. We’re nowhere near a recession but there’s nothing to shout about in terms of growth.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has wrapped up, with 16 teams securing automatic qualification to the round of 32 while eight more advanced as the best third-placed finishers in an expanded 48-team tournament.

The knockout bracket begins June 28 and runs through July 3, setting the stage for intense single-elimination matches. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed sides, advance to face off in the round of 32.

FIFA implemented new tiebreaker criteria for the first time, prioritizing head-to-head results before goal difference when teams are level on points. This change aimed to reward direct competition outcomes over overall statistics.

Qualified Teams and Group Standings

Mexico became the first team to advance, topping Group A with a strong performance as co-hosts. Their victory over South Korea secured first place and set the tone for the tournament.

The United States claimed top spot in Group D with impressive wins, including a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Their success as co-hosts boosted national pride and demonstrated the depth of American soccer talent.

Germany advanced from Group E after a convincing win over Ivory Coast, showcasing their traditional strength despite early challenges. The four-time champions remain favorites for deep runs.

Argentina secured first place in Group J with Lionel Messi continuing his remarkable form, scoring multiple goals and leading the team’s attack. The defending champions looked sharp throughout the group stage.

France, pre-tournament favorites, advanced comfortably from Group I with Kylian Mbappé in excellent form. Their blend of youth and experience makes them dangerous contenders.

Norway returned to the World Cup after 28 years and secured advancement from Group I with solid performances, including a victory over Senegal. Their young squad showed promise for future tournaments.

Colombia progressed from Group K with consistent results, demonstrating South American depth in the expanded field. Their technical ability and tactical discipline stood out.

Switzerland topped Group B undefeated, showcasing defensive solidity and efficient attacking play. Their consistency has been a hallmark of recent international performances.

Canada, as co-hosts, advanced from Group B with four points, delighting home fans with strong showings including a dominant win over Qatar. Their progress reflects growing North American soccer infrastructure.

Bosnia and Herzegovina earned one of the best third-placed spots with a commanding victory over Qatar, rewarding their resilience and attacking quality.

Brazil dominated Group C with seven points and a significant goal difference, confirming their status as perennial contenders. Their attacking flair and defensive organization remain formidable.

Morocco advanced from Group C as runners-up, continuing their reputation as a dangerous African side capable of upsetting higher-ranked teams.

South Africa made history by advancing from Group A as one of the best third-placed teams. Their victory over South Korea marked their first knockout stage appearance.

Ecuador squeezed through from Group E with a dramatic win over Germany, showcasing fighting spirit and tactical execution. Their result added drama to the group standings.

Ivory Coast secured second place in Group E with victories that highlighted their attacking talent and defensive improvements.

Netherlands topped Group F with seven points, demonstrating their traditional quality and tactical flexibility. Their experience makes them dangerous in knockout play.

Japan advanced as runners-up from Group F with a solid campaign featuring disciplined defending and clinical finishing.

Sweden earned advancement as one of the best third-placed teams, showing resilience and quality in a competitive group.

Australia claimed second place in Group D after a draw with Paraguay, securing their place in the knockouts through consistent performances.

Eliminated Teams

Several teams exited after the group stage, including Haiti, Türkiye, Tunisia, Jordan, Panama and Qatar. Their campaigns highlighted the challenges of competing at the highest level in an expanded tournament.

Czechia’s elimination after a loss to Mexico ended their hopes despite respectable performances. Curacao’s early exit as the smallest nation to qualify added a unique storyline to the group stage.

Knockout Stage Format

The round of 32 features single-elimination matches with extra time and penalty shootouts if necessary. Winners advance to the round of 16, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, a third-place playoff and the final on July 19.

The expanded format has created more opportunities for surprises and dramatic moments. Teams advancing as best third-placed finishers face additional challenges in the bracket but have shown they can compete.

Implications for Remaining Teams

Advancing teams now prepare for potentially tougher opponents in the knockout stages. The format rewards consistency across group matches while allowing for dramatic turnarounds.

