The protests of ecommerce business owners and small designers that their work has been copied are becoming increasingly common.

In fact, some businesses are claiming that the rip-offs are produced so quickly and sold at such a low price that it could see their business go to the wall.

However, as the headlines prove, not even trademarks are providing complete protection against ecommerce giants.

Imitation game

In this past week alone, a Norfolk-based designer has been speaking to BBC News about her exhausting fight with Chinese ecommerce behemoth, Temu, to get them to take down imitations of her designs.

Louise Banham, who co-owns Rustic Warehouse Norfolk, has contacted the press after battling for months to get Temu to remove designs from its website that mirrored her own.

Banham said that she contacted Temu to notify them about each copy; but as soon as one was removed, another would appear from a different seller.

The imitation game is having a stark financial impact on many businesses. BBC News reported in January from a business in York, which claimed to have lost out on £100,000 of sales due to online design theft.

Big businesses, including fashion names, are also being impacted, claiming that fast fashion ecommerce ventures like Shein are ripping off their designs as soon as they appear online.

While Temu claimed to have “set up a specialised system dedicated to the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights and an associated reporting structure,” it seems the copying is happening faster than the policing.

Business owners add that there is also a loss of reputation to contend with. Some customers can come to the mistaken conclusion that the products being sold by UK makers are, in fact, made in China, imported and then given inflated price tags.

The importance of IP

Registering your intellectual property is a key way of getting some protection. Whether a trademark or patent, this must be done separately from registering your business.

The process can take around 3-4 months from application according to the government website.

Trademarks, which tend to be logos or symbols representing a company, are published in the UK Trade Marks Journal once passed. Patents, in contrast, are used to protect a business’ creations and offer the exclusive right to make, use, or sell that invention for a set period (usually around 20 years).

There are also copyrights, but these don’t need to be registered and protect original literature, artwork, music, photography, software code and even website content. These have also been the target of copying or harvesting outcries – with AI as the culprit.

What rights do you have?

While there are a host of legal wrangles ongoing against Temu, Shein, and their ilk, for most SMEs or makers, it is not good news.

Etsy has offered its sellers some protection by creating a filter that took down any products that were also listed on Temu. However, this has proved problematic with some genuine listings also being impacted.

The first recourse for UK businesses is to monitor the ecommerce sites or use a third-party service specialising in marketplace monitoring.

If a copycat product is spotted, the business owner must make a complaint to the platform and ask for the design to be taken down. However, as the news reports suggest, knock-off products are appearing as quickly as they are being taken down.

There are legal resources if this fails including cease-and-desist notices; but this is an expensive route to take. IP rights are also harder to enforce cross-border.

Instead, businesses need to be on top of registering their IP and meticulous in managing their manufacturing and distribution channels. Ultimately, the biggest protection is customer loyalty and their faith in the quality of products your business produces.

HMRC was among the many organisations that were down for a significant amount of time yesterday as Amazon Web Services (AWS) was hit by a huge internet blackout.

Anyone trying to log into the Government Gateway from around 9.30am to file a tax return or check their tax details received an error message. There were also issues reported for the GOV.UK portal.

The outage comes as the Government pushes ahead with its implementation of Making Tax Digital, which will mean that there soon won’t be an offline way for firms to file tax returns.

What was the outage and who did it impact?

According to AWS, the global outage was caused by “DNS resolution issues” which were initially picked up in the US. Such issues are caused by a computer or device being unable to translate a URL into an IP address, preventing users from accessing the internet.

However, the impact quickly spread globally as AWS is the world’s largest cloud computing provider. As such, it caused problems for a diversity of organisations in the UK including gaming platforms; banks, fitness services (like Peloton). Naturally, Amazon’s Alexa, Music and Prime services were also down.

By around 8pm, Amazon reported that most services were “seeing significant recovery”.

How were SMEs impacted?

With key services inaccessible, many businesses were forced to stop operations. This is because AWS powers much of the infrastructure behind many websites.

However, it was also so disruptive because some of the organisations that businesses rely upon – including Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds and the Bank of Scotland as well as HMRC, Xero, Canva and Klaviyo – were also impacted.

Natalie Ormond, owner at ecommerce venture Smallkind, said her small business is reliant on Canva and Klaviyo, which are both powered by AWS.

She said: “As a company of one, I’m heavily reliant on tools like these for design, email marketing and all sorts of essential tasks. I couldn’t run my business alone without them. They’re fantastic for small businesses but when they don’t work it’s a bit scary.”

