The cost of not managing wellbeing over the holidays
As we head into the winter period, holiday requests can surge, sickness levels rise, and for many SMEs, commercial pressure peaks. Many of you may experience colleague burnout, clashes and conflicts over time off, and unplanned absences that hit productivity just when you need things running smoothly. Your employees might be juggling personal commitments, financial […]
Next Year’s workforce is built now: what great SME leaders are doing to prepare for 2026
Next Year’s workforce is built now: what great SME leaders are doing to prepare for 2026 For many SMEs, it’s tempting to push hard through to Christmas and deal with strategy, structure, and staffing later. But that’s risky. The most effective leaders are using this time to quietly build the foundations for next year – […]
Concern over budget changes sees surge in tax-free cash withdrawals from pensions
Withdrawals of tax-free pension cash have surged amid budget speculation. Discover why acting too soon could harm long-term growth — and why advice is essential. One of the most notable pension trends of the past year has been a sharp rise in people accessing their pension tax-free cash. Industry data from the FCA and HMRC shows that […]
Restrictive Covenants: What are they and How can they protect your business after an employee leaves?
Restrictive Covenants are clauses placed within an employment contract that seek to stop the individual from doing certain things after their employment has ended. These clauses receive special treatment from the Courts – unlike most other terms of the contract, they are “void” unless it can be shown that they are enforceable. As a matter […]
Addressing Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace
Psychosocial risks are the aspects of a work environment that can create stress and harm mental well-being. These factors can include workload, the level of control employees have over their work, and the management of change. When left unaddressed, these risks have a significant impact on both individuals and organisations. According to the Health and […]
Almost Half of Working Adults Aren’t Paying into a Pension
Research shows nearly half of working-age adults in the UK are not contributing to a private or workplace pension. Employers must offer a pension scheme and automatically enrol eligible staff (those aged 22 to state pension age, earning at least £10,000). Employees contribute 5% of earnings, while employers add 3%. Yet, many people still opt […]
Employment Rights Bill Update – What Employers Need to Know Now
After years of relatively little movement in UK employment law, the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is set to mark the biggest shift in employment law in a generation. The Bill has already passed through the House of Commons and is now approaching its third reading in the House of Lords, commencing 3 September. From there, […]
Finish Strong: The Leadership Habits That Set You (and Your Team) Up for a Brilliant Q4
August often gives the illusion of quiet—half the team on holiday, meetings thinning out, and inboxes slowing down. But small business owners know: this is the moment to lead with intent. Q4 isn’t far away. The final stretch of the year is where pressure builds—commercial targets, people challenges, competing priorities. If you wait until October […]
Inclusion Isn’t a Policy, It’s a Crucial Mindset
You’ve updated your handbook. You’ve got an Equal Opportunities Policy. Tick, tick. But your team? Someone quietly shares they’re masking their neurodivergence. Another avoids asking for flexible hours, again. And you can sense some conversations are starting to move underground into group chats and private DMs. Welcome to inclusion in 2025 where AI tools, social […]
That WhatsApp Message Might Cost You More Than You Think
You’ve had a tough conversation with an employee. There’s been tension building, and now they’re off sick, maybe stress related. Before you’ve even had a chance to regroup, an email lands in your inbox: Data Subject Access Request (SAR). They want everything. Emails. Message threads. Group WhatsApp chats. Notes from the 1-to-1s. Their personnel file. […]