For many professionals, the traditional nine-to-five job is no longer the sole definition of working life. The rise of the “side hustle”—a secondary job or entrepreneurial pursuit alongside a primary role— is reshaping how people earn, grow, and find fulfilment in their careers.

JD Sports Fashion plc: Cost cutting will be key in a no-growthenvironment; private label is a key opportunity for margin expansion.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are being warned to ensure all their procedures and records are watertight in the light of new and enhanced compliance activity by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). HMRC has recently initiated a programme of Structured Risk Reviews (SRRs) across the charity and not-for-profit sectors, signalling a more intensive and data-driven approach to oversight.

Switalskis has appointed Paula Mayfield as deputy head of its specialist new build conveyancing team, supporting the firm’s national expansion strategy. Mayfield brings 25 years of experience in residential property across West and South Yorkshire, having previously held senior roles in Leeds, Wakefield, and Sheffield.

Following the successful launch of its compliance support service at the end of 2025, Carney Consultancy has helped 15 construction and engineering businesses secure Constructionline Gold accreditation. The achievement reflects the consultancy’s practical, hands-on guidance and rising demand for expert support as firms navigate tighter building safety and procurement standards.

Private equity-backed businesses have a growing appetite for international expansion, despite the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty facing regional mid-market companies. According to the latest research from BDO, more than three-fifths of PE-backed businesses (64%) are looking to enter new international markets, ranking it as the biggest opportunity for growth over the next six months.

Developed in a Yorkshire Dales market town and now available around the world, award-winning equine feed Speedi-Beet is a British export success story that is celebrating 20 years of sales in Australia.

Investors in the North of England should be wary of taking financial advice solely from AI platforms, one of the county’s accountancy and advisory firms has warned. Experts from Azets, which has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, have likened the practice to Googling health symptoms rather than going to see a doctor.

Sustainability consultancy Tunley Environmental has launched its latest guide, “A Guide to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)”, designed to help organisations understand, develop and apply EPDs to support compliance and gain a competitive edge. Many businesses are under increasing pressure to demonstrate the impact of their products across the full lifecycle.

Independent planning consultancy Quod has strengthened its Leeds office with the return of director Pete Hall to Yorkshire. After several years in London focusing on major infrastructure, Hall will now oversee the firm’s infrastructure offering across the North.

New data has revealed a stagnation in the UK’s innovation landscape, with the financial value of collaborations between universities and businesses declining over the past year. According to the latest Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey for the 2024–25 academic year, total knowledge exchange income reached £6.1 billion.

Half of internationally active SMEs say cross-border volatility is increasing stress levels, adding to pressure on decision-making. More than half (55%) of SME leaders say cashflow occupies their attention even when trying to focus on other responsibilities. SME leaders estimate that, with more access to working capital, they could redirect an average of five hours per week towards growth-focused activity. HSBC UK has launched TradePay to simplify access to working capital and streamline supplier payments.

Scottish Friendly has announced the highest annual sales in its 164-year history, recording £56.1 million for the year ending 31 December 2025. The Glasgow-based mutual society reported a significant 60% year-on-year growth in its own-brand Stocks & Shares ISA and Junior ISA products.

At a time of heightened public scrutiny of corporate behaviour, the Institute of Directors has launched a new Commission to examine the role of business in society and assess the extent to which business is acting as a force for good in today’s world.

Yorkshire healthcare businesses have rarely been better placed to attract growth capital. Investor appetite for the sector remains strong, driven by demographic demand, ongoing consolidation and technology-led improvements in care delivery.

A significant funding package has been agreed for 31 Wellington Street, the 80,000 sq ft Grade A Leeds office building opposite Wellington Place. The £60m speculative development by Prescient Capital is replacing Wellington Plaza, which has been demolished. Commercial property investment company BGO has backed Prescient Capital with a £27m loan.