Simon Jones, Chief Operating Officer at VP MED Group, added that the outage will have hit businesses hard if they were trying to access banking for staff salaries or other payment.

Call for back ups

The incident has raised questions as to whether it is wise for businesses – and governmental organisations – to be reliant on one provider.

As Jones asked: “It was only in August of this year that another outage caused severe network congestion between Cloudflare and that (same) AWS facility. This is a recurring theme between the two behemoths of online security and cloud-based web services. Are we too reliant on them for online business and finance services?”

Outages of this nature could also prove even more disruptive as we move rapidly towards the MTD. From 6 April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords with annual business or property income over £50,000 must:

• Keep digital records of their income and expenses
• Submit quarterly updates to HMRC using MTD-compatible accounting software
• File an end-of-year finalisation statement (replacing the current tax return process)

This will then be rolled-out to self-employed individuals and landlords who earn between £30,000 and £50,000. Both will be brought into MTD by 6 April 2027; and those earning over £20,000 annually following a year later.

While business owners will frantically be playing catch up today; they should also be asking some big questions. Among these must be, whether they have a back up plan. As Hanna Basha, Dispute Resolution Partner at leading law firm Payne Hicks Beach, says this outage is “…a timely reminder that it’s not if but when.”

The incident also raises concern as to whether the institutions that so many SMEs are dependent upon should rely on centralised services over which they have no control.

The Government has announced £440,000 in funding to help local pubs “broaden their services” and stay at the heart of their communities.

The move comes after a bleak year for UK pubs and their patrons. Earlier this year, data showed that nearly 300 pubs have shut down across England and Wales between 2024 and 2025, leading to an estimated 4,000 job losses. 

Rising costs, staff shortages, and hiked business rates have left many pubs circling the drain. So while the new funding is a welcome gesture, it may be too little, too late.

After years of damaging financial decisions, many might feel this gesture barely scratches the surface of the challenges Britain’s once-thriving pub culture is currently up against.

What will the £440k be used for?

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has pledged £440,000 in support for UK pubs via the non-profit organisation, Pub is the Hub, which has already helped hundreds of village pubs expand into multi-purpose community hubs. 

Pubs can use the fund to support projects like community cafés, village stores, post offices, or play areas. Pub is the Hub has already identified more than 40 pub projects currently stuck in limbo due to a lack of funding in its Social Value Report.

The scheme will benefit both pubs and their communities, by fostering stronger connections, increasing employment, while also giving pub owners an extra income stream.

So far, the fund has attracted a positive reaction, with trade bodies praising the initiative as a lifeline for rural pubs, particularly those hit with soaring energy bills and staffing shortages.

Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and Co-Chair of the Licensing Taskforce, who slammed hospitality business rates earlier this year, commented:

“Our pubs are more than bricks and mortar where people eat and drink – they are places where people come together for all occasions and celebrations, they offer local employment and careers for people of all ages and can help in tackling loneliness. 

“Additional access to funding and less red tape is some welcome news to help pubs continue to adapt to meet the needs of their local communities.”

Why pubs are still closing in record numbers

Alongside the praise, some industry members remain sceptical. The announcement follows criticism of the Government’s treatment of the sector after another year of record closures.

In 2024, around 300 pubs closed permanently, with independent and family-run venues hit hardest. And the causes are depressingly familiar. 

Rising employer National Insurance contributions and steep energy bills have sent overheads spiralling, while the ongoing effects of the cost-of-living crisis have meant that customers are spending cautiously.

While industry leaders welcome the fund as a positive step, many might consider it a drop in the ocean. 

What pub operators should know

Small village pubs offering, or planning to offer, community services will be eligible to apply for the scheme. The money can be used for equipment, refurbishment, or expanding services, such as adding a café, shop, or parcel collection point.

Detailed guidance should follow soon, but applications will likely be managed by local councils in partnership with Pub is the Hub.

While the fund offers some short-term relief, pub owners and hospitality leaders say that lasting change will require deeper structural reform in the upcoming Autumn Budget, particularly around business rates, tax relief, and energy costs.

The chancellor is reportedly assembling a support package aimed at entrepreneurs and small businesses ahead of November’s Autumn Budget.

The package is expected to include expansion of the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme, and other investment-friendly tax incentives.

It’s a welcome bit of news that signals the government may prioritise growth and innovation for startups in the upcoming statement. SMEs have been waiting anxiously for updates as the date approaches.

