Ford’s UK finance arm has significantly increased its provisions for the car finance mis-selling scandal, as lenders brace for a multibillion-pound compensation programme expected to reshape the industry. Accounts filed by FCE Bank show the company has raised its provision for potential redress costs to £155 million, up from £61Continue Reading
UK businesses are entering the latest global energy shock in a significantly weaker financial position than during the 2022 Ukraine crisis, raising concerns that the current conflict in the Middle East could trigger a faster and more severe wave of corporate distress. New data from the Weil European Distress IndexContinue Reading
It’s common for SMEs to experience a structural shift due to growth before their brand identity changes. Rather than an expansion in office space or a large increase in customers, a more typical first indicator of growth is the transition of strong individuals who were previously contributing individually to nowContinue Reading
Central Asia has long been described through a familiar set of themes: commodity markets, construction, trade, and state-led modernization projects. That perspective still appears in outside publications, although the real picture has long been more complex. The region is changing, and this is especially evident in entrepreneurs whose interests noContinue Reading
The US EB-5 visa program remains a premier choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking a permanent move to America. This path allows families to obtain green cards by investing in the local economy and creating jobs. Recent legislative changes have made the process more predictable for those with significant capital. UnderstandingContinue Reading
Gone are the days when, to enjoy a creamy cappuccino, you had to pick out an outfit, smooth out your morning hair, convince a friend to join you, then head to your neighbourhood café and wait for the barista to whip it up for you. You can still do thatContinue Reading
Most small businesses don’t have the luxury of wasting budget. Every flyer, every print run, every campaign needs to work. And when something changes, which it usually does, the cost of updating materials can add up quickly. That’s where small, practical changes can make a difference. QR codes are oneContinue Reading
For a while, it felt like every product was becoming an “AI product,” with tools promising to replace entire workflows and radically transform how people work. That phase is gradually fading, and what is emerging in its place is less visible but significantly more practical. The market is becoming moreContinue Reading
Do you know how to hire international employees? If you’re looking to extend your company’s reach into global markets, hiring qualified candidates in other countries can help with that effort. But if you don’t have a local entity, you may be wondering if it’s possible to recruit applicants in placesContinue Reading
Octopus Investments is set to cut around a fifth of its workforce as it accelerates the adoption of artificial intelligence, in a move that reflects the rapid transformation underway across the asset management industry. The City-based firm, which manages close to £15 billion in assets, is understood to be placingContinue Reading
