For many small and medium-sized business owners, the end of the tax year on 5th April represents one of the most important dates in the financial calendar. It’s a time when businesses review and reflect on their performance, finalise accounts and start to prepare for tax returns. For some companies this also ties in with the end of their financial year. In the run-up to the 5th April deadline, many SME owners will be focused on boosting revenue and closing deals before the year ends. While increasing sales is important, it’s critical to look at the tax planning opportunities that arise at…
Author: Greg Robinson
Darlington is ranked the best town or city to work for a small business in Britain, toppling last year’s leader Newcastle, according to new research released today by iwoca, one of Europe’s largest SME lenders. iwoca’s ‘Top 25 Towns & Cities for SME Jobs’ list ranks areas using ONS data on average wage, commute, job density, house price, and growth of the number of small businesses – all criteria that jobseekers look for in employment. The analysis reveals Darlington, Norwich, and Worcester as the top three areas to consider living in if you want to work for a small business.…
Food contamination stories have a habit of making headlines — and for good reason. They strike at the heart of consumer trust. A recent example involving MOMA’s porridge and reports of mice contamination has once again put product safety, manufacturing processes and legal responsibility firmly in the spotlight. For UK SMEs operating in manufacturing, food production or product distribution, these incidents are more than just news — they are cautionary tales with real commercial implications. Where Things Go Wrong Product contamination rarely stems from a single failure. In most cases, it is the result of multiple breakdowns across the supply…
The government’s Infrastructure Pipeline sets out 780 projects worth £530 billion over the next ten years, covering transport, energy, education and healthcare. For UK construction firms, this represents a significant pipeline of opportunity. However, the sector recorded more insolvencies than any other UK industry in 2025, with almost 4,000 firms collapsing. This contrast highlights a critical point: a strong pipeline does not guarantee commercial viability. With construction costs forecast to rise by 15 per cent over the next five years and tender prices expected to increase alongside them, successful contractors will be those who balance opportunity with disciplined pricing and robust risk management. Experts at Executive…
Stiltz Homelifts has secured official recognition as a Great Place To Work®, highlighting its commitment to a people-first culture. Headquartered in Kingswinford, West Midlands, the award‑winning homelift specialist has been Certified™ by Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and leadership behaviours. The certification, which is based entirely on employees’ views, saw 75% of Stiltz Homelifts’ employees saying it was a great place to work when surveyed earlier this year – a figure that sits 21 points above the average UK company. Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent,…
BUILDINGS which are at high risk of fire should now be safer than ever with the establishment of The Building Safety Regulator which has now separated and stands apart from the Health & Safety Executive. This body will now be a separate and distinct regulator around the planning and construction phase of any complex buildings which are high risk including tower blocks of flats, public buildings such as theatres, concert halls, schools and many more. It’s generally seen as a positive move: “This regulator will be involved in the planning and construction phase of complex buildings in a bid to…
Currys Business has helped Oak Activities, an alternative education provider for young people, simplify its technology purchasing and ongoing IT support, enabling over 100 staff to work more efficiently across multiple sites. Through expert advice, flexible payment options and hands-on service, Currys Business has become a trusted partner, helping Oak Activities control costs while focusing on delivering high-quality education and support. As a growing business, Oak Activities needed a technology provider that could simplify the purchasing process with guidance on the right technology solutions at cost-effective prices. Before working with Currys Business, Oak Activities relied on a wide array of partners and…
Every customer interaction is a make-or-break moment, especially in the age of AI, which has reshaped the landscape. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), staying responsive has always been a challenge. Limited staff, stretched budgets, and rising customer expectations create a constant uphill battle. Our research shows that 65% of Brits would be unlikely to return to a business after poor customer service. Yet many SMBs simply don’t have the resources to deliver at the level consumers demand. However, this dynamic is shifting. A new wave of AI-powered tools is putting enterprise-level service within reach of even the smallest teams.…
The FD Consultant, founded by London-based finance director Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, has been announced as a finalist in four categories across two business awards. The firm has been shortlisted for Best Enterprise and Best Innovation at the inaugural Best SME Awards 2026, as well as Best SME Business and Excellence in Customer Experience at the Kingston Borough Business Awards. The Best SME Awards were launched this year to recognise small and medium-sized businesses across the UK. Created by the founders of the long-running Best Businesswomen Awards, the programme celebrates enterprise, innovation and leadership across the SME sector. The FD Consultant provides…
Generational communication expert and long-time Professional Speaking Association (PSA) member Alastair Greener has stepped into the role of President of the PSA UK and Ireland for 2026. His appointment was announced at the PSA’s annual Speaking Business Summit in Telford last October, where members from across the UK and Ireland came together for two days of talks, workshops and networking. Alastair said he felt “excited, proud and genuinely honoured” when his name was announced at the gala dinner, adding that taking on the presidency felt like “a real milestone moment” after many years being part of the Association. Based on…