What the government is planning for startups

Last week, Sky News reported that the government has proposed to raise the cap on EMIs ahead of the Autumn Budget, which is set to take place on November 26.

The EMI scheme is a tax-friendly plan which allows startups to sell shares to employees. It can motivate teams to feel truly part of a startup’s mission, while also offering attractive tax benefits.

Currently, the cap is set at £250,000 over a three-year period, and applies to businesses with assets of £30m or less, and fewer than 250 employees.

The proposed EMI reform would increase the £250,000 cap to allow scaling firms more flexibility to sell shares. It would also simplify rules around eligibility and some admin requirements which might currently put some startups off.

The reform would also make EMI more accessible to a wider range of businesses, not just early-stage tech companies.

How are business leaders reacting?

Regarding the proposal, Louise Jenkins, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal Tax, praised it as a positive sign the government is prioritising SMEs.

“The proposed expansion of the Enterprise Management Incentive scheme is a welcome signal that the government wants to champion small and medium-sized enterprises.

Extending the EMI cap would give growing businesses greater flexibility to attract and retain talent at a time when wage pressures and higher borrowing costs are already squeezing margins.

“If the government’s aim is to foster a more entrepreneurial economy, the focus should be on simplification as much as generosity; many small businesses still find existing EMI rules complex and administratively burdensome.”

That said, the run up to the budget so far has been less positive for small businesses. It’s been a difficult year for SMEs following tax rises and employer National Insurance increases.

And despite promises for swift reforms, it remains unclear if previous pledges to “fix” business rates by the Labour party will be followed through with on November 26^th.

Why this matters for startup founders

A stronger EMI scheme and broader tax reliefs have the potential to make hiring, retaining, and motivating top talent that much easier for startup founders. This offers a crucial advantage in a tough funding environment.

With venture capital still tight and borrowing costs high, incentives that ease the pressure on cash flow are as valuable as ever.

Founders should keep an eye on the Autumn Budget in the next few weeks, and be ready to review their existing EMI structures with an accountant or tax advisor if details are confirmed. Even small tweaks to share schemes can make a big difference in attracting and keeping the right people.

But while reforming the EMI scheme would be a welcome boost for founders, it’s far from the most urgent issue on the table. UK businesses will be looking for deeper, more immediate measures in the budget to ease costs and unlock real growth.

Recent data shows that UK website traffic growth has experienced a dramatic 86% drop since the introduction of Google’s AI-powered search.

The Google AI Search Shift Report, by digital marketing and PR agency Tank, analysed data from 800 firms across 16 sectors. It compared website traffic growth before and after Google AI Overviews (AIO) and AI Mode to identify which industries are most and least affected.

For online businesses, particularly in ecommerce, a decline in website traffic can have a devastating impact on sales and overall business growth.

Interestingly, among the sectors most affected, the hospitality industry stood out, demonstrating that the effects of AI-driven search aren’t limited to online businesses; local service sectors are feeling the impact as well.

What the data reveals about AI search’s impact

The report showed an overall traffic collapse, with growth falling from 26.3% to 3.7% YoY since the launch of AIO.

AIO now answers user queries directly on Google’s homepage, offering an aggregated response of the results. While it’s far more user-friendly, answering questions in seconds, it’s not as60% of searches now end without a click.

AIO now answers user queries directly on Google’s homepage, providing an aggregated summary of results. It’s faster and more user-friendly, giving users what they need in seconds, but it’s also driving the rise of so-called “zero-click searches.” These occur when users find answers without ever clicking through to a business’s website.

In effect, Google is drawing on publishers’ content to enhance its own service while diverting traffic away from the very sites it sources from, a move that’s sparked controversy among businesses that depend on web visits for sales and growth.

According to the report, the hospitality sector is the hardest hit, with overall website traffic growth slowing at a rate of 54.7% YoY.

Fashion and travel have also been majorly affected by the rise of AIO, while IT has remained relatively stable, with only a 0.6% difference in growth YoY.

Across all industries, websites have 11.1% fewer ranking pages after the launch of AI search. Whereas the previous year saw ranking pages increase by 13.4% on average. This indicates that websites also have fewer opportunities to appear in search results altogether.

What it means for businesses

While fewer clicks mean lower discovery for businesses that want to attract new customers via Google, there is an upside. AIO can help qualify purchase-ready leads.

Martin Harris, head of digital at Tank, commented, “[AI search is] great for the user who can now find what they need more quickly, but it could spell trouble for businesses who rely on ranking pages for traffic, clicks and conversions.”

