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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.