Co-host nations have performed well overall, with Mexico, the United States and Canada all advancing. Their success validates the decision to expand the tournament to 48 teams.

South American and European teams continue dominating qualification spots, but African and Asian sides have shown competitiveness. The global nature of the tournament continues evolving.

As the knockout stage begins, focus shifts to tactical preparation, player fitness and mental readiness. Small margins often determine outcomes in single-elimination play.

The 2026 World Cup has already delivered memorable moments and surprises. The knockout rounds promise more drama as teams vie for the ultimate prize.

Asian stock markets fell sharply on Friday, led by a sell-off in technology firms as investors worried that recent jumps in share prices had gone too far.

Trading on South Korea’s Kospi was temporarily halted as an 8% fall in the benchmark index triggered a mechanism intended to curb panic selling. The index closed 5.8% lower.

It comes after shares in Apple fell sharply on Thursday after it announced it would raise the prices of its iPads and MacBooks due to the soaring cost of computer chips.

Some investors are also concerned about the hundreds of billions of dollars being spent this year by big tech firms to build artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.

Traders are reassessing the valuations of tech stocks, while some are taking profits after a rally in recent months, said senior partner David Makaryan from the Alpha Pacific Group, an investment firm.

“The long term investment case for AI remains compelling, but investors are becoming far more selective about which companies can justify the valuations the market has assigned to them,” Makaryan said.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed more than 4% lower as shares in technology investment giant SoftBank fell by 12.5%.

Other major indexes in the region, including Taiwan and mainland China, were also sharply lower.

Share trading in South Korea has been particularly volatile in recent months.

Friday’s 20-minute halt on the Kospi marked the third time the so-called circuit breaker has been triggered this week and the fifth such event this year.

On Thursday in the US, Apple shares dropped by 6% – its biggest one-day fall in more than a year.

Microsoft shares also fell after it announced higher prices for its Xbox gaming consoles, citing higher costs of components.

The moves have raised concerns that rising component prices hit sales of devices, which in turn may slow demand for computer chips.

The high cost of commercialising AI tools is gradually being passed on to consumers, said analyst Raymond Woo from Kyoto University Innovation Capital.

That “naturally raises questions” about how quickly demand for such tools will match the investment into AI, and whether the valuations of tech stocks today are realistic, Woo said.

Britain’s tax system should be reshaped to reward investment in homegrown companies and halt the “overseas stripping” of the country’s most innovative businesses, according to one of the economists advising Andy Burnham as he assembles a policy programme for a possible move to Downing Street.

Andy Haldane, president of the British Chambers of Commerce and a former chief economist at the Bank of England, told the organisation’s annual conference in London that the billions of pounds the Treasury spends each year on pension tax relief represented a “ready made” and “largely fiscal-free way” of giving British growth what he called “a genuine giddy-up”.

Haldane, who Burnham has been consulting as the Greater Manchester mayor prepares his pitch for No 10, framed the idea as a “third way” between “unfettered free markets” and the outright “mandation” of how pension funds allocate their money. For SME owners and the scale-up community, the proposal goes to the heart of a long-running complaint: that British capital too often flows everywhere except British business.

The numbers Haldane set out are striking. “This government, startlingly, extends over £50 billion in pension tax relief and more than £10 billion in tax relief for Isas,” he told delegates. “That means, as a country, we spend more in tax relief on savings than we do on defence. Yet these benefits are conferred without any accompanying commitment to support British businesses, or therefore UK growth. Most are implicitly supporting US corporations and indeed foreign governments.”

Redirecting those incentives, he argued, would “deliver a far larger return while keeping decisions on those investments in the hands of managers”, rather than ministers. The distinction matters. The Treasury has so far stopped short of compelling pension funds to back UK companies, wary of criticism that doing so would cut across the duty to secure the best possible returns for savers. Recent reporting has already shown some savers withdrawing pension cash amid fears of tax changes in the run-up to the Budget, underlining how sensitive any reform of pension incentives will be.

