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Here is your February 2026 - EDITION
Connecting Businesses
across the UK & Beyond!
This Month's Sponsor is:
At Lomarton, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to support your business through every stage of transformation:
- HR Advisory: Tailored HR solutions to align your people strategy with your business goals.
- HR Projects: Specialised HR project management to deliver successful outcomes.
- Consultancy: Expert advice to drive strategic and operational improvements.
- System Selection: Helping you choose the right systems to support your business processes.
- Project Management: Ensuring your projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Change & Communications Management: Guiding your organisation through change with clear communication strategies.
- Implementation Support: Assisting with the execution of your transformation initiatives to ensure seamless integration and success.
Featured News
When planning to sell your business, you may well want to consider contacting professionals, the right professional support can make a significant difference to the sale price, timeline, and overall smoothness of the process. Here are the key professional services most business owners should consider hiring.
We at Business Connect Magazine spoke to business owners and professional services who advise on a daily basis to give you the best advice with an outlook on what you should consider when Planning Your Business Exit.
Here we feature Lomarton HR, WR Partners, Truity Wealth and an alternative to moving your business to the UAE with Dubai Transition Consultants - DTC.
The continuing Impact of Retail Crime
Retail crime is no longer just about the occasional shoplifter – it has become a sophisticated, costly, and growing challenge for businesses of all sizes. We speak to Mark Crowley Retail Risk Director to uncover the latest trends, strategies, and innovations that are shaping the fight against theft.
We speak with Mark Crowley Group Director of Risk & Customer Care at TPRG
Resilience Rocks with Small Business Sunday #SBS
Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday marks a significant milestone this year, celebrating 15 years of empowering the UK’s small business community.
Launched in 2010 as a social media competition, #SBS has developed into a lively support network, providing entrepreneurs with connections, opportunities and expert guidance.
At the heart of #SBS is its community.
Becoming an #SBS winner opens the door to mentoring, advice and access to exclusive events – all designed to help small businesses develop and thrive.
Success rarely happens in isolation, and this network is proof: members share experiences, advice and opportunities, building a sense of camaraderie that lasts well beyond the annual #SBS event.
Held in Birmingham at The International Convention Centre, the #SBS events are an occasion that draws over 1,000 winners each year for a day of networking, workshops and inspiration. For the first time, the event has a theme: “Resilience Rocks!” Find our more about the upcoming event 20th February 2026.
Plus Business Connect Magazines will be available at the event.
Why ABC+ Warranty deserves it's place among the UK's Top Structural Warranty Providers
Why ABC+ Warranty deserves its place among the UK’s top structural warranty providers In a crowded UK structural warranty market dominated by well-known names, a quietly growing provider is gaining increasing acknowledgment among industry professionals and homeowners – not through aggressive marketing, but through superior value, strong regulatory backing, and outstanding consumer protections. That provider is...
Martyn's Law - Security ACT Action Counters Terrorism
Figen Murray OBE has been tirelessly campaigning for Martyn’s Law since her son Martyn Hett, along with 21 other innocent victims, was killed at the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, Martyn’s Law, requires publicly accessible premises and events to prepare for and reduce the risk of terrorist attacks.
Implementation timeline
The Act got Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Act is law now, but it will not be enforced until spring 2027. There’s a 24 month implementation period first. This transition allows:
- the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to establish its regulatory function
- the Home Office to publish statutory guidance
- duty holders to plan and prepare for compliance
Are you prepared? Find out it may affect your business...
UKREiiF - What to expect and what's making a comeback in 2026
UKREiiF is returning to Leeds in 2026 – bigger, better, and more ambitious than ever before. With an expanded site, exciting, themed days, a revamped programme, and improved facilities, next year’s event is set to deliver the most dynamic experience in its history.
Whether you’re joining as an investor, occupier, developer, local authority, or partner, here’s your first look at what’s new, what’s returning, and what you can expect at UKREiiF 2026.
What’s new, and what’s returning
A larger, more accessible site
2026 brings a major expansion of the event footprint, with brand-new areas opening across the venue to create fresh opportunities to explore, exhibit, and connect. To maximise space, registration and luggage storage are moving to dedicated zones, unlocking additional areas in the Holiday Inn and the former registration site.
Accessibility improvements are also front and centre, with new ramps and lower desks to ensure the event is welcoming and easy to navigate for all.
Plus Business Connect Magazines will be available onsite.
For organisations with staff working away from home – whether on secondment, relocation, training programmes or long-term projects – securing the right accommodation can make all the difference.
Residence Inn Manchester by Marriott offers a reliable, well-equipped base for extended corporate stays, combining the comfort of home with the convenience of a hotel in a central, well-connected city location...
