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…

Four experienced female entrepreneurs have launched SOLASA Ltd, a new business-focused social enterprise where ambitious women can be authentic, share knowledge and grow together without pressure or pretence. Based in South Wales and officially launched in March, SOLASA has been founded by business coach Julia Adams; Rachel Bedgood, CEO of Complete Background Screening; Lorna Griffiths, professional photographer co-founder and creative director of Taylor Griffiths Photography and Art of the Fairytale Creative Studio and Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Lisa Hicks, CEO of SNOAP. Founded on the principles of support, growth, knowledge and community, SOLASA brings together business owners, professionals and senior leaders…

The National Minimum Wage is s a positive force for both employees and employers and sets the foundation for loyalty around recruitment and retention according to Ashlea Fisher, founder IRecruit4. April will see the National Minimum Wage rise by 4.1 per cent from £12.21 per hour to £12.71. For some employers that uplift, spread across many employees, is a big commitment. “The national minimum wage sets an important baseline that ensures people are paid fairly for the work they do,” said Ashlea Fisher, founder of IRecruit4. “When employees feel valued financially, it has a clear impact on their motivation and…

Bupa is the first major private medical insurer to offer preventive care to all customers before any symptoms appear. New ‘Prevention Pathways’ for breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes will guide Bupa customers based on a clinical assessment including genetic risk and offer access to diagnosis, expert support and potentially life-saving surgeries, with over 200,000 Bupa customers expected to benefit by the end of 2027. Proactively addressing serious conditions which often have a genetic or family history can help prevent them before symptoms appear, providing greater clarity and reassurance whilst helping people to live longer and healthier lives. This latest…

Small businesses will be paid on time – that’s the clear message from the government today, 24th March, as it cracks down on late payments, with the largest set of reforms in over a generation. The Small Business Commissioner will be given sweeping new powers to investigate poor payment practices, adjudicate payment disputes, and fine the worst offenders – with fines worth tens of millions for firms that persistently pay late or fail to comply with the new laws. The measures will tackle a problem costing the UK economy £11 billion every year and ease the cost of living for entrepreneurs and SME owners who are often forced to wait months – or even years – to receive money they have already earned and having…

A recent system flaw at Companies House has raised fresh concerns around data security and the integrity of the UK’s corporate register, after a vulnerability in its online filing service allowed users to access information linked to other companies. The issue, which stemmed from a software update introduced in late 2025, meant that logged-in users could potentially view sensitive company data and, in some cases, make unauthorised changes to filings. While Companies House has confirmed that passwords and identity documents were not compromised, the incident has sparked concern among business owners about the risk of fraudulent filings and unauthorised amendments…

The Greener Energy Group is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for not one…but two categories “Cosy Champion of the Year” & “Campaign of the Year” at the Octopus Trusted Partners Awards. The awards celebrate the installers at the forefront of the UK’s shift to cleaner energy. They highlight the companies delivering heat pumps, solar panels and other clean technologies for Octopus Energy customers when Octopus isn’t able to do so directly. Hosted by Octopus, the awards will take place on Thursday, 26 March, 2026, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Bringing together leaders from across the clean energy sector, the…

The number of UK businesses forced into liquidation has surged to its highest level since 2012, with higher taxes and rising costs squeezing companies nationwide. Compulsory liquidations, where creditors petition the courts to shut down businesses unable to pay their debts, hit 3,730 in 2022 – the highest figure in more than a decade. Yet, even in the face of a sluggish economy, certain sectors and areas in the UK are showing remarkable resilience and growth. Keen to find out, commercial law experts at LegalVision analysed ONS Business Demography statistics, examining business formations and closures across industries from 2022 onwards. The study reveals the sectors experiencing the strongest growth, as well as the regions…

The ability to address an audience is a key skill in business. It’s vital whether you are trying to motivate your SME team during challenging times, announcing financial results or presenting your product or services to potential customers. Yet government statistics reveal that more than one in six UK businesses with a skills gap say their teams lack expertise in making speeches and presentations. This failing in speaking proficiency, whether it be among founders, CEOs, managers or junior staff, can reduce a company’s ability to convey and reach its goals, undermine confidence in leadership groups, increase silos, hamper sales and hold…

New Research Lifts The Lid On The Potential Impact Of Cyberattacks On Unprepared Businesses One in five SMEs would have to close their doors within three months if they experienced a data breach, estimating that a cybersecurity attack would cost them up to £100k in lost revenue and fines, new research has revealed. A poll of 1,000 SME business owners has highlighted issues around data security in the UK workplace, with 21% of businesses describing their current approach to security as reactive rather than proactive. The research also reveals how modern working habits may increase exposure to sensitive data, with nearly a third (32%) of SME employees working from coffee…

As demand for women-focused fitness continues to rise, Curves stands out as the world’s fourth largest franchise. Built around its signature 30-minute workout and community driven model, the brand offers a scalable franchise system designed for rapid growth while meeting the evolving needs of today’s female fitness consumers. The fitness landscape has shifted significantly in recent years. Women are increasingly seeking supportive, non-intimidating environments tailored to their lifestyles, particularly those balancing careers, families and personal wellbeing. Traditional gym models, often perceived as male-dominated and performance-led, can feel misaligned with these expectations. This has created clear market opportunity for concepts like…

Health and safety specialist Andrew Wilkinson of Swindon-based Secure Safety Solutions is warning company owners to be vigilant around issues which may become ratified in HSE law in the future.  “In the world of health and safety we always have to be ready for changes and 2026 will be no exception. Legislation and safety standards evolve over time and no company wants to find themselves facing enforcement action. Prevention is always better than cure. The safety of staff and members of the public should always be of paramount importance to business owners,” Andrew said.  He’s come up with five areas…