Haldane’s pitch is designed to sidestep that objection. Rather than handing ministers the power to mandate where pension money goes, he wants the tax relief itself to do the steering, nudging capital towards domestic firms while leaving the investment calls with fund managers.

Central to his case is the idea that Britain is an international outlier. The debate, he insisted, should not be about “constraining choices” but about mirroring the “home bias” already common elsewhere. “Their pension funds invest between 20 per cent and 40 per cent in their own companies, multiples of their global market share,” Haldane said of pension systems in Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan. “The UK’s pension fund system, big and mature, is the only pension system in the world that does not have such a home bias.”

He also pointed to public appetite for change, citing surveys suggesting more than 70 per cent of British investors would rather see their pensions invested in UK companies. On that basis, he said, there was “a strong case” for the default option under pensions auto-enrolment being into British firms.

Westminster and the City have wrestled for years with how to keep promising ventures growing on home soil rather than being acquired and spirited overseas. Haldane welcomed existing efforts, singling out the British Business Bank and the National Wealth Fund, but said both remained on a “modest scale”. The “quantitative impact” of the government’s Mansion House reforms to lift pension fund investment in UK companies would, he added, “still be modest in the near term”.

His warning to policymakers was blunt. “We simply cannot afford to allow the continuation of overseas stripping of our greatest growth asset, innovative businesses, on this scale,” he said. “Doing so is tantamount to willingly sacrificing growth and jobs.” Government, he argued, needed a “level of boldness” to “act at speed and scale” and take “full advantage of the UK’s brilliant businesses before they perish on the vine or are plucked off by overseas foreign raiders”.

He ended with a flourish aimed squarely at the country’s business and political leadership: “Fortunately, in the UK we have, hiding in plain sight, not one but two gift horses, British business and British capital. Let’s not, as leaders, continue to look these in the mouth.”

Speaking later on the conference fringes, Haldane said a Burnham-led government should radically simplify what he described as a “stupendously complex” tax code, and called for a “systematic and seismic” cutting back of “the thicket of regulation”, themes that will resonate with smaller firms who routinely cite red tape and compliance costs as a brake on growth.

The conference drew senior figures from across the five main parties. Among them was Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, who told the audience she had “unfinished business”, including pursuing fiscal devolution.

Whether Haldane’s “third way” makes it into a formal programme remains to be seen. But with more than £60 billion of annual tax relief in play, and a growing political consensus that British savings should do more for British growth, the question of how that money is directed looks set to stay firmly on the agenda.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

This article was written by

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LOS ANGELES — Negotiations between the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James have seen limited movement since free agency opened, with the team yet to make a formal contract offer to the 41-year-old superstar.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that a check-in call occurred early in the negotiation window following the NBA Finals, but communication has been sparse since then. The situation leaves James’ future with the franchise uncertain as both sides evaluate options.

James, who just completed his 23rd NBA season, holds a player option for the 2026-27 campaign. His decision on whether to exercise that option or enter free agency will significantly impact the Lakers’ offseason planning.

The Lakers have already secured Austin Reaves with a maximum contract extension and face pressure to build a competitive roster around Luka Doncic. James’ potential $50 million salary slot creates both opportunity and constraint for the franchise.

Background on Negotiations

The minimal communication stands in contrast to the high stakes involved. James has been the face of the Lakers since joining in 2018, delivering championships and breaking numerous records during his tenure.

Reports indicate James is seeking a maximum contract without taking a pay cut. His agent Rich Paul has been instrumental in navigating contract discussions throughout James’ career.

The Lakers must balance retaining their veteran leader with addressing roster needs around Doncic. The franchise’s priorities include adding complementary pieces that enhance the team’s competitiveness in the Western Conference.

James’ Career Context

James’ longevity and production at an advanced age continue defying conventional expectations. His ability to perform at an elite level while managing physical demands has been remarkable throughout his career.

The four-time MVP has expressed commitment to winning while considering family and long-term plans. His decision will reflect both competitive aspirations and personal priorities.

Previous contract negotiations with the Lakers have resulted in extensions that provided stability for the franchise. This latest chapter carries additional complexity given James’ age and the team’s roster construction needs.

