Hampered by NGOs and bureaucratic and anti-competitive interests, Europe must look to examples in the Middle East for effective sustainability policy. Europe is stagnating when it comes to plastic environmental policies. Rather than encouraging sustainable technologies, the EU is muddled about new technologies – continuing to live in the past with environmentally-damaging old-fashioned plastic. It is by now obvious that their policies of “reduce, re-use, recycle” are inadequate. By contrast, the Middle East has encouraged sustainable technologies by making oxo-biodegradable plastic compulsory for a wide range of consumer products, after carrying out extensive due-diligence. In Yemen d2w is specifically mandated. Europe…
Author: sme-admin
SMEs are braced for yet another wave of legal and financial pressures as the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill is set to introduce significant changes to employer obligations later this year. For many companies still contending with tough economic conditions, this latest legislation could be the ‘final blow’ to already struggling businesses, says employment law expert Jonathan Winston at Winston Solicitors. The Employment Rights Bill, designed to enhance worker protections, introduces stricter regulations on flexible working, sick pay, redundancy rights and contractual obligations. While the intent is to strengthen employee rights, many business owners fear the added financial and administrative burden will…
Last week, President Donald Trump set off a global economic shockwave with the announcement—and now the implementation—of sweeping new U.S. tariffs. Framed as a bold push to rebalance trade and protect American industry, the plan includes a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the United States and sharply higher, targeted tariffs on goods from countries labeled “worst offenders,” including China (54%), Vietnam (46%), and the EU (20%). Automobiles face an immediate 25% duty, marking one of the most aggressive protectionist moves from Washington. While the White House insists these tariffs are necessary to restore economic fairness, global markets have…
Unreliable connectivity isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a business risk. Poor network performance can lead to lost productivity, operational delays, and frustrated employees and customers. A recent report highlighted that the UK has some of the slowest 5G speeds in the G7, with mobile coverage challenges impacting businesses nationwide. Industries reliant on real-time data—such as retail, logistics, and remote-working sectors—are particularly affected. With businesses unable to rely on national infrastructure improvements alone, they must proactively assess their connectivity strategies. A slow, inconsistent network costs time and money, making it essential for organisations to evaluate whether their current connectivity meets their needs. …
It is perhaps not surprising to hear that the number of individuals in debt has increased over recent years. In 2023, 15% of the UK population, equivalent to 8 million people, required debt advice. These individuals are typically under 35 years old, in households with children and low income, from underrepresented communities, and more likely to have experienced an income shock in the previous three years, such as a drop in earnings. Debt can be a significant challenge for some people and worrying about personal finances can contribute to mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Research shows that…
Entrepreneurs and business leaders must prioritise their mental fitness just as athletes do, ensuring they are rested and ready to perform at their best, says Deborah Meaden. Speaking in the latest episode of Let’s Partner Up for Good, an SME-focused mini-series by NESCAFÉ® by Nestlé Professional, Deborah highlighted how entrepreneurs face immense pressure yet rarely discuss their own wellbeing. “As business owners, we feel like we should be working harder than everyone else. Instead, think of yourself as a business athlete. No athlete stays at peak condition 24/7—if they try, they burn out before race day. Recognising when you need…
The UK government has made tax compliance a key focus, announcing a range of measures aimed at tackling tax avoidance, strengthening HMRC’s enforcement capabilities, and modernising the tax system. From investing in HMRC’s debt management capacity to expanding Making Tax Digital and increasing scrutiny of offshore tax arrangements, these steps are designed to close the tax gap and ensure compliance across the board. However, while these initiatives may enhance tax collection and deter avoidance, they also present challenges for businesses, individual taxpayers, and advisors. Misguided enforcement, inadequate resourcing, and a lack of support for digitally excluded taxpayers risk creating unintended…
The increasing sophistication of cybercriminals is a growing threat to your personal devices, which can impact both individuals and businesses, causing huge financial damage and stress. Insurance company, Towergate has been assessing the threat and how it can be combatted. Marc Rocker, Head of Cyber at Towergate Insurance said: “People unwittingly carry a goldmine of personal and corporate data in the palm of their hands, but this isn’t limited to mobile phones, it also includes tablets, laptops, and external drives. This stored data often incorporates bank account details, e-mail, social media, text messages and photographs, all of which can potentially…
When the economy takes a downturn, businesses instinctively tighten their belts. Budgets shrink, spending slows, and tough decisions are made. With UK inflation cooling to 2.8% in February 2025 but expected to rise again due to increasing energy costs, and economic growth forecasts being downgraded, uncertainty is driving many companies to reassess their spending. More often than not, marketing is the first budget on the chopping block. But is that really the best move? Integrated marketing agency, Protean Inbound, discusses how history and research suggest that cutting marketing during economic uncertainty can be a costly mistake in the long run.…
The New Tax Year is approaching, which brings various changes that could significantly impact business operations and finances. Key updates businesses should be aware of include changes to: Employment allowance National Insurance Contributions (NICs) Company size thresholds These changes may cause shifts for small businesses that impact operating costs, hiring decisions, and financial strategies. So, small businesses must stay informed and prepared. To help businesses navigate these updates, Intuit QuickBooks has put together expert insights, tips, and advice on: Employment Allowance & NIC Changes – What they mean for businesses and how to manage them. Company Threshold Increases – How shifting thresholds could affect…