January has long been known as a peak month for jobseekers updating their CVs and looking for a fresh start in their careers. But new data suggests the new year reset isn’t just happening at an individual level, as the ripple effects of this annual shake-up are now being felt by businesses, particularly when it comes to office space decisions, according to serviced office provider WorkWell. Recent Google Trends data shows UK searches for “serviced offices” have spiked by 59% in the past week*, signalling a growing reluctance among businesses to commit to traditional office leases at the start of…
Author: sme-admin
New figures reveal that higher earners in the UK are leaving substantial sums of money on the table each year by not claiming the full pension tax relief available to them. For individuals earning over £50,270, hundreds of millions in unclaimed tax relief are going unclaimed annually – money that could directly boost retirement savings. This is according to pensions specialist, Penfold. Pension contributions are one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for retirement. Basic-rate taxpayers automatically receive 20% tax relief on contributions, but higher-rate (40%) and additional-rate (45%) taxpayers must claim the remainder themselves. Many simply don’t, missing out…
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.…
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…