Lakers’ Strategic Position

Los Angeles has invested heavily in building around Doncic as the team’s future cornerstone. James’ presence provides veteran leadership and scoring ability that could accelerate the young star’s development.

The franchise’s salary cap situation requires careful management. Retaining James while adding supporting talent presents challenges that the front office must navigate strategically.

Recent moves, including the Reaves extension, demonstrate commitment to key pieces. The organization’s approach to James’ situation will signal broader intentions for the upcoming season and beyond.

Potential Outcomes

James returning to the Lakers on a short-term deal remains the most likely scenario according to many observers. His deep ties to the franchise and comfort in Los Angeles provide strong incentives for continuity.

Alternative paths could include James exploring free agency or accepting a sign-and-trade arrangement. However, few teams possess both the cap space and competitive appeal to lure him away.

The Lakers’ leverage stems from their desire to maintain stability while building for the future. James’ unique status as both legend and active contributor creates a complex dynamic for negotiations.

Broader NBA Context

The league’s free agency period typically features intense activity as teams reshape rosters. James’ situation represents one of the most significant storylines given his historical impact and continued relevance.

Other star players face similar decisions about contract options and future destinations. The movement of veterans influences competitive balance across conferences.

The NBA’s salary cap and collective bargaining agreement create parameters that shape negotiations. Teams must balance immediate contention with long-term flexibility when approaching star contracts.

Impact on Lakers Roster

James’ decision will influence how the Lakers allocate remaining resources. His presence affects both on-court chemistry and off-court leadership dynamics.

The franchise’s ability to attract complementary talent depends partly on James’ commitment. His endorsement carries significant weight in free agency conversations.

Younger players on the roster would benefit from continued mentorship if James returns. His experience provides valuable guidance for developing stars like Doncic.

Fan and League Perspectives

Lakers fans have grown accustomed to James’ presence and leadership. His potential departure would mark the end of a significant era in franchise history.

League observers view James as a transformative figure whose decisions ripple across the NBA landscape. His choice will generate substantial discussion and analysis.

The situation highlights the evolving nature of player-team relationships in modern professional basketball. Loyalty, business considerations and competitive opportunities intersect in complex ways.

As negotiations continue, both sides maintain professional discretion. The outcome will shape the Lakers’ direction and James’ legacy in his later career stages.

The coming days and weeks may bring clarity to James’ future. Until then, speculation and analysis will continue surrounding one of the NBA’s most significant storylines.

1456 ET – Oil futures fall to their lowest level since the start of the U.S.-Iran conflict as more oil shipments make it out of the Persian Gulf. Signs are that production and exports will return much faster than had been thought during the war, Mizuho’s Robert Yawger says in a note. “Once storage draws down, oil producers can ramp up production and return to business as usual” as long as the U.S. and Iran reach an agreement in the 60-day negotiation period that keeps Strait of Hormuz open. Yawger expects the Trump administration would extend the negotiating period rather than go back on the offensive in mid-August, “just two-and-a-half months away from the mid-term elections, where affordability will be a major issue.” WTI settles down 3.9% at $70.34 a barrel and front-month Brent falls 4.3% to $73.74. (anthony.harrup@wsj.com)

Oil Market Shrugs Off Large U.S. Crude Stock Draw

1219 ET – Oil futures are falling as euphoria over the return of ships through the Strait of Hormuz outweighs concerns about falling U.S. inventories. The EIA reported a larger-than-expected 6.1 million barrel drop in commercial crude stocks for last week, a ninth straight draw. “Short-term we have major drawdowns in inventories, there’s a lot of disruption in the market, and the exact short-term trajectory is difficult to see,” says TradeStation’s David Russell. But the intermediate to long-term outlook is more bearish for prices than the market seems to appreciate with OPEC lifting production and Venezuela’s return to the market, he says. “There’s a flood of oil that’s coming and everybody knows it.” WTI is off 3.8% and most active Brent is down 3.5%. (anthony.harrup@wsj.com)