The natural reaction to scaled back governance measures is complacency, but boards must stay vigilant to maintain and enhance their reputations, says Corporate Governance Institute. There is an emerging global trend of cuts to red tape, as governments roll back on promised reforms that boards might see as overly bureaucratic. This transition has been triggered by a number of factors, including a shifting political landscape, efforts from countries and states to stay attractive to businesses, and pushback from companies against the compliance burden. A recent example is the decision of the US State of Delaware, long considered a tone-setter when…

Dr Glenn Mason, Head of Adult Psychological Therapies at Onebright shares insights from Onebright’s internal data on stress diagnoses, as well as some strategies to implement to prevent stress, burnout and other more serious mental health issues. April is Stress Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is about approaching people with kindness, compassion, and acceptance, no matter what challenges they face. This year especially it seems as important as ever to bring this into the workplace and help employees who may be dealing with a range of situations causing stress. From financial worries caused by the ongoing cost-of-living-crisis, to problems…

Small business owners are facing an ongoing challenge: the inability to fully disconnect from work. According to research by Uswitch.com, a staggering 70% of entrepreneurs feel guilty taking time off from their businesses, even during annual leave. The study surveyed 1,000 small business owners across the UK and sheds light on the pressure entrepreneurs face when it comes to stepping away from their work. Table showing how guilty entrepreneurs feel when taking time off from their business. Source: Uswitch.com The majority (65%) of entrepreneurs work between 30 to 50 hours per week, with almost half of them (40%) exceeding 40 working…

Tax return anxiety is very real and with over 12.5K TikTok posts offering advice, it’s clear many are turning to unverified content for reassurance. With this in mind, experts at Nottingham Accountants Archimedia Accounts sought to debunk some misleading tax advice. The most misleading tax advice and what you should be doing: You can claim anything as a work expense if you just say it’s for work Most people can’t claim everyday purchases as work expenses just because they use them at work or say they’re work-related. Tax deductions must be directly tied to earning your income and not just vaguely associated with your job. Chris…

Running a sports club or venue in the UK comes with both rewarding opportunities and serious financial demands. Managing overheads, retaining members, and staying competitive for funding are common challenges across the sector. From local football clubs and martial arts schools to leisure centres and athletics tracks, financial sustainability depends on a balanced approach to revenue growth, cost control, and community engagement. A well-managed club or venue can thrive by making the most of its facilities, diversifying income, and building long-term relationships with members and partners. Below is a set of practical, effective ways to strengthen financial performance while continuing…

By Sabine Leveiller, VP of Marketing for Europe at VistaPrint Starting a business is a significant challenge, but scaling one is an even greater hurdle. Many entrepreneurs quickly realise that launching a company is just the beginning—the real test lies in growing it sustainably and making the leap from startup to scale-up. Having worked in business and marketing for years, I’ve witnessed the journeys of small business owners (SBOs) across the UK. While some have thrived and expanded internationally, others have struggled, particularly amid challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis. One thing remains clear: small businesses need greater support to…

Reward Gateway Edenred’s Economic Value Study highlights the impact of employee engagement on business performance, finding a clear correlation between higher employee engagement and improved business performance. Key findings include: Organisations offering food vouchers or healthy office snacks report 11% higher employee retention rates Desk-based organisations providing private medical insurance experience 14% better retention rates, 12% better talent attraction rates, and a 9% higher employee wellbeing score Frontline organisations offering personal accident insurance see a 17% higher wellbeing score, 26% better retention rates, and 19% better talent attraction rates Implementing profit share bonuses results in 7% better alignment between employee and company values, 11%…

Operating a construction site in a remote location brings a unique set of challenges. Without access to main services, urban infrastructure, or nearby suppliers, it’s essential to have the right equipment and systems in place to keep your site running smoothly and safely. Whether you’re managing a rural development, infrastructure project, or temporary works in a hard-to-reach area, discover the core equipment every remote construction site should consider. Site Planning and Temporary Infrastructure Strategic planning is essential before work begins—especially in remote areas where self-sufficiency is key. Establishing core infrastructure early helps avoid costly delays. Reliable access is a priority.…

