UK Export Finance (UKEF) has announced new measures to support small businesses across the UK in expanding their global trade operations, delivering on key commitments set out in the government’s new Trade Strategy. As the government’s export credit agency, UKEF is enhancing its suite of trade finance and insurance products to make international trade more […]
Four standout teams have been crowned winners of the Isle of Man Innovation Challenge 2025, following a global competition showcasing cutting-edge solutions in cleantech, data and AI, fintech, and sustainability. Now in its third year, the Innovation Challenge attracted over 100 entrants from more than 20 countries, with 14 finalists selected to take part in […]
A Manchester entrepreneur has been cleared of computer hacking after a private prosecution brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Craig Cornick, who runs several companies in the legal and financial services sectors, was found not guilty by a unanimous jury at Bolton Crown Court of conspiring to access computer systems without authority. The allegations […]
UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are being urged to bolster their cyber defences amid a growing wave of politically motivated attacks, as global tensions and conflicts intensify the threat landscape. The warning comes after a recent Sky News investigation revealed an increase in cyberattacks linked to the Iran conflict, with businesses across multiple sectors […]
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly thanked Britain’s businesses for absorbing the financial burden of his government’s £23 billion national insurance hike, while facing mounting pressure from industry leaders not to impose further tax rises in the autumn. Speaking at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) annual conference, Starmer acknowledged the scale of the demands […]
Marks & Spencer’s new strawberry and cream sandwich has captured attention on social media — but now it’s caught the eye of tax experts, too. Marketed as a sweet take on the viral Japanese strawberry sando, M&S’s half-sandwich — part of its meal deal range — is prompting questions over whether it should be classified […]
Padel continues its meteoric rise, with more than 3,200 new clubs built globally in 2024 – the equivalent of one opening every two and a half hours – according to the newly released 2025 Global Padel Report by Playtomic and PwC. Over 7,000 new courts were added last year, cementing padel’s place as one of […]
Alibaba has launched a £750,000 innovation competition aimed at small and medium-sized businesses in the UK and across Europe, as part of its drive to support digital entrepreneurship and global trade. The Co-Create Pitch Awards, which were previously open only to international participants outside Europe, will now invite UK and EU-based SMEs to showcase their […]
UK and Irish SME leaders are showing signs of cautious optimism despite mounting challenges in international trade, AI adoption and leadership burnout, according to the latest Vistage CEO Confidence Index. The Index, which tracks sentiment among small and mid-sized business leaders, rose modestly to 89.5 from 87.5 in the first quarter. While resilience remains a […]