“There is a silver lining: while fewer users are landing on websites overall, those that do are likely to be more interested in your business and product – and therefore, more ready to buy.”

To bounce back from potential web traffic loss due to AIO, small retailers should respond by auditing products to appear in AI overviews with a GEO strategy.

They can also build trust signals by spreading online coverage across platforms like social media or customer review sites or by scoring media mentions. It’s also a great time to start experimenting with channels such as paid search or social media, to offset traffic dips.

Hospitality feels the sharpest decline

In another blow to an already struggling hospitality sector, cafes, pubs, and bars’ websites have seen the largest decline in organic traffic since AIO. This is in addition to existing stresses, such as post-Budget job losses and exponentially rising costs throughout the industry.

Local search queries, such as “best pub near me”, are easily answered by AI, meaning users no longer need to trawl through search results to find the answers they’re looking for.

While it’s great for pubgoers to find their new favourite haunt, it’s not ideal for small businesses who may see a decline in website visitors.

If you’re an owner of a cafe, pub, or restaurant, make sure to keep your Google Business profile and reviews up to date, and maintain a healthy presence on multiple platforms to mitigate the impact of AIO on new customers discovering you.

AI search isn’t killing visibility entirely, but it’s important to move with the times and adapt your digital strategy to stay in the loop.

Four leadership traits consistently fuel unicorn-level growth regardless of the founder’s background or identity, a new report has found.

The Inclusive Alpha Founder Report 2025 analysed 171 unicorn founders to discover what traits set them apart. It discovered that low neuroticism and inward focus, as well as high analytical thinking and assertiveness, are all shared by the most successful entrepreneurs.

There is a stereotype that venture capital firms can favour the stereotypical Silicon Valley founder, typically white, male, and well-connected, leaving funding gaps for others. 

By recognising that behaviour, not demographics, predicts success, the report says we can support a more inclusive approach to backing future founders.

What four traits define unicorn founders?

To explore which traits truly define unicorn founders, separate from their background, Ada Ventures, a pre-seed inclusive venture capital firm, performed psycholinguistic analysis (LIWC) to study how unicorn founders think and communicate. 

A unicorn company is a startup valued at over $1 billion. Some UK-based success stories include Deliveroo, Monzo, and Revolut.

Of the 159 measurable traits looked at in the report, only 18 were meaningfully different between unicorn founders. This indicates that successful founders share a common mindset. 

Across the founders studied, there was a clear trend: they scored higher on analytical thinking and assertiveness, and lower on neuroticism and inward focus.

Analytical thinking reflects a logical, data-driven approach to problem-solving, and founders who rely on evidence and structured reasoning to make decisions. Assertiveness speaks to clear and confident communication, in addition to being able to take initiative and lead with conviction.

In contrast, low neuroticism suggests maintaining emotional stability under pressure, staying calm and focused in the face of stress or setbacks. 

Meanwhile, lower inward focus indicates a tendency to look outward toward opportunities and action rather than overanalysing or relying too heavily on introspection.

How founders can cultivate these traits

While some people may seem to exude natural confidence, these traits are less about being born with it and more about consistent practice. 

Future founders can intentionally work on developing a values-based leadership style in a few different ways:

• Work with a coach or mentor who can offer perspective, challenge blind spots, and help refine your self-awareness and decision-making.
• Lean on peers or founders’ networks to stay grounded, share challenges, and learn from others.
• Build small daily habits for reflection and growth. It might be journaling, feedback sessions, or regular pitch practice.

These four traits aren’t innate; they’re learnable skills any entrepreneur can build. And as Ada Ventures’ report shows, the next unicorn founder might not look like the last, but they will likely share a similar mindset.

As of 1 October 2025, England’s “out-of-home” food and drink sector can no longer offer free refills on drinks with a high fat, sugar, or salt content (HFSS).

This means that restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, and takeaways that previously offered customers unlimited sugary drinks will need to remove this option from their menus or risk fines for non-compliance.

The move is part of a wider government push to reduce the consumption of unhealthy drinks and their impact on public health and childhood obesity. 

Still, for many in the hospitality industry, already up against rising costs and staffing challenges, it’s yet another regulatory shift to adapt to.

What are the new HFSS laws?

Under the new laws, all HFSS drinks products can no longer be promoted with volume-based offers, such as multibuy deals, free refills, or buy-one-get-one-free offers on sugary drinks.

The rules apply across England to all out-of-home venues, including hospitality outlets, cafés, and restaurants, as well as supermarkets, high street shops, and online retailers.

