News and insights

SMEs should frame AI as a productivity driver rather than a strategy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely positioned as a growth and innovation accelerator. But for most SMEs, AI is better framed as a productivity driver rather than a strategy.

UK construction activity stabilises but so far without recovery

UK construction activity spent the entire year in contraction territory in 2025, with conditions deteriorating sharply in November, when firms recorded the fastest decline in new orders in five and a half years. The slump was attributed to Budget-related uncertainty and deferred investment, which subdued demand, accentuated fragile client confidence and delayed spending decisions, contributing to weak sales pipelines into the year end. Expectations have improved from depressed levels in December, but this initial stabilisation has not yet developed into a recovery.

Bitcoin’s sharp correction during a flat year

Bitcoin has suffered its fastest and steepest correction in three years, with prices plunging 36% from the $126,000 October all-time-high to around $80,000 in just six weeks.

The deteriorating financial outlook for UK universities

The financial outlook for UK universities is deteriorating, driven by domestic policy shifts, volatile international student demand patterns, real-terms declines in public funding, inflationary pressures and broader economic uncertainty.

BTG supports Covestus on Dentyl and UltraDex brands acquisition

BTG has supported Covestus on the acquisition of the Dentyl and UltraDex brands from Venture Life Group.

Begbies Traynor Group plc rebrands to BTG as it eyes further growth

AIM-listed financial and real estate advisory firm Begbies Traynor Group has rebranded as BTG, reflecting the continued growth and evolution of the group beyond its historical core strength of insolvency and restructuring services.

MAF becomes part of BTG as Begbies Traynor Group rebrands

MAF is now part of BTG as Begbies Traynor Group rebrands to offer clients greater access to all financial and real estate advisory services across its group.

Springboard becomes part of BTG as Begbies Traynor Group rebrands

Springboard is now part of BTG as Begbies Traynor Group rebrands to offer clients greater access to all financial and real estate advisory services across its group.