Marcin Pichur, Regional Vice President, Sales of Docuware comments on the critical role of invoice reconciliation for SME finance teams here in the UK. UK SMEs are under more pressure than ever. Rising costs, tighter margins and increasing regulatory scrutiny mean finance teams are expected not only to keep the business running, but to provide clarity, control and strategic insight. Yet one of the most important levers for achieving that, invoice reconciliation, is still treated by many organisations as a routine administrative task. It’s time to rethink that. Reconciliation shouldn’t just be seen as an end‑of‑month tick‑box exercise, but as…
Author: sme-admin
Trent Scanlen, CEO and co-founder of KURK, on why backing homegrown entrepreneurs matters more than ever KURK is one of the UK’s fastest growing UK pharma-wellness ventures, on a mission to redefine conventional approaches to pain management, inflammation and recovery. Founded in Twickenham in 2022 by Trent Scanlen and Dr Harrison “Harry” Weisinger – two long-time friends and cancer survivors – KURK has since grown well beyond its London beginnings. For co-founder Trent, KURK’s success story is proof of a how growing interest in plant-based wellness and preventative health is fuelling demand, and why supporting UK startups is crucial for…
The latest annual State of Prospecting Report has just been released, revealing a host of must-know insights and trends that will define the B2B sales and marketing landscape this year. The report, created by the lead generation and sales engagement experts at Sopro – a global multi-channel prospecting service for B2B businesses – dives into the developments and challenges shaping industry strategies. The fifth annual report features insights from more than 400 senior B2B decision-makers, analysis of 126 million emails, and more than 25 million multi-channel touchpoints and intent signals, paired with strategies from today’s leading outreach experts. You can view the full State of…
The Level Up Leadership podcast has been awarded Gold in the Leadership Coaching category at the 2026 AVA Digital Awards. This international competition recognises excellence in digital communication, highlighting the most effective and creative work in the industry. Level Up Leadership was established to provide grounded, practical advice for managers and executives navigating organisational change. Since its launch, the program has focused on human-centred tools rather than abstract theory, addressing topics such as team resilience and leading through disruption. ‘Winning this award is a significant milestone for the show,’ says Lee Whitmore. ‘The podcast began as a space for honest…
Recent changes to Capital Gains Tax on Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) sales have prompted concern among business owners. However, the reality is proving far less disruptive than first feared, according to expert Chris Maslin, founder of Go EO. When the November 2025 Budget confirmed the capital gains tax exemption on qualifying EOT sales would be reduced, some questioned whether this would undermine employee ownership as a viable exit route. Several months on, experience suggests otherwise, with EOTs continuing to attract founders who value long-term stewardship and the future of their business and staff once they have left ‘the room’. “In…
Leading UK technology consultancy urges precision-led transformation in 2026 as the defining measure of business value. As businesses move into 2026, technology transformation has shifted in priorities from a discretionary improvement programme to a defining test of organisational quality and resilience. A greater premium is being placed on organisations that can demonstrate resilience, adaptability and clarity of operations, especially against a backdrop of accelerated technology cycles and economic uncertainty. According to Jon Bance, chief operating officer at Leading Resolutions, businesses that embed transformation from inception are now measurably more resilient, more investable, and more valuable than those that treat it as a…
By Nick Smith, Reward Funding Group MD We always believe funding, and the lenders behind it, should be more than a source of money. They should be a key partner that supports ambitious businesses. Now that we’re in 2026, it is clear that the alternative finance landscape is evolving faster than ever. Technology and approaches are changing and client expectations are increasing. Here are five key trends we expect to see in the industry this year. Alternative finance becomes a mainstream SME funding channel Throughout 2026, we expect to see alternative finance move from its current position as a ‘backup…
Men are putting their health at risk because they fear a diagnosis could harm their job security, career prospects or reputation at work, according to new research from Bupa. Although over half of men (56%) say they would feel comfortable telling their manager about cancer-related tests or a diagnosis, many still worry about what an illness or health problem could mean for their working lives. Almost one in five (18%) fear they’ll be treated differently or pitied, while the same proportion are concerned about job security or being viewed as unreliable. A further 15% are anxious about becoming the subject…
Britain’s medium-sized businesses – the “growth engine” of the economy – are scaling at pace, but many property developers say they were unprepared for the pressure that comes with expansion, according to new research from Shawbrook. While the UK’s mid-market continues to outperform on productivity and job creation, the study highlights the human and financial strain that often sits behind that success. Nearly a quarter of developers (23%) reported moments of isolation during their scale-up journey and a fifth (20%) experienced higher stress levels as operational demands grew. Many also invested heavily in their business’s potential. Nearly half (46%) used personal savings or remortgaged…
Written by leadership expert John B. Gearing, whose 25+ year career has included leadership roles at Adidas, UFC Gyms and VF Corporation, this bold, ruthlessly honest new book shines a light on the blind spots and ego traps that quietly cripple leaders the world over. All too often, CEOs and founders are celebrated for their bold ideas, relentless ambition and magnetic charisma. But behind the spotlight, many leaders fall victim to illusions – such as boardroom politics, unchecked ego and the myth of the charismatic founder – that offer a façade of outward success, while quietly eroding the foundation of…