For example, Nando’s popular free-refill policy is now limited to only zero-sugar options like Fanta Zero and Sprite Zero. Fans of full-fat Coke will now have to savour just a single glass.

The legislation aims to tackle obesity and reduce the impact of unhealthy food and drink on public health. Each food and drink item has been assessed by the government using an external classification system to identify those affecting childhood obesity the most.

In drinks, the worst offending culprits include sugary fizzy options like lemonade and cola. For food, items such as crisps, sweets, chocolate, ice cream, pastries, cakes, and even some fish fingers and pizzas will now be restricted under the new laws.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care described the restrictions as “a crucial step” in giving children a healthy, happy start in life.

“Obesity robs children of the best possible start, sets them up for lifelong health problems, and costs the NHS billions,” they told the BBC.

If you run a pub, restaurant, or bar that currently offers free refills or multibuy discounts on sugary drinks, head to the government implementation guidance for help on how to proceed with the new laws in mind.

What will it change for pubs, restaurants?

For venues, compliance with the new HFSS rules is a legal requirement. Failing to follow the regulations could end in enforcement action or fines of up to £2,500, though local authorities are expected to take a supportive, “work-with” approach before penalising businesses.

In practical terms, operators may need to rethink how they design menus, price items, and run promotions. That may include axing free refills on sugary drinks, adjusting bundle offers, and updating digital menus and in-store signage to reflect the changes. 

From a customer experience POV, transparency is key. Make sure to clearly communicate the reasoning behind why you’ve removed a likely well-loved deal from your menu, to prevent your guests from feeling confused or frustrated. 

Though as health-conscious dining becomes more mainstream, the new restrictions may actually align well with changing consumer tastes for lower-sugar, lower-calorie options alongside alcohol-free alternatives.

How hospitality operators can respond

The first step is to audit your current menu and promotions. Any volume-based deals on food or drinks that fall into the HFSS category should either be removed entirely, replaced, or reframed, for example, limiting refills to zero-sugar options or suggesting healthier pairings. 

Staff should also be briefed on the new rules and supported with clear talking points so they can handle customers’ questions on the changes. 

If you still want to offer deals, alternatives such as loyalty points, combo discounts on healthier items, or limited-time deals that promote balanced choices are all still on the table. 

By keeping menus flexible, transparent, and health-conscious, hospitality brands can strengthen their image and build long-term customer trust, showing that good business and better health can coexist.

Should you skip working your way up and launch a startup straight out of school, or wait until you’ve gained some ‘real-world’ experience? It’s a divisive question that Jeff Bezos himself has weighed in on.

In a recent interview, the Amazon founder advised young founders, particularly Gen Z, to gain work experience before launching their own companies. He argues that time in the workforce will teach you valuable lessons.

There’s a touch of irony, since Bezos himself famously started Amazon with a not-insignificant $250,000 investment from his parents. Still, his point raises an important question for budding entrepreneurs: learn the ropes, or dive in head-first?

Why Bezos thinks work experience matters

“I always advise young people: go work at a best-practices company somewhere where you can learn a lot of basic fundamental things [like] how to hire really well, how to interview, etc.,” Bezos told Italian Tech Week earlier this month, as reported by Fortune. 

“There’s a lot of stuff you would learn in a great company that will help you, and then there’s still lots of time to start a company after you have absorbed it.”

He added that working for an established company, instead of immediately starting your own, “increases your odds” of success.

Bezos’ point is that time spent at a well-run company offers a new starter a crash course in leadership, operations, and customer understanding. It’s a lower-risk environment to make mistakes and see how systems actually work, before you’re responsible for building your own.

It’s worth remembering that Bezos has openly said he got a hefty investment from his parents to get Amazon off the ground. That said, even with family backing, professional experience, and an Ivy League education, he’s still had his share of missteps.

Take the 2014 Fire Phone, for example; it ended up costing Amazon $170 million. His career shows that while no advantage guarantees perfection, gaining hands-on experience in a real-world setting can make a difference in knowing how to respond to setbacks.

The Zuckerberg effect

Then there’s the other path, the clichéd tech founder who didn’t even finish university, yet still went on to make billions. 

The stereotype was immortalised by Mark Zuckerberg, as depicted in The Social Network as a hoodie-wearing student who launched Facebook from his Harvard dorm. Fast forward to May 2025, and the Meta chairman is worth $221.2 billion, according to Forbes.

