New research from HiBob, the company behind Bob, the HR platform transforming how organisations operate in the modern world of work, reveals how one resignation at a small or medium sized business (SMB) can destabilise an entire company.   One in three (31%) SMB employees have quit their job because a colleague left, and nearly half (48%) would consider doing the same. With over half (52%) of Brits currently working in SMBs considering quitting in the next 12 months, and 10% actively looking for a new job, the turnover repercussions could be huge for SMB employers.  Small teams, strong ties, and big…

By Dan Morgan-Williams, Founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy Under UK law, employers have a duty to ensure all employees are safe at work. This includes compliance with the: – Equality Act 2010 (reasonable adjustments) – Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Generic risk assessments often fail to identify the additional hazards that an employee who is Deaf or has hearing loss may face, particularly in environments or job roles that involve navigation, movement, or visual cues. Risk assessments tailored to hearing loss should consider: Lighting levels and visibility…

 Inspired by one of the first international businesswomen, Madame Clicquot, nominations are now open for the 2026 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot. Now in its 54th year, the prestigious awards are the longest-running international accolades of their kind, continuing a legacy that began over 200 years ago with a woman who dared to defy expectations. In 1805, at just 27 years old, Madame Clicquot took the reins of her husband’s champagne house. At a time where women couldn’t enter most professions, she courageously stepped into the world of business, transforming a little-known champagne house into one of the most iconic producers…

 iStock, a leading ecommerce platform providing premium content to SMBs, SMEs, creatives and students everywhere, reveals how SMBs can incorporate visual content in SEO to stay competitive in today’s AI driven landscape. Findings from iStock’s visual research platform, VisualGPS, shows that SEO continues to be one of the top skills small businesses globally want to learn. In addition, 60% of respondents say that they create and source their own content, with many turning to generative AI as a tool to ideate and iterate visual concepts. “AI is reshaping how SMBs should approach SEO,” says Helen Pollitt, Director of SEO at iStock. “Many business…

The EU’s proposed “ChatControl” legislation, if passed, would invade digital living spaces where we talk, share and collaborate just as we do in our physical homes. ChatControl would impact the private digital lives of 450 million+ EU citizens. It is the equivalent of peering into millions of homes across the continent. In this article, Benjamin Schilz, CEO of Wire, argues that this approach treats digital space as inherently corrupt and unworthy of privacy while doing little to stop the criminals it claims to target. In modern business, it has been common to refer to the digital workspace as the new…

After a period of unprecedented global trade disruption, pan-European data from global fintech, SumUp (www.sumup.com), has revealed that European businesses are facing increased costs due to supply chain disruption. SumUp surveyed over 900 independent businesses across the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy to understand how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are adapting to economic challenges. The findings revealed that increased material costs were the biggest supply chain issue faced by SMEs from all the countries surveyed. Merchants from Germany and Italy were the most affected, with nearly 50% of merchants from both countries (48% of German merchants and 49%…

Businesses will benefit from a new corporate criminal offence of ‘failure to prevent fraud’, designed to drive an anti-fraud culture and improve business confidence. Introduced as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCT) 2023, the offence, which came into effect earlier this week (Monday 1 September), will hold large organisations to account if they profit from fraud. It forms part of wider measures introduced by the government to tackle fraud and protect the UK economy, as part of the Plan for Change. As businesses prepare for the change, experts have weighed in on what firms should know and…

Sa’ed Anabtawi, Product Director, WOLF, discusses how using data effectively can help SMEs make smarter decisions to grow more quickly. What is your business? WOLF is the company behind WOLF Qanawat, a social audio platform for the Arab world. WOLF Qanawat is a space where entertainment, interaction, and community thrive. The app was specifically created for Arab-speaking users, bringing together people from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq, amongst other countries, creating an online home to create and belong. The app has attracted millions of engaged users since its launch in 2020. Tell us about your role at WOLF As…