The Budget Reviewed with LWA Accountants and Jackson Accounts
Key impacts on businesses, individuals and property owners
Les Leavitt MD of LWA.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her second Budget on 26th November 2025 against a backdrop of slow economic growth and continued inflationary pressure. As expected, the measures announced will result in higher tax bills for many households and businesses over the coming years, with a particular focus on income, property and savings. In this summary, our Tax Team at LWA highlights the main points that business owners and individuals should be aware of.
Plus
Budget concerns for SMEs
Kelly Jackson, Managing Director of Jackson Accounts Limited, has voiced concerns following the budget, highlighting the potential challenges facing SMEs.
According to Kelly “the outlook for SMEs is becoming increasingly uncertain,” she explains.
2025 A Year of Electrifying Milestones on TRU
2025 A year of electrifying milestones on TRU another very big year for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, especially as this summer saw the programme hit the important milestone of 25% of the route being
August was a defining moment for the programme that’s transforming train travel between York and Manchester, when the first electric passenger train ran between Colton Junction and Church Fenton outside York, signalling a quarter of the 70-mile route as electrified.
It’s a build on earlier progress in 2024, when electric services began operating between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge. Together, these sections lay the foundation for full-route electrification by early 2030, with 40% expected to be complete by summer 2027. Once finished, the upgrade will increase capacity on today by over a third and cut carbon emissions by up to 108,000 tonnes annually. ...
Reflections After the Holidays as taking leave from work can present difficulties for some employees - Wellbeing
This is especially evidenced in environments that are understaffed, complex or where there’s significant pressure and stress cascading down from ‘above’.
In fact, 35-50% of employees find themselves with several days of annual holiday remaining each year; they’re too busy to book them, are under pressure from management, have to cope with staff shortages, or can’t afford the time or money to take a break.
A recent report found that during 2023 and 2024 between 35-61% employees didn’t use all their annual leave, with approximately 17% having 5 or more unclaimed days in 2024, and of those that took leave, 54% expected to work during their time off.
Some people find that returning to work after a period away is an unsettling time. It may be a struggle to get out of bed, they may lack motivation, awaken feeling groggy and unrefreshed.
Then there are those who are glad, even relieved to return to the structure that work brings to their lives; they have a reason to get up each day, a clear role, a sense of purpose, especially important if home life is stressful, unsatisfying or lonely....
Would you take the Leap of Faith and start a business?
The Great Business Block: Half the Country Wants to Be Their Own Boss — But Only 1 in 7 Ever Try
New national data reveals the confidence crisis and money myths stopping millions of Brits from taking the leap into business ownership.
The UK is sitting on an untapped wave of would-be entrepreneurs, according to new research from Any Business.
A nationally representative survey of 2,500 UK adults found that 49% of people have dreamed of starting or buying a business — yet just 13% have ever taken a single step towards it.
The findings expose a stark gap between ambition and action, with Brits citing money worries, lack of guidance, and outdated assumptions as the main barriers.
The Real Reasons Brits Aren’t Taking the Leap ...
Exporting Budget Blues
You may have been disappointed with the recent budget by its lack of ambition for the growth in the UK economy leaving you with concerns about how you can steer your business to grow at a time of rising costs.
An obvious option for some, but not all, businesses is to start or expand your export activities.
Export for Growth
For many business leaders, exporting can be a daunting prospect, particularly in the current economic climate where domestic pressures are mounting.
Yet the evidence is compelling.
Government Support
Free Trade
Strategy and Implementation
International Franchise Show 2026
Event Name: International Franchise Show
Excel London, Hall S6
17th & 18th April 2026
The International Franchise Show is the UK's largest franchise exhibition, taking place on 17th & 18th April 2026, at Excel London. Over two days, you'll meet 250+ franchise brands from 25+ industries, attend expert seminars, and speak directly with franchisors and existing franchisees. The event provides everything you need to find and evaluate franchise opportunities, all in one place.
Franchising provides a proven business model with built-in support, essentially a 'business in a box' that dramatically reduces risk compared to starting from scratch. At this event, you’ll walk away with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to become your own boss. Your franchise journey starts here.
Whether you're seeking financial freedom, ready to be your own boss, or looking to build something meaningful, you'll leave with clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward. Two days that could transform your future.
#SBS from 2025
For more information https://www.theopaphitissbs.com/
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Next Magazine Deadline 17th February
(Covering March, April, May 2026)
Women in Business - UKREiiF - Multimodal - #SBS Review - DTX
Plus much much more.
#IncreaseYourCredibility #Get Published
#InPrint&Online with #TrustedPrintMedia
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