By Andrew Bresler, CEO at Saxo UK The UK investment industry stands at the dawn of an AI-driven revolution. Just as the internet once totally reshaped business, artificial intelligence now promises to become the greatest enabler of our era. For firms across the trading and investment landscape, AI is not just a tool for marginal gains – it’s a catalyst for wholesale transformation. Those who fully embrace AI across their operations will secure a decisive competitive advantage; those who hesitate risk being left behind. Successful AI adoption hinges on three principles: mindset, data, and risk management. Culture is critical. Too…
Author: sme-admin
Flexible work arrangements (FWA) – including remote work and flexible hours – have become the norm in many workplaces. While large corporations often have dedicated policies and resources to make the transition smooth, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face unique challenges in making flexibility work for both the business and employees. So how can SMEs embrace flexibility without sacrificing innovation, productivity, or their ability to attract and retain talent? A recent Swedish study offers fresh insights that could resonate across the UK business landscape. Innovation: Freedom Needs Structure Many managers found that FWA boosted individual creativity: employees could focus without…
As the third-largest venture capital market in the world, the UK offers a wealth of opportunities for investors and an exciting landscape for SMEs to secure funding to drive growth and realise ambitious founder visions. But when too much focus is placed on the headline valuation, and founders fail to approach the negotiation table with a detailed and holistic mindset, early missteps can have lasting consequences for future funding rounds, board control, and ultimately, any exit. Sam Brown, a specialist venture & growth capital lawyer at Ashfords, has been advising clients through VC negotiations for over 12 years. Here, he…
Noreena Hertz is one of the world’s leading thinkers and a renowned economist whose work bridges the worlds of economics, technology, geopolitics, and society. Frequently named among the top business speakers to hire, Noreena has advised global organisations and Fortune 500 companies alike, delivering razor-sharp insights on the forces shaping our world. Her bestselling books, high-profile media appearances, and influential roles on major corporate boards underline her position as a sought-after voice on strategy, innovation, and the future of work. In this interview, Noreena delves into some of the most urgent and transformative issues facing businesses today – from the…
Entrepreneurs and business owners often view legal considerations as a secondary concern—something to address only when a crisis arises. However, Sarah Clark, Chief Revenue Officer at The Legal Director, argues that this reactive approach is not only limiting, but it could also hinder growth and long-term success. In this article, she advocates for the proactive integration of legal thinking into a company’s growth strategy. Most founders don’t call a lawyer when things are going well. It’s usually when something’s gone wrong. A co-founder disagreement. A deal that’s fallen apart. Someone else is trying to copy your idea. Legal support often…
As a Silver Partner of Wales Tech Week – Wales’ largest international tech summit – Cyber Innovation Hub shares why cyber isn’t just a tech issue, and what every business needs to do to prepare for the next breach. 43% of UK businesses were hit last year. Would you be ready to respond? Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue. It’s a business resilience issue. And the latest headlines are proof that no one is immune. When M&S, Co-op and Harrods made front-page news following cyber breaches, the scale of the disruption raised eyebrows. But behind the headlines lies a deeper…
HR software provider Ciphr and Endometriosis UK – the country’s largest charity supporting all those impacted by endometriosis – have teamed up to launch a new survey exploring how menstrual health, and conditions such as endometriosis, are being supported in UK workplaces. The six-minute survey is open to people who work in HR, and business owners. The results will be published in the summer by Ciphr, an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, and Endometriosis UK. Insights from the survey will also help shape future support available from Endometriosis UK. Claire Williams, chief people and operations officer at Ciphr, says: “This research is an opportunity…
Accountancy body urges voluntarily and phased decentralised approach given HMRC’s capacity issues. Adopting electronic invoicing should be voluntary for both UK businesses and the public sector, according to leading global accountancy body ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Responding to a HMRC consultation – Electronic invoicing: promoting e-invoicing across UK businesses and the public sector – ACCA is clear that while the implementation of e-invoicing could bring a number of key benefits for business, such a move must be demand led and must not divert focus away from existing priorities such as MTD. Glenn Collins, Head of Policy, Technical…
Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group PLC (AIM: PR1), a pioneering company in AI-driven professional growth services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), is pleased to announce that it has integrated cryptocurrency payment options into its online onboarding process. Customers can now enjoy the convenience of transacting with Bitcoin “BTC” and other stable coins, facilitated through a strategic partnership with Coinbase Commerce. This innovation aims to enhance user experience and open additional revenue opportunities to new customers who are native users of cryptocurrency. Highlights: Introduction of cryptocurrency payment options, including BTC. Integration facilitated by Coinbase Commerce to streamline online transactions. Strategic exploration of…
With nearly three-quarters of employees reporting burnout symptoms, the question isn’t if stress affects your workplace but how much. Mental wellbeing expert, Paul Guess at caba, explains how a sense of community can offer vital support. Mental health challenges have never been isolated or rare in the modern workplace; only simply been poorly identified and supported until recently. Whether due to high expectations, blurred boundaries between work and life, or the pressure to constantly perform, many employees are struggling, often silently. As workers continue to be piled with pressure, caba’s research shows that nearly three-quarters of respondents have experienced feelings of…