Leadership
-
Tech hiring to rise despite weak UK jobs
Demand for IT professionals rises despite UK labour market concerns. Over half of UK businesses plan to expand their IT teams, highlighting digital skills’ importance as unemployment rises. Cybersecurity roles face critical shortages, stressing the need for skilled professionals.
-
Business confidence rises after Budget, says Lloyds
Business confidence rose slightly at the end of 2025. Lloyds Banking Group’s survey indicated a modest increase in business confidence after the Autumn Budget, despite earlier concerns over potential tax hikes. Optimism reached a four-month high.
-
Why small businesses struggle to adopt AI — and how to move forward
AI has become accessible to small businesses almost overnight. Yet as Kelly Salter, Commercial Director at names.co.uk (part of team.blue), explains, many still struggle with skills gaps, confidence, and trust. Bridging this divide requires practical guidance and mindset change — helping small businesses see AI as a partner, not a threat.
-
Fast-growth UK companies face heightened HMRC scrutiny: it’s time to act
HMRC is intensifying its scrutiny of fast growing UK companies. Francesca Titus, barrister and white-collar crime partner at McGuireWoods, warns that expanding enforcement powers, AI-led investigations, and new criminal offences are raising the stakes. For scale-ups, proactive compliance is now essential — before HMRC comes knocking.
-
AI is reshaping recruitment as adoption surges
Artificial intelligence has moved from potential to practice in recruitment. Two-thirds of UK recruitment companies are now using or testing AI tools, according to APSCo UK, with automation saving up to 17 hours a week and redefining how recruiters deliver value.
-
CIPD urges preparation as Employment Rights Act 2025 receives Royal Assent
Royal Assent has been granted to the Employment Rights Act 2025. The new law introduces phased reforms to dismissal, union access, and family-friendly rights, with several provisions effective immediately. The CIPD has urged employers to begin preparing now for implementation over the next two years.
-
ByteDance agrees US joint venture for TikTok operations
ByteDance signs binding deal to form TikTok US joint venture. The Chinese owner of TikTok has agreed to transfer operational control of its American app to a newly formed joint venture with US and international investors, aiming to satisfy regulatory concerns and prevent a potential nationwide ban.
-
Business Quarter #2 is live now!
Business Quarter Issue 2 closes 2025 with perspective for leaders. The Q4 edition reflects on a demanding year marked by complexity. It examines leadership craft, organisational resilience, market discipline, and shifting expectations. All with an eye on planning calmly for 2026. Without easy answers, but with clarity and intent intact.
-
Amidst all the uncertainty, has the Budget offered a new dawn for SMEs to invest?
UK SMEs may finally have reason for cautious optimism. Rory Crisp-Jones of Jones & Co Finance argues that the Autumn Budget has provided long-awaited stability and renewed incentives to invest — from full expensing and a new 40% First-Year Allowance to a steady 25% corporation tax rate — shifting the balance towards growth.
-
How tech is supercharging the North East’s regeneration
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.