SME Finance & Funding Readiness: Deloitte Ghana’s Cheryl Otoo urged UK-linked SMEs to prioritise “bankability” over growth alone, stressing credible financials, governance, risk controls, strategy and market traction to win capital. Legal & Payments Reform: A platform helping renters (Remedy Legal) has applied to become an ABS, aiming to scale conditional-fee support for housing disrepair and deposit disputes. Construction Cashflow: Commentary on the Commercial Payments Bill highlights the push to ban construction retentions, but flags the practical risk of how employers will manage defective work without that held-back sum. Local Business Support: Northern Ireland’s Enterprise Barometer 2026 calls on self-employed, micro and small firms to share challenges to shape future support. Rural Banking Access: Lloyds will reinstate cheque deposits at Post Office branches until 2030 after political pressure. Enforcement & Compliance: A Seaham off-licence was hit with a three-month closure order after thousands of illegal cigarettes were found. Growth & Skills: Chancellor John Healey’s growth speech transcript spotlights advanced manufacturing and the MTC’s role in turning small ideas into businesses. Tech for SMEs: Alibaba’s Accio is expanding its agentic AI into UK and Europe trade shows, building visit-planning and post-event procurement for SMEs. Business Awards & Community: Stourbridge cafe The Sugar Loaf is shortlisted for a national award; Bolton’s Handrail Creations is a multi-award finalist; and a community group is pushing to buy and reopen a historic village pub.