It will soon be compulsory for business directors across the UK to verify their identity at Companies House. The exact date when this will become mandatory is not known at the time of writing but it is expected to be introduced from autumn 2025. Bernadette Young Co-founder and Director of Indigo Independent Governance provides SMEToday’s readers with some guidance. There are around 7.8 million directorships in UK companies, and many others who are PSCs or LLP members. While some people hold multiple appointments and will only need to verify their ID once, an incredibly large number of people are expected to…
Author: Greg Robinson
Alec Dent, a British-French entrepreneur known for co-founding and exiting VC-backed grocery delivery business Weezy, has launched 1868 Capital, a search fund focused on acquiring and operating a profitable British SME with the support of a committed international group of SME investors. With this venture, Dent’s journey comes full circle. He began his career as MD in France for BBA Reman, a British-based SME remanufacturing automotive electronics across Europe, instilling an appreciation for businesses serving niches to a high standard. “I wanted to return to my roots in SMEs after recently building Weezy from inception to exit, where we pioneered…
Manufacturing and transport sectors are stepping into the Ascot spotlight, as businesses turn to luxury experiences to win deals and deepen relationships. In the race for attention, loyalty, and growth, UK businesses are thinking differently about how they connect with clients and colleagues in 2025 – and Royal Ascot is fast becoming the go-to destination. Forget the days of after-work socials at the mini golf bar opposite the office. Today’s companies are investing in premium, high-energy experiences that don’t just impress, they convert. And this year, a surprising shift is underway at one of Britain’s most iconic events. According to…
For many family businesses, succession planning is easy to ignore. Conversations about ageing, retirement, death, and family dynamics can be uncomfortable. However, ignoring these issues and putting off difficult conversations does not make these problems dissipate. In fact, the cost of doing nothing can be greater than many family business owners realise. Without a formal succession plan, what’s at stake isn’t just control of the business – it’s the emotional wellbeing of the family, the financial stability of the enterprise, and the operational continuity of everything that’s been built. Jeff Simpson, Head of Wealth Management, Hymans Robertson Personal Wealth, provides…
Award-winning free-from brand Creative Nature is celebrating a major milestone with the launch of its very first kids’ snack bar range. The new Berry & Beetroot Oatie Snack Bars are launching in 510 Tesco Free From sections across the UK, bringing a colourful, nutritious and inclusive snack option to families nationwide. Made with a blend of fruit and vegetables, each bar is completely free from the top 14 allergens, including dairy, gluten, nuts, and eggs. Designed with younger snackers in mind, the bars are available both individually and in multipacks of four (4 x 25g), with an RRP of £3.…
Gold Traders UK Ltd, a leading precious metals buyer headquartered in Wiltshire, has opened its newest branch in Bodmin, Cornwall. Located at 3 Fore Street, in the historic former HSBC building, Gold Traders Bodmin welcomes customers from Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. “We are proud to bring our trusted precious metal buying service to Cornwall,” said Jon White, Gold Traders’ founder. “Gold Traders Bodmin reflects our ongoing commitment to providing accessible, face-to-face consultations for those looking to sell their unwanted jewellery, silverware, coins and more for a fair and ethical price.” Established in Wiltshire in 2008, Gold…
Kent-based businessman Chris Maslin, founder of Go EO, is sharing expert advice on what to think about if you are considering passing some of the risks and rewards of passing ownership to your employees. “Two acronyms you’ll hear a lot with regard to employee share ownership are EOT and EMI. Whilst they sound similar, they achieve very different things,” Chris said. EOT stands for Employee Ownership Trust and is a way of exiting your business. You’ll sell a controlling stake (potentially all your shares) to a trust, set up for the benefit of all company employees. The staff don’t put…
Southwest-based tech company black nova designs is celebrating a decade in business and commemorating the milestone by sharing ten hard-earned lessons from founders Kyle and Danielle Holmes. Launched in 2015 from their home in Wiltshire, the husband-and-wife team has grown the company into a trusted provider of IT support, web design, and hosting services, now working with more than 1,000 clients across the UK. On Saturday, October 18, Black Nova will host a 10th birthday bash at the National Self-Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon to celebrate its 10th business anniversary. The event will raise money for the local mental…
International communication and influence expert and author Jose Ucar has been confirmed as a speaker at Leadership Live 2025. Leadership Live is an annual event that welcomes all, especially aspiring managers and leaders as well as those who are already senior leaders or responsible for developing and driving people. The full-day event in London involves networking, inspiration, and practical insights from industry trailblazers. They offer a range of interactive workshops and keynote speakers. Jose’s talk ‘Speak with Impact and Create Change’ will reveal strategies to help leaders speak with impact through the power of simplicity. The session will teach participants…
With a career spanning more than 25 years, Melissa Robertson has shaped some of the UK’s most recognisable creative work and steered agencies through times of transformation and growth. From her early days at Grey London to helping launch Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy and co-founding the independent agency Now, Melissa’s journey reflects not just staying power but also a drive to challenge convention. As CEO of Dark Horses — the sport, fitness and wellbeing agency with creativity in its DNA — Melissa leads a team united by a passion for performance, both on the pitch and in the work they deliver. A champion…