As we begin a new year, business leaders may be considering how they can build and expand their companies. In order to do this, many will choose to look beyond the UK. Taking the plunge in selling internationally can often seem more daunting than it needs to be. For those thinking ahead, and looking to take the leap to begin their exporting journey, International Trade Advisors from the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) have provided their tips on how to get started and hit the ground running in 2025. Estelle Dingley, International Trade Advisor, DBT Southern England Region and Simon…
Author: sme-admin
The financial landscape for UK SMEs in 2025 is increasingly challenging, with rising insolvencies, Brexit aftermath, and economic uncertainties putting pressure on business owners. For directors, building financial resilience is now more important than ever. Proactive decision-making and expert advice can make the difference between survival and growth. Jonathan Cooper, Founder & Director of The Director’s Helpline and The Director’s Choice, offers insights based on his extensive experience supporting over 600 SME directors monthly, helping them navigate financial difficulties and plan for a sustainable future. A closer look at the business landscape Recent data reveals that insolvencies have reached some…
As the cost of living continues to rise in the UK, many people may consider side hustles to boost their income over the course of 2025. Recent research highlights the increasing financial strain, which is driving 45% of UK individuals to use additional income streams to cover day-to-day living costs. Additionally, it’s worth noting that more than three-quarters of people in the UK believe working a 9-5 job while running a money-making enterprise is the new normal. That said, which is the best side hustle to start? And what do you need to be aware of when starting a side business? The money.co.uk…
Ian Nicholls, CEO of business transformation company Explic8, delves into what the AI Act might mean for an organisation, and offers valuable strategies on how to prepare for impact on your business. On 12th July 2024, the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (“EU AI Act”), was published in the EU Official Journal, setting a global precedent as the first horizontal regulatory framework for AI systems. It came into force across all EU Member States on 1st August 2024, with the enforcement of most provisions expected to commence on 2nd August 2026. The UK does not need to…
By Ann Garry, CEO and Co-founder of Health Coaches Academy Confidence and self-esteem, the basis of productivity and employee wellbeing, are often overlooked in the workplace. Research shows that nearly half (49%) of women are grappling with self-esteem issues and there has been a significant rise in low self-esteem among adults over the past four years. With a substantial proportion of men reporting struggles that impact their careers and personal lives. Addressing these issues isn’t just an ethical imperative, it’s also a business one. The neuroscience of self-esteem and confidence Understanding the root causes of low self-esteem offers insight into…
Flooding events bring misery to communities: and it appears to be getting worse. Records are being broken with Storm Babet, in October 2023, causing some rivers in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to break their banks to exceed their highest levels yet, and a record number of flood alerts were issued in the first quarter of 2024 across England. At the end of November, Storm Bert flooded in excess of 100 homes and, Storm Darragh triggered over 200 flood warnings and flood alerts across England. To get to the root of the issue and identify how to boost England’s flood resilience, the…
Hervé Chapron, SVP Global Sales, GM EMEA for Semarchy discusses how MDM is democratising business intelligence (BI) and driving data clarity, literacy, and utility across organisations. When thinking about data quality and business intelligence (BI), imagine your business as an imposing, multidimensional house. High quality data, supported by Master Data Management (MDM) builds the foundation, ensuring the entire structure is reliable and future proof. Poor data, on the other hand, is like using subpar materials, leading to vulnerabilities and costly repairs. The rooms in your data house represent different departments, interconnected yet serving specific purposes. BI tools act as utilities…
In line with its manifesto promise, the Labour government recently announced the appointment of Tom Hayhoe as the new Covid Corruption Commissioner to investigate alleged frauds that took place during the pandemic. Here, Hamraj Kang, founder and Senior Partner at KANGS Solicitors, examines the Commissioner’s likely areas of focus, including the companies and individuals that can expect to be placed under the spotlight. Key focus Kang said: “It appears that the new Covid Corruption Commissioner’s remit is to focus on the government contracts that were issued to various parties during the height of the pandemic, as opposed to the schemes that…
New data has revealed that plumbers are the most in-demand trades across the UK. That’s according to new research by Vansdirect, which analysed the latest labour demand volumes from the ONS to uncover trades that are attracting the highest number of job adverts. Plumbers came out on top with 23% of all job adverts targeting tradespeople in the past year. Electricians (19%), carpenters (12%), builders (12%) and security system installers (9%) all made up the rest of the top five.[1] Interestingly, ‘painters and decorators’ saw the highest increase in job adverts, with a 175% increase over the last three months. These…
The Renters’ Rights Bill is poised to introduce transformative changes to tenancy laws in England, marking the most significant overhaul in decades. Key reforms include banning Section 21 ‘no-fault evictions’, transitioning all tenancies to periodic agreements, and implementing measures to limit rent increases, ban bidding wars, and enforce higher property standards. This comprehensive legislation aims to provide greater security and stability for the country’s 11 million private renters, enabling them to establish long-term roots in their communities. The removal of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions is a major worry for landlords. Many believe it will make regaining possession of properties more…