His story, along with similar ‘college dropout’ trajectories such as that of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, shaped the stereotype of the founder that is young, fearless, and untainted by corporate culture.

It’s easy to be drawn in by this approach. Younger founders often bring energy, fresh ideas, and a willingness to take risks. Without years of ingrained habits or industry biases, they can notice opportunities that others might miss. 

And many would jump at the chance to skip the office and focus on their own project, but is it always the best route?

Skipping the “real world” can mean a much steeper learning curve, potential operational blind spots, and a higher chance of burnout. Zuckerberg’s “move fast and break things” motto can be effective, but it loses its appeal when it’s your business or wellbeing on the line.

Founders who worked first

Many successful entrepreneurs built their foundations elsewhere before starting their own ventures.

For example, Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky worked as an industrial designer after graduation, while Glossier founder Emily Weiss had a high-profile internship at Teen Vogue. Those experiences gave them insights that later proved invaluable.

It’s also about building resilience. Early wins, like a solid degree or internship, boost your confidence to embark on bigger projects, while overcoming mistakes early on will help you bounce back from larger setbacks. 

Roles in startups, consultancies, or tech firms can help future founders develop practical skills, managing budgets, leading teams, and delivering value to customers.

For Gen Z founders, it’s wise to pick a suitable “prep job” that offers insight into transferable skills like smart decision-making, leadership, and how to deal with clients.

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Zuckerberg’s early start and Bezos’ post-30 leap show that routes to success can vary; and both cases show that having helping hands or financial backing certainly also doesn’t go amiss.

There are a host of countries offering perks for people who want the freedom to work and travel; but Dubai is becoming the destination of choice for UK founders to make home.

The latest high-profile move is Nik Storonsky, the co-founder of Revolut. This week, it was reported that Storonsky has left the UK and now lists Dubai as his primary residence.

While there are plenty of options for digital nomads around the world, the tax regime and luxe lifestyle in Dubai seems to be attracting high net worth individuals; as well as ambitious founders.

Why are entrepreneurs leaving?

The key reason for many, according to Forbes, is the Government’s decision to scrap special tax privileges for non-domiciled residents in April. The loophole allowed these residents (whose domicile or home is another country) to avoid UK taxes on overseas earnings for up to 15 years.

In June, Bloomberg reported that the move had sparked an exodus of wealthy individuals from the UK. The news company analysed five million company filings and said that 4400 business leaders had disclosed an overseas move in the last year.

It adds that the projected pace of moves could see the UK “lose thousands of jobs and as much as £12.2bn ($16.5bn) over the coming four years”.

The Government, and some experts, are suggesting this is a gross exaggeration and official figures of the number of those who have left will be published in 2027. The Government says that, instead, the closing of the loophole will bring about £33bn in extra taxes.

Startups magazine has also detailed the fall-out from the Government’s decision to increase capital gains tax (CGT) on the sale of business shares to 14% on their first £1 million of exit cash. This will rise to 18% in April 2026.

Storonsky is Russian by birth but now holds dual British and French nationality. His issue is mooted to be the licensing issues he has faced in the UK when trying to win its UK banking license.

What does Dubai offer?

There are other European nations attracting disgruntled entrepreneurs – Cyprus and Monaco among them – but Dubai has a specific appeal.

First of all, there is no personal income tax and corporate tax is also considerably lower than the UK. Businesses pay 9% tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (which is around £80,000). Dubai, though, has “free zones”, where the corporate tax rate is 0% on qualifying income.

The state also offers a host of incubator and accelerator programmes, as well as a Golden Visa scheme for long term residence. This reflects Dubai’s bid to diversify away from fossil fuels into sectors like real estate, retail, logistics, and tourism. As a result, there is a burgeoning startup community with entrepreneurs attracted from all over the world.

There are downsides to life in Dubai though. Says one founder in a LinkedIn post, the  city can be hyper-competitive for jobs; has expensive office space; a lack of work/ life balance and the cost of education and health facilities can be very high for expat families.

What are the tax implications of moving to Dubai?

For founders considering a move, the paperwork from the UK tax side isn’t onerous, says barrister Patrick Cannon, who has a pretty negative view of life in the UK at the moment.

Founders need to complete and submit the Form P85 online or can use the residence section of their tax return using the supplementary pages in Form SA 109.

Once a resident in Dubai, founders will not be liable for UK income tax but they will be liable for any income “sourced in the UK”. Some income can be protected if covered by the UAE/UK Double Tax treaty.

