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Technology is redefining regeneration across the UK’s North East region. James Hunnybourne, Executive Chairman at Cybit, explores how AI, digital twins, and sustainable construction are reshaping the region’s economy. With a new AI Growth Zone and major investment underway, the North East is building a smarter, stronger future.
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Three-quarters of UK founders expect business growth in 2026. Confidence among scale-up entrepreneurs is rebounding despite rising wage costs, higher taxes, and continued unease over government policy. A Helm survey shows founders plan to hire and invest next year — signalling renewed optimism across the UK’s high-growth economy.
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NatWest exceeds its £2 billion target two years early. The bank has lent £2.84 billion to more than 55,000 female-led businesses, reflecting continued growth in women’s entrepreneurship and demand for tailored finance across the UK.
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Tricia Nelson joins Insights to lead its next phase of global growth. Her appointment completes the company’s executive leadership team and reflects its ambition to scale its learning and development impact across 109 countries.
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Resilience, not technology, defines Marie-Claire Dwek’s leadership at Newmark today. From losing her home in the 1990s crash to returning as CEO of a once-struggling engineering firm, she has turned Newmark Security into a growing, service-led listed business built on human capital protection, recurring revenue, and a promise to herself.
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Business Disability Forum has opened nominations for its 2026 Disability Smart Impact Awards. The rebranded awards, announced on 3 December, highlight organisations and individuals creating measurable change for disabled employees and consumers through inclusive practice and innovation.
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The Government has revised the Employment Rights Bill following negotiations. The CIPD has welcomed the decision to set the unfair dismissal qualifying period at six months, describing it as a “workable approach” for employers — while warning that further clarity is needed on other aspects of the bill.
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S&A Academy urges leadership training enrolment before L7 funding disappears. The national training provider has called on company leaders and HR departments to register employees before government support worth £14,000 per person is withdrawn in 2026, warning the change could restrict access to senior management development across UK industries.
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Stability was the Chancellor’s watchword, but business heard strain instead. Advisers across law and accountancy say the Autumn Budget leans heavily on tax rises for owners, investors, and high earners, while offering only narrow windows and targeted reliefs for those prepared to plan ahead. Businesses face greater complexity and pressure.
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Rachel Reeves has delivered a tax-heavy Autumn Budget for business. Markets have taken the measures in their stride, but leaders now face a higher, more complex tax burden and big questions about investment, skills, and productivity that our BQX deep-dive will unpack in full, as they plan for 2026 ahead.