Without long-term funding, institutional reform and strengthened oversight, Britain risks drifting from what the Intelligence and Security Committee describes as a state of “managed vulnerability” toward long-term decline. Britain’s intelligence and national security apparatus is operating at the edge of its structural capacity just as geopolitical threats multiply, according to the Intelligence and Security Committee’s (ISC) Annual Report for 2023–2025. While the UK continues to achieve tactical successes and has updated elements of its legislative framework, the report paints a sobering picture of a system increasingly reliant on short-term fixes, crisis redeployments and implicit risk acceptance rather than sustained investment and reform.…
Author: sme-admin
There is no doubt that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the UK economy. Accounting for 99% of all businesses, SMEs play an important role in driving sustainable growth, creating jobs and strengthening communities across the country. But despite the important role they play, growth is a major challenge for many of these entities as they are buffeted by choppy political and economic headwinds. The biggest growth blockers include uncertain trading conditions and wage inflation, as well as labour shortages and supply-chain pressures, according to a recent survey by the Association of Practising Accountants (APA). Last year’s…
Michelle Baltrusitis, Associate Director, Community & Social Impact at Fiverr The future of work arrived quietly. It looks like flexible schedules, transparent pay, side hustles, and AI-powered workflows, and it’s Gen Z leading the way. The latest research from Fiverr reflects these changing forces in the workforce. At first glance, Gen Z might seem to be pushing against the status quo: questioning structure, hierarchy, tradition. But they’re not against work itself; they simply expect it to work differently. Their expectations, shaped by constant change, economic uncertainty, and the rise of AI, are redefining what “a good job” looks like today. Employers…
By Natasha Smith, Employment Solicitor at Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors New Years resolutions are not just for your personal life. As you set ambitious goals for your business, don’t forget the foundations on which everything else depends, your legal housekeeping. The most common (and costly) problems we see are not caused by bad intentions or ‘brave’ growth plans, but by small legal oversights that cause major headaches, always at the worst possible time. The start of the year is the perfect moment to pause, review, and ensure your business is not destroyed in 2026 by an oversight. There are seven areas…
As workplaces evolve, so too does employee wellbeing. Benenden Health’s new Health and Wellbeing Trends 2026 guide highlights the trends shaping how employers support their workforce – and why acting now is crucial. Key trends and insights: AI-Powered Wellness: 5.7% of UK ChatGPT conversations now relate to health, fitness, and self-care. By 2025, a third of Millennials and over a quarter of Gen Z are using AI and wearables to track sleep, steps, and blood pressure, creating personalised fitness, nutrition, and mental health plans. Employers can support safe use through workshops or newsletters. Mental Fitness: With one in four UK adults experiencing mental health challenges…
By Naomi Nye, Head of Sales at Drax Electric Vehicles With 2025 wrapped up, it’s fair to say the past year has been a busy one for the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) industry. Policy announcements, funding changes and continued investment in charging infrastructure have kept EVs firmly on the agenda. And all signs suggest the pace of change will continue into next year. A major driver of this shift is the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which signals clear government intent and direction for the market. While the targets formally sit with manufacturers, the downstream impact on businesses will be significant. As supply shifts and zero-emission…
Q: Matt, tell us a bit about your background and how you came to co-found &together. A: We believe, really passionately, that financial planning done properly, is the biggest lever for changing people’s lives. At the same time, we both felt that entrepreneurs are misunderstood and underserved by traditional advice. We started &together to bring those two things together: world-class, evidence-based financial planning, built specifically for founders. Between us, we’ve spent 35 years in asset management, including 22 at Vanguard, one of the world’s largest and most respected investment firms. Over that time, we developed deep expertise in investment strategy, portfolio…
Wiltshire-based precious metals specialist Gold Traders UK Ltd has been appointed an authorised partner of The Royal Mint, becoming the first business in the South West to achieve this status. The appointment enables Gold Traders UK Ltd to buy and sell bullion bars and coins directly from The Royal Mint, strengthening its position as a trusted UK dealer in physical precious metals. The business was founded 18 years ago by local entrepreneur Jon White, who is also known in Royal Wootton Bassett as the founder of RWB Auctions. “This is a pivotal moment for the business and one that has…
The National Business Conduct Authority (NBCA) has moved to the next phase of its infrastructure deployment, formally allocating advisory positions across UK regions. The Authority has identified and designated specific local accountancy and compliance practices to support businesses ahead of mandatory registration requirements. The selection process has now concluded, with specific regional firms chosen to deliver compliance support. These advisors, predominantly established accountancy practices and Health & Safety consultancies, have been pre-allocated designated positions based on a rigid assessment of their professional standing and regional capacity. “We cannot rely on a centralised system alone; local expertise is essential,” said a…
According to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from the British Chambers of Commerce, confidence among firms is continuing to decline and 52% of businesses are planning price rises in the first three months of 2026. With many SMEs now reviewing their pricing plans, solicitor in Harper James’ commercial team, Adam Khattak, shares his take on how to approach price changes safely and fairly: “With costs continuing to climb, many businesses are considering price rises in early 2026. However, the legal and reputational risks associated with price changes will depend on whether your customers are consumers or businesses. “For B2B contracts, review your…