Why industry expertise matters when starting a business
Starting your own business can be an exciting and liberating decision. But passion and ambition alone are rarely enough. One of the most overlooked factors in business failure is a lack of direct experience or knowledge in the chosen industry. Put simply, someone who has spent their working life as
Why exit planning matters – even in the early years of your business
Starting and growing a business is an exciting and demanding challenge. It is easy to focus all your energy on immediate goals like winning customers, generating income, and keeping cash flow under control. But at some point, every business owner will exit, whether through sale, succession, or
How AI is changing your business
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer something for big tech firms alone - it is becoming a practical tool for small businesses, especially when it comes to financial management and forecasting.
We can now harness AI tools to speed up data capture, analyse financial trends, and identify
Are you ready for Companies House ID checks?
From 2025, Companies House is rolling out new identity verification requirements for directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone forming or managing a UK company. These changes form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and are designed to reduce fraud and
Redress for Post Office Capture victims
In a significant update, the UK government has unveiled a new compensation scheme targeting individuals affected by the earlier “Capture” software, used in over 2,000 Post Office branches during the 1990s. This programme aims to redress those who suffered financial losses prior to the
BT Eyes Deeper Job Cuts as AI Reshapes Telecoms
BT has announced that it may exceed its previously stated target of cutting 40,000 jobs by 2030, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more central to its operations. The move comes as the company accelerates its cost-cutting programme and seeks to reorient itself in a changing telecoms
Four critically important KPIs
Gross profit margin
This measures the profitability of your core operations by comparing gross profit (sales minus cost of goods sold) to total revenue. A stable or improving gross
Government sells last Nat West shares
The UK government has officially concluded its involvement with NatWest Group, formerly known as the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), by selling its remaining shares. This move ends
How working capital is funded
Working capital refers to the day-to-day funds a business uses to manage its operations. It is the difference between current assets (such as cash, stock, and trade debtors) and
Buying a business – a simple due diligence checklist
Before you agree to buy a business, it is essential to carry out due diligence. This means carefully checking the facts and risks so that you can make an informed decision. Here is
