Insights from the Blash Advisory team
Latest articles
Commentary on corporate finance, M&A, valuation, private credit and the markets that move them.
A 100-year life changes how founders should build a business
Longer working lives mean founders can no longer treat one exit as the end of the story, and that changes how a business should be built.
9 September 2026British Business Bank Launches £210m Fund for South East England SMEs
The British Business Bank has launched a £210 million fund for SMEs in South East England, with Maven Capital Partners handling equity and FSE Group handling debt. Here is what founders with sub-£100 million turnover need to know before applying.
8 September 2026Why Growing Multi-Site Businesses Outrun Their Own Finance Reporting
Venues are struggling to consolidate group numbers without live data, and the same reporting gap threatens any business scaling across multiple sites.
7 September 2026What Jaguar Land Rover's Job Cuts Signal for SME Finance
Jaguar Land Rover's 4,000 job cuts show how fast competitive and cost pressures can force hard decisions in any finance function.
4 September 2026Adnams Staff Cuts and Strategic Insights for SMEs
Adnams Brewery faces tough trading, prompting staff cuts. It highlights a key moment for SMEs to review business strategies.
3 September 2026Services Sector Trims Workforce Amid Rising Costs
As UK services sector faces ongoing job cuts, SME leaders must adapt. Here is what it means and how Blash can assist.
2 September 2026Legaltech Ambitions: Lessons for SMEs and Founders
A legaltech firm's decacorn ambition signals market opportunities for SMEs. Learn why aligning growth strategies can benefit business leaders.
1 September 2026FCA Redress Scheme Alters market for SMEs
The FCA's redress scheme for motor finance could signal challenges for SMEs in regulatory compliance and financial planning.
31 August 2026How the Danish Model Inspires SME Strategies
Explore how defence startups adopting the Danish model signal strategic insights for SMEs in volatile markets.
28 August 2026Understanding Tax Implications for Fast-Growing SMEs
Rapid business growth can bring unforeseen tax challenges. Learn how to manage these effectively.
27 August 2026UK Payments Innovation: An Opportunity for SMEs
The Bank of England's new focus on payment systems innovation signals opportunities for SMEs to adapt and thrive.
26 August 2026Making Sense of AI in Accounting Today
AI is reshaping accounting, posing both opportunities and challenges for SMEs and mid-market firms.
25 August 2026Innovative Finance Solutions for Property Conversions
SMEs can benefit from creative finance approaches in property investments, a key takeaway from recent finance cases.
24 August 2026What Business Rate Reforms Mean for SMEs and Hospitality
The review of business rates in England and Wales could drive significant changes for SMEs in the hospitality sector.
21 August 2026How SMEs Can Learn from EcoNomad's Green Initiative
EcoNomad's innovation signals opportunities for SMEs to adopt sustainable practices and boost productivity with AI automation.
20 August 2026How Sudden Price Hikes Affect SME Software Choices
Significant price hikes in invoicing software call for SME leaders to reassess vendor agreements and pricing strategies.
19 August 2026Startup AI Inefficiencies: A Wake-up Call for SMEs
Startups' focus on AI inefficiencies signals to SMEs that effective AI deployment is crucial. Discover how Blash can help.
18 August 2026A New Era: Redefining the Summer Business Slowdown
Seasonal business trends are shifting, requiring SMEs to adapt to remain competitive and seize new opportunities.
17 August 2026£1m Funding Boost for Agtech Robotics: Implications for SMEs
Versatile RobotX's £1m funding underscores AI's growth in agtech. SMEs must adapt to competitive advances in technology today.
14 August 2026Anthropic Surpasses OpenAI in UK Subscriptions: What This Means for SMEs
UK businesses are gravitating towards Anthropic for AI subscriptions over OpenAI, a shift presenting opportunities and challenges for SMEs.
13 August 2026Regulatory Changes Challenge Aldi and Lidl's Expansion Plans
Upcoming land blocking rule changes may slow Aldi and Lidl's UK growth. Here is how SMEs can respond strategically.
12 August 2026Deeptech Founders Dictating Deal Terms: SME Implications
The shift in deal-making power to deeptech founders impacts SMEs. Here is what it means for your business strategy.
11 August 2026AI Is Not Always the Answer for