News

European small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are rapidly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their operations, driven by economic pressures, competitive demands, and the promise of greater productivity. However, new research from Sharp Europe, a leading provider of business technology products and services, reveals that while 72% of UK SME owners now trust AI more than they did a year ago, concerns remain about the workforce’s ability to keep up.

The UK and Canada have agreed a deal to strengthen technology ties at a G7 Ministerial meeting, accelerating digitalisation for public services through tackling outdated technology, cyber threats, and driving growth with AI adoption among SMEs.

UK entrepreneurs and SME leaders are staying loyal but looking abroad. New data from e-Residency shows 90% would still start their business in Britain, yet 57% say post-Brexit barriers make the EU more attractive for expansion.

Mollie, one of Europe’s fastest-growing financial service providers, has signed an agreement to acquire GoCardless. The strategic combination creates one provider serving over 350,000 businesses that integrates card payments, local methods, and bank payments into a single solution.

2026 is almost here. SME owners felt the squeeze during 2025, with increases to the rate of National Insurance Contribution for employers and increases to the minimum wage resulting in higher per-employee costs.

monday.com has released the UK findings from its latest World of Work report. Surveying 500 UK and US directors on what will shape AI adoption in 2026, the data reveals that 78% of UK directors do not expect AI to reduce headcount within their teams next year – and almost a third (32%) actually expect to hire more because of it.

Ignite Next has announced its launch as Europe’s new scale-up programme for deeptech innovation, designed to bridge the gap between early-stage founders and industrial-scale success.

Harley Street Health District and AlbionVC announce a strategic partnership designed to expand access to transformative healthcare technologies and accelerate the adoption of new models of care in the UK.

A 15-year Impact Study of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) UK programme reveals alumni have created approximately £2.7bn in additional revenue and 41,000 additional new jobs across the UK.

Natalie Portman and biomaterial company UNCAGED Innovations have announced a partnership. Portman, a long-standing advocate for animal welfare and ethical consumerism, will work with the company to promote the adoption of sustainable, animal-free materials within the luxury and fashion sectors.

The world’s most iconic startup event 4YFN26 will return to the halls of Fira de Barcelona’s iconic Gran Via during MWC26 Barcelona next year for a groundbreaking showcase of 2026’s most exciting startups. Selected from hundreds of submissions, 2026’s Top 20 startups showcase the brightest ideas and leading minds from across five key industry categories.

Sustainable Ventures and Barclays Eagle Labs announced the launch of The National Climate Tech Accelerator (NCTA), a new programme designed to rapidly scale high-potential climate tech startups across the UK.

Britain is on the verge of an entrepreneurship boom which could change its employment make-up and significantly boost the economy, new research has revealed. One in 10 (10%) Brits want to start a business in the next year. If all of these people were to do so, the number of businesses operating in the UK would almost double.

team.blue, a provider of digital solutions for businesses and entrepreneurs, has released a new report which analyses the digital maturity of European small businesses revealing that, while many are eager to adopt digital and AI tools, they are held back not by resistance but by uncertainty.

Zen Internet is marking this year’s Small Business Saturday (6th December) with a month-long social media campaign highlighting the outstanding contribution small enterprises make to the UK economy.

New NEBOSH-funded programme offers vital support to self-employed women, freelancers, and micro-business employees navigating menopause and mental health challenges.

Jentic has launched its AI Readiness Scorecard, the first automated assessment tool to pinpoint where and why enterprise AI pilots fail. The free solution aims to help organisations move from pilot to production by unblocking technical barriers.

From quiet cracking to bare minimum Mondays, 2025 gave workers plenty of food for thought with a new wave of workplace trends. While some of these trends encouraged workers to prioritise work/life balance and to strive within their role, others encouraged employees to simply turn up to work and do the bare minimum.

As many employed workers start to slow down for Christmas and meet up with friends and attend work Christmas events, a new YouGov survey has found that nearly half (44%) of smaller business owners in the UK say they have felt lonely or isolated while running their business. The research was carried out by YouGov on behalf of The Start Up Loans Company, part of the British Business Bank.