There are also implications for inheritance tax; but only if you have been a UK tax resident for fewer than ten years out of the last 20 years. If not, the usual UK taxation rules apply.

If you are considering a move, reach out to a tax advisor for professional advice; and consider your plans for your business in both the short and long term to weigh up the benefits and disadvantages.

UK high streets face a critical moment, Co-op has warned, stating that without reform business rates will continue to cripple businesses.

Citing new research, the supermarket giant is claiming that the UK could see 60,000 small shops and 150,000 jobs disappear if radical change doesn’t happen and fast.

The company has launched a campaign called On Your Corner, In Your Corner, a key message from which is for the Government “…to finish the job and deliver maximum support to protect high streets and local communities.”

Change essential for survival

The Co-op study reveals the extent of the issue with 77% of small high street shop owners in England. It says that business rates reform is paramount if they are to continue operating.

If reforms are not delivered, 10% of small high street business owners say they would need to lay off staff, and one in eight state that they would be at risk of closure.

While the report takes in a wide range of high street SMEs, the overriding message of pessimism about the future and fear is one that the hospitality industry has been reporting for many months.

The Co-op Big Survey revealed that 67% of those taking part believe their high street is dying and 78% say it’s worse than five years ago. With many of these businesses working in hospitality, it is unsurprising that this group has the lowest confidence of all sectors.

Our research in January recorded a 10% dip in confidence among hospitality business owners; and since, fears have been compounded by job losses in this sector as the NICs hike and rising costs bite.

Importance of local businesses

As well as gathering views from business owners, Co-op gauged views on the role local shops play within communities.

It quotes YouGov research that reveals that 56% of UK adults – more than 30 million people – see local shops “as important to their wellbeing”. Without them, 74% of those interviewed argued that “…their community would lose part of its identity”.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group CEO, said: “As we approach a critical Autumn Budget, there’s a real danger that the voices of small shops – and the communities they serve – are not being heard.”

She added: “Local shops aren’t just businesses; they’re part of the social fabric of Britain. For some, a visit to a local store is one of the few chances they have to chat to someone and feel connected.”

Waiting for the budget

The report confirms that many SMEs, and especially those in the hospitality sector, are awaiting the Autumn Budget with bated breath.

The Employment Rights Bill, and specifically changes to zero-hours contracts – are already in the headlines; but it is business rates that many businesses are hoping for some good news on. Co-op is calling for “maximum levels of relief” and argues that if high street businesses disappear, communities will too.

However, the Co-op report says that seven in 10 Brits “…doubt the Government will deliver on relief”. As the November Budget approaches, this figure suggests that pessimism is quickly turning to despair.

TikTok Shop has today announced the launch of Shop Local, a support scheme to help British SMEs harvest demand for homegrown goods by using the platform to reach new audiences.

The social media platform has become a go-to for SMEs with its easy to use features and the simple draw that it is currently growing four times faster than the overall ecommerce market.

However, this latest bid to attract businesses sees the social media behemoth focussing on connecting them to their local customer base; and reflects a growing desire by Britons to support the businesses on their doorsteps.

What is the ‘Shop Local’ support scheme?

The scheme will see five local British businesses receive a support package worth £150,000 to get them up and running on TikTok Shop.

It includes hands-on guidance from TikTok Shop experts to get started on the platform; mentorship for staff members on how to grow sales on TiKTok Shop and also training for the whole business on how to sell through TikTok LIVE.

The winners will also get subsidised marketing support to get their products to the right audience; and Featured promotion across TikTok Shop to increase their reach.

The scheme, which is being fronted by farmer, conservationist and TikTok star Jimmy Doherty, includes “introductions to TikTok creator” but also, interestingly, “PR and marketing support from TikTok to promote their business off-platform”.

Timely support

The scheme – which will no doubt be hotly contested – comes at a time when TikTok is reporting an increased desire by British customers to support their local businesses.

According to data from Research Without Barriers 83% of UK adults would be more likely to buy British produce if it was more widely available. Three in four (75%) of respondents said that they prefer locally sourced products over imports.

TikTok is hoping to tap into this swell of support by showing businesses how to use its platform to connect with – and retain – customers.

Jan Wilk, Head of TikTok Shop UK, said: “We know that the current economic climate can be challenging for small British businesses, with many experiencing a mixed financial picture.

“Smaller businesses don’t need huge followings or big budgets to be seen – if you have a great British product, the For You Feed is your place to shine and find viral success, with your products and businesses able to be discovered by millions.”

