Infrastructure is the backbone of every economy, but we may be heading towards a huge shortfall. By 2040, the global gap in infrastructure investment is expected to hit $15 trillion. As the demand for new technologies, climate change and growing populations increases, the world may be set to struggle under the demands of a new economic environment. That’s why Safwan Sobhan – Global Business Leader and Founder C Chairman of Safwan Bashundhara Global (SBG)- has emphasised the importance of developing the world’s infrastructure. From renewable energy hubs to smart cities, countries that prioritise modernisation will attract capital, talent, and technology – while those that…
Author: sme-admin
Uncertainty is weighing heavily on the minds of many SMEs and business owners, with the upcoming budget just months away creating hesitation around investment choices and long-term commitments. In this climate, leaders are reassessing every decision, from recruitment to office space, and looking for ways to stay agile while keeping their teams supported. At first glance, leasing an office may appear to be the most cost-effective choice. But for many businesses, the reality is far more complex – and often more costly. Beyond rent, companies face hidden expenses including maintenance, utilities, staffing, and day-to-day office management can quickly pile up,…
When the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force in 2018, it was hailed as a turning point in the relationship between citizens and their data. It was a bold declaration of European values: for the first time, individuals were granted enforceable rights over how their personal information was collected, processed, and shared, ushering in a new era of digital accountability. It also set a global precedent, because while GDPR only directly impacted European countries, its influence stretched far beyond its borders. It rewired global thinking and acted as a blueprint for similar legislation in places like California (CCPA)…
It’s no secret that the UK workforce has been struggling over the last few years. The ongoing impact of Brexit and Covid-19, political and economic instability, and huge shifts in how we use technology have changed the workforce, creating staff shortages, skills gaps and uncertainty around job security. Our capacity as a nation to achieve our social and economic priorities depends on having a trained and innovative labour force, according to the Edge Foundation, and this won’t happen without a real effort to invest in skills and development. This is where apprenticeships come in. Not only do they give young…
With UK Savings Week just around the corner (22–28 September) and World Financial Planning Day on 1 October, there’s no better time for business owners to get serious about their numbers. On 23rd September 2025, award-winning finance trainer, consultant and founder of TKA Finance Training, Tara Askham, will host a workshop at The Wesley Hotel, Euston, London, designed to help SMEs, entrepreneurs, and sole traders take control of their business finances. The interactive training session, “Know Your Numbers, Grow Your Profits, Take Home More Money”, promises to provide attendees with a greater knowledge of their income and outgoings. Hosted by…
With operating costs continuing to rise, UK businesses are increasingly reassessing their property maintenance strategies to help improve efficiency and reduce expenses. Fabien Caqueret, Managing Director at property maintenance and facilities management company MSL, explains whether planned or reactive maintenance is the best approach for businesses to take. However, the best solution may involve a mix of the two approaches. Planned maintenance Fabien shares: “Planned or preventative maintenance involves scheduled servicing, inspection and replacements to help prevent equipment from failing and becoming in need of urgent repairs. A typical schedule may include regular inspections of roofs and gutters, electrics and plumbing and servicing of HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). How often these are carried out will depend on many factors including the age of the equipment and how frequently it is used, therefore, this can range from weekly to yearly checks…
The Government’s announcement of the toughest late payment laws in a generation marks a pivotal moment for the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Greg Bell, CEO of Skipton Business Finance, discusses why tackling late payments is long overdue, and what SMEs can do to protect their cashflow and thrive under the new rules. For too long, late payments have been the silent killer of promising businesses – eroding cashflow, stifling investment, and, in the worst cases, forcing otherwise viable companies to close their doors. The statistics are stark: £11 billion lost to the UK economy every year and 38…
To meet surging demand for digital skills in areas outside London, Leigh Ingham MP and Dan Aldridge MP – Co-Chairs of Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Digital Inclusion – brought Google Digital Garage to their constituencies on Friday 5 September, delivering a full day of free training for local businesses and residents. The MPs worked with Google to bring the flagship programme to Stafford and Weston-super-Mare, ensuring that communities outside of London – too often left behind by the digital economy – had access to world-class skills support. Between the two events, over 100 people took part in workshops,…
Only a few short years ago, generative AI was a cutting-edge technology that only large organisations with vast budgets could afford. Fast forward to today, while AI remains an innovative technology it is becoming more accessible for businesses of all sizes and spanning all industries. In fact, for small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs), getting ahead of the AI curve has now become essential to remaining competitive. The shift toward AI adoption isn’t as simple as buying premium licenses to a popular large language model and using it out-of-the-box. There are risks that go hand-in-hand with AI implementation. For example, the potential…
The short- and medium-term investment plans of UK Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) have been hit hard by the recent changes to international trade tariffs. More than two-thirds (68%) of UK SME finance decision-makers (FDMs) confirmed there has been a high impact on their short and medium-term investment plans, with more than half (56%) suffering up to a 40% drop in their sales pipeline. As UK businesses grapple with changing tariffs in 2025, 70% of UK FDMs also report an increased risk across their supply chains since tariffs were introduced. The results are part of a new research report, “International…