International communication and influence expert, Jose Ucar, looks at the importance of developing strong communication and speaking skills in a world where AI and technology are rapidly evolving. Jose discusses why these human skills remain essential for leaders and professionals who want to connect, influence, and make a meaningful impact. Artificial Intelligence has done something incredible: it has given us access to more knowledge, more quickly, than at any point in human history. With a few clicks, we can learn just about anything. But knowing more doesn’t necessarily mean we connect more. And it certainly doesn’t mean we influence, inspire…
Author: sme-admin
Mike Evans, Director of Risk Intelligence, Securitas Group, explores the vital contribution of modern security solutions to the retail experience. Retail, at its core, is driven by a positive customer experience. From services and store layouts that make it easy to find everything you need, to eye-catching visual merchandising, every touchpoint influences whether a customer makes a purchase or if they will return in the future. Behind the scenes, there is an often-overlooked presence playing a pivotal role in shaping that experience: security. Today, retail security goes beyond loss prevention. It is about creating an environment where customers can browse…
Behavioural addictions are the last ‘taboo’ in the workplace, and they are on the rise, particularly amongst young men. Professor Marcantonio Spada, Chief Clinical Officer, Onebright, believes that now is an important time to throw light on this subject and ensure individuals in your organisation feel they can speak up about their concerns and, if necessary, seek help. A behaviour becomes problematic when it starts impacting negatively our everyday lives – we cannot maintain relationships, we struggle at work, we have problems with our finances, just to mention a few examples. So, for example, engaging in gambling and using smartphones, in…
SMEs are being urged to review their recruitment practices, as new research reveals that AI-driven CV fraud is on the rise, and small businesses may be particularly vulnerable. Degree verification and fraud service provider, Hedd, part of Jisc, commissioned YouGov to poll more than 500 HR decision makers. The majority (67%) of large companies reported an increase in job application fraud, attributing the trend to AI tools being used to enhance or fabricate experience or qualifications, but smaller businesses were significantly less likely to agree. Just 37% of small firms thought AI had contributed to increased CV falsification, compared to 64%…
Employers could face fines if they fail to separate their food waste from other recyclables and rubbish, an environmental lawyer has warned. New legislation that requires businesses with as few as ten employees to follow strict waste rules has flown under the radar, according to Craig Burman, of commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney, who has been contacted by a number of companies, unclear about what the regulations mean for them and the consequences of failing to comply. Under the Government’s new ‘Simpler Recycling’ regulations, which came into force in March this year, employers with ten employees or more must separate…
The UK government has proposed extending bereavement leave under the Employment Rights Bill. Currently, statutory leave applies mainly to parents after pregnancy loss (post-24 weeks) or the death of a child under 18. The new rules would give employees at least one week of unpaid leave from day one of employment after the death of a close loved one. The exact definition of “loved one” is still to be confirmed, but is expected to include immediate family. Full details of the proposed changes are still to be confirmed. Commenting on what these changes mean for employers, Helen Dyke, Senior Employment Solicitor at Harper…
Royal Mail has launched a £1 million small business apprenticeship levy gifting fund as part of a new set of commitments to support growth. The initiative comes as new figures show that a quarter of businesses are struggling to recruit skilled workers and the skills gap is one of the biggest barriers to growth. The apprenticeship levy gifting fund is one of a number of commitments Royal Mail is making to small businesses which are published in full in a report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Royal Mail titled Small businesses: delivering growth for Britain. The report…
A new survey conducted by Thinc at CHEMUK 2025 reveals the most urgent challenges facing chemical and manufacturing operations in the year ahead. With over 80 industry professionals responding, the results offer a real-world view of how today’s businesses are navigating complexity, regulation, and the limitations of legacy systems. “We didn’t just talk tech at CHEMUK. We asked operational and commercial leaders what’s really keeping them up at night,” said Richard Stathers, Operations Director at Thinc. “The answers show it’s not transformation that they want: it’s control.” Top 5 Business Risks in 2025 (According to CHEMUK Attendees) Rising Production Costs When asked about the biggest risk to…
By Joseph Fletcher-Hunt & Mark Turner, Partners at Aaron & Partners We’ve got a new series of Clarkson’s Farm on our screens – complete with all the usual chaos and charm – but behind the rural drama lies a very real warning for business owners. In the latest series, Clarkson sets his sights on buying a pub, and it seems like a savvy rural investment until he discovers a bizarre planning clause: the pub garden must remain a public ‘picnic area’, complete with toilets. Amusing? Yes. But also painfully familiar for any small or medium-sized business looking to buy, lease…
SEP Geospatial is experiencing a sharp rise in demand for handheld laser scanners, with enquiries increasing 14-fold over the past 18 months, as interest grows beyond traditional construction applications into areas like gaming and museums. Based in the North West, SEP Geospatial supplies cutting-edge surveying technology across the UK with decades of combined experience, its team is known for technical expertise and high-quality support. Handheld laser scanners, compact 3D devices powered by LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), have long been used in construction to capture precise measurements and create digital site models. Their portability, ease of use and affordability are…