How to get involved?

To put themselves forward, SMEs must be a British business; and selling locally produced goods. There is no stipulation as to what these goods must be.

However, businesses cannot already be trading on TikTok Shop and must have less than 250 employees.

To enter, the business just needs to “create and share a TikTok video demonstrating their offering to their local community, which includes the #ShopLocalComp hashtag and tagging @TikTokShop_UK, between October 14 and November 13”, explains TikTok.

The social media platform adds that the winners will be contacted by December 12.

With all marketing, watching what lands views and translates to sales is essential; and this is easy even without a hefty financial pot from TikTok.

For the businesses that don’t get selected, we have guides on how to get started with your TikTok marketing; including how to set up an account; what to post, and what metrics to watch.

Measures to allow hospitality businesses to extend their opening hours and revive local nightlife are being pushed forward by the Government; but they are being met with both scepticism from within the industry and concern from without.

The National Licensing Policy Framework being proposed by the Government will see sweeping changes to rules about dining outside (and managing noise complaints) as well as closing times.

The framework has now gone to a consultation and businesses have four weeks to make their views known.

What is the framework?

The review is focussed upon “cutting red tape” and “boosting footfall” to boost the beleaguered hospitality industry and support the UK’s economic growth, says Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The Government describes the framework as “ a pro-growth vision for licensing reform” and says that it is a much needed update to the Licensing Act 2003 which has, “…over time, become diluted by disproportionate regulation and inconsistent application”.

As well as rethinking details like the currently mandatory printed statutory notices for alcohol licenses; it also includes proposals to increase the number of temporary event notices venues can apply for; reforms to business rates and cuts to the cost of licensing.

The news has been welcomed by the many in the industry. “Pubs are faced with continued rising costs, placing them under enormous pressures which is why the government must continue to back the sector, including critical reforms on business rates which would unlock opportunities for pubs to invest and help drive economic growth,” Nick Mackenzie, chief executive at Greene King, told BBC News.

Independents need more

However, with the confidence levels in the hospitality industry tanking, some are arguing that reform needs to be more drastic.

George Holmes, Managing Director of business finance experts Aurora Capital, says that cutting red tape for pubs is “a step in the right direction”. However, there are huge issues that need addressing.

He explains “…longer hours won’t solve deeper problems. Pubs are still struggling with high energy costs, rising wages, and unfair business rates.” These problems are being felt across the board but, he argues, it is a time when many independent businesses fear the future.

“If this government is serious about supporting local pubs, these changes should be accompanied by practical support, guidance, streamlined licensing processes, and fair funding for local authorities to handle applications. Without that, small venues will still be left waiting while the big players reap the rewards,” he states.

Campaign for Pubs has reacted furiously stating that pubs don’t actually want longer operating hours as they simply can’t afford it.

“The reality is that as a direct result of the Government’s disastrous cost hikes in the last Budget, many pubs have had to reduce opening hours and cut staff numbers and hours”, writes the organisation in a press release.

“Allowing most pubs to stay open longer is completely meaningless, when already pubs are shutting earlier than usual just to reduce costs and stay afloat,” it states.

Wider concerns

Debate is also raging as to whether longer opening hours could have a negative impact on both antisocial behaviour and serious crime. In an article in The Guardian, Katherine Severi, the chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies thinktank, said that the changes would “allow an open all hours free-for-all in the availability of alcohol”.

“These proposed reforms, developed without adequate input from policing, ambulance services, local licensing authorities, health experts or citizens are a charter for chaos,” added Dr Richard Piper, the chief executive of the charity Alcohol Change UK to the newspaper.

While some aspects of the reforms – notably cutting red tape and therefore administrative load on businesses – have been welcomed; there is an overriding feeling that this is not the complete solution.

SMEs, in particular, are riding the storm caused by NICs hikes and rising costs. Opening for longer might not even be within their capabilities, nor organising live music events.

While there is consensus that some of the suggestions could drive footfall and growth; this consultation period will also see many raising concerns from both within the industry and wider society.

Social media trends come and go fast, and it can be easy to lose track of what’s popular right now and what’s old news.

Plus, with how tricky social media marketing is, it’s no wonder brands are scrambling to keep up — trying to stay relevant while not sounding like they’re trying too hard. 

And while businesses have the opportunity to jump on posts around Halloween and pumpkin spice, the sheer volume of content around these themes can make it harder to stand out.

That’s why we’ve done the research for you and pulled together six of the hottest social media trends to boost your online presence this month.