Almost one in five waste disposals in the UK (18%) are done illegally, equating to 34 million tonnes yearly—enough to fill 4 million skips. Illegal waste management—even if you are unaware of your waste disposal company’s improper operations—can result in criminal prosecution and a substantial fine. As England braces for new Simpler Recycling legislation coming at the end of March, there’s a good chance that we could see the levels of waste crime increase as some try to cut corners and avoid compliance. Compliant waste management suppliers need four things: authorisation to carry waste, a transfer note detailing the waste they carry for…

Running a construction business requires more than delivering quality work on site. With rising costs, variable income, and tight margins, maintaining control over your finances is essential to long-term success. Without proper financial oversight, even the busiest firms can find themselves under pressure. Discover practical steps to strengthen your financial position, from budgeting and debt management to reducing waste and looking after essential tools and equipment. With a clearer understanding of your numbers and a more structured approach to spending, you can improve profitability, plan for growth, and build greater resilience into your business. Know Your Numbers Like You Know…

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity presents a range of ethical and moral conundrums. While AI-powered solutions help to prevent and mitigate cyber-attacks and data breaches, they also come with important ethical considerations. Business leaders and cybersecurity professionals find themselves at the forefront of this ethical debate as they look to strike the right balance between IT security, privacy, and fairness. Here, AI consulting experts ramsac explore this crucial trade-off between privacy and AI innovation. Privacy vs Cybersecurity A fine line exists between privacy and security when it comes to AI-driven cybersecurity. While AI tools offer a multitude of benefits…

Amid the headlines on welfare cuts and house building, a key announcement in the Spring Statement went largely unnoticed: a significant clampdown on tax avoidance. Backed by new funding for HMRC and a pledge to increase prosecutions by 20% each year, the government’s message is clear – aggressive enforcement is coming. But how could businesses become so affected? The answer lies in proposals first introduced in 2024 and now under consultation. John Hartley, Partner & Head of Business Crime at Primas Law. discusses the changes that could bring routine tax planning under legal scrutiny and expose even cautious SMEs to criminal…

In the ever-competitive world of hospitality, managing costs effectively can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Café owners are feeling the pressure of rising costs across the board – from ingredients and energy bills to staff wages. There are a number of practical and actionable ways to cut down on expenses without sacrificing quality or customer experience. Audit and Analyse Your Current Costs Before you can cut costs, you need to understand where your money is going. Regularly reviewing your profit & loss (P&L) statements helps highlight areas where expenses may be unnecessarily high. Look closely at labour…

Small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK are being given a unique opportunity to give back on a global scale by joining an exclusive club launched by SOS Children’s Villages, the world’s largest charity focused on supporting children and young people who don’t have, or are at risk of losing, parental care.  Research shows that more than half (54%) of employees said that working for an employer who supports charities increases their sense of pride in working there. The SOS Children’s Villages SME Club has been created to support businesses looking to make a genuine social impact, offering them the chance to connect…

A quiet revolution is taking place across the accounting profession: record numbers of qualified technical accountants are rejecting traditional employment in favour of establishing their own practices. AAT’s (The Association of Accounting Technicians) licensed accountant population – members qualified to run their own accounting businesses – has grown by 59% over the past seven years*. This includes a remarkable 755% increase in licensed members under 34 years old since 2018, growing from just 119 to 1,018*. Based on current growth trends, AAT projects its licensed accountant membership to exceed 8,000 by 2030. Accounting technicians fulfil vital roles in chartered accountancy…

Targeted development is essential to encourage AI uptake from non-technical employees, says M-Files Despite billions invested in AI solutions worldwide, a major roadblock remains: employees don’t understand how to use these tools effectively. Without proper guidance, businesses risk stalled adoption, wasted investment, and an inability to realise AI’s full potential. This hesitation is hindering AI adoption and limiting its benefits within organisations. Recent research indicates that only 6% of workers feel very comfortable utilising AI in their roles. This stark statistic highlights a significant skills gap that businesses must address. A McKinsey Global Survey found that while 85% of businesses have AI initiatives…