With AI powered cyber attacks now representing the majority of threats facing businesses, Dave Taylor from Stockport-based Amshire IT, explains why small businesses should take note of the risks as much as larger ones. AI is no longer just driving innovation. It is now driving cyber crime, and … [Read more...]
News for: Expert Opinion
Expert Opinion: How can we become more compassionate?
With the nearing festive season often a time for reflection, Cornerstone Resources' Rob Birley draws on his own experiences over the past year to discuss how businesses can be compassionate and support colleagues who are carers or have been bereaved. Those of you who follow me on LinkedIn will … [Read more...]
Expert Opinion: Charities face new accounting rules in 2026
With charities facing new rules for reporting their finances, accountancy firm, Xeinadin, explains the changes that will take effect from January 2026. The government has announced new rules and guidelines for how charities prepare and report annual accounts in 2026. The changes come in … [Read more...]
Expert Opinion: Why family-owned hospitality businesses need to plan for IHT changes
With changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) business reliefs taking effect next year, the Xeinadin Group explains the unique challenges facing family-run businesses in the hospitality sector. Changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) business reliefs set to come into force next April have attracted a lot … [Read more...]
Expert Opinion: A smarter way to manage Windows 11 settings
Dave Taylor, MD of Stockport-based IT provider, Amshire, explains how businesses can use a new AI Agent built into Windows 11 to navigate menus and settings. Have you ever found yourself clicking through endless menus in the Windows 11 Settings app just to make one small change? It can be … [Read more...]
Expert Opinion: Why AI does not replace the expertise of a litigation solicitor
Anna Sharp, partner in the dispute resolution and litigation team at SAS Daniels, discusses the risks of using AI in place of a solicitor. The recent Channel 4 Dispatches episode, Will AI Take My Job?, offered a compelling glimpse into the future of legal services. In a head-to-head challenge, … [Read more...]
Expert Opinion: Probation periods – should you have them?
Rob Birley, director of Stockport-based HR Consultancy Cornerstone Resources, explores probation periods: what purpose they serve, should you have them and if so, how they can work for your business. A probationary period is applied to the start of an employee's time with you. Typically its 3 to … [Read more...]
Expert Opinion: Director Identity Verification — what you need to know about Companies House changes
Christian Mancier, Corporate and Commercial Partner at Stockport-based Gorvins Solicitors, explains what businesses need to know ahead of Companies House's new identity verification requirements. From 18 November 2025, sweeping changes to UK company law will come into effect, requiring all … [Read more...]
Rise in North West businesses in financial distress slows
The number of businesses experiencing 'significant' financial distress in the North West has risen to more than 74,000, according to the 'Red Flag Alert' monitor of UK companies' financial health by Begbies Trainor. While the total number of firms (74,079) experiencing distress rose 12.6% … [Read more...]
R&D tax relief claims by North West SMEs decline, finds Azets
There has been a marked fall in the number of SMEs in the North West making research & development tax relief claims, according to research by UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets. The drop has prompted a specialist at the firm to warn that local businesses should use the valuable … [Read more...]
Citizens Advice Stockport launches annual Scams Awareness Campaign
As part of its annual Scams Awareness campaign, Citizens Advice is highlighting the many ways people are being duped by scammers and is offering its top tips on how to prevent being caught out. Nationally, more than seven million people are estimated to have been deceived by a scam in the … [Read more...]
Expert Opinion: Are you working ‘on’ or ‘in’ your business?
Business coach, Julian Stafford, shares his advice for busy business owners to let go of the small tasks, and spend time on strategy. "I’m flat out. I’ve got so much on. This place couldn’t run without me." A business owner told me that recently, and he said it with pride. The trouble is… … [Read more...]
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