Calling in sick used to mean flu, fever or food poisoning. But today’s “sickie” might be more about freedom than phlegm. A new survey of 2,000 UK workers from instantprint has revealed that 1 in 5 women have pulled a sick day to go shopping, while a further 22% admitted they were really just stretching out a holiday. It’s not just women getting creative with their sick leave. In total, 68% of UK workers admit to faking at least one sick day in the past year. The most common reasons were running errands (35%), dodging meetings (14%) or simply taking a rest day…

By Naomi Nye, EV charging expert at Drax Electric Vehicles If you’ve installed EV chargers at your business, you’re sitting on untapped revenue. With electric vehicle sales surging, your charging infrastructure could generate steady income – but only if you act fast. The opportunity is real UK electric vehicle sales are expected to hit 28% market share by 2026. That means more drivers need places to charge, creating real money-making potential for businesses with charging points. Most small business owners don’t realise their EV infrastructure can pay for itself. You’ve made the investment – now make it work harder for you. Five…

It’s estimated that over three-quarters of the population experience glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, with some fearing it more than flying, handling snakes, or even death itself. Present with Presence is the new essential guide from professional speaker and public speaking coach Isobel Rimmer, who has spent over 25 years helping politicians, senior executives and experts build presence and speak with confidence. Structured like a practical, step-by-step ‘recipe book’, it’s packed with strategies tested in real-world corporate and high pressure environments. From planning and preparation, to delivering with impact and memorability – every chapter offers actionable, practical tools you can…

New research from health charity St John Ambulance shows that a lack of trained workplace first aiders is causing feelings of anxiety among employees.   The study reveals that almost three in ten (29%) employees have experienced times when no one present in their workplace was first aid trained. Concerningly, of first aid trained employees, over two in five (43%) have reported being the only person on site with first aid skills, meaning that if they were to have an accident or emergency at work, there would be no one available to help them. The research comes as St John Ambulance…

As private equity firms continue to roll up UK MSPs, Espria warns of hidden risks for SMEs; from slower support to diminished accountability. A wave of private equity-driven consolidation is sweeping across the UK’s managed IT services sector. While these deals are often marketed as a route to improved scale and efficiency, the reality for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is frequently quite different, with medium and small-sized businesses sharing only 10% revenue in comparison to the 74% share of larger firms. This high market concentration limits SMEs as they often lack the leverage, resources, or visibility to compete effectively. According to Espria,…

As summer comes to a close and employees are back in the office full time after well-deserved holidays, it’s important for workplaces to keep up the momentum to prevent burn-out and stress. Hannah Power, Employee Experience Expert at Reward Gateway | Edenred: “Employee wellbeing is crucial. Our research shows that nearly half of stressed workers say it has negatively impacted their wellbeing (46%) and no longer go above and beyond for their responsibilities (40%). Worse than this, they also report losing trust in their employer (30%) and feel isolated from their colleagues (20%). The success of a business lies in…

E-commerce in the UK has reshaped the way consumers purchase goods from retailers, with online sales reaching £117.11 billion in 2024 and accounting for 30% of all retail sales. As we see a shift in consumer spending habits, return fraud has increasingly become an issue for retailers of all sizes, posing a threat to their profitability and longevity. Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of online retailers, explains what return fraud is and provides tips on how e-commerce businesses can protect themselves from falling victim to this crime. What is return fraud? Return fraud occurs when individuals exploit online retailers’ returns…

UK small businesses are finding practical ways to cut costs, reduce waste, build stronger relationships with suppliers and customers and stand out in a crowded market. New insights from Novuna Business Finance, gathered from interviews with small business owners across sectors including manufacturing, construction, engineering, and technology, reveals ten practical strategies small business owners say are critical to thriving while meeting net zero targets. These findings will form the backbone of Novuna’s forthcoming Small Business Sustainability Insight report, which will include practical tips and insight from business experts on the challenges, opportunities and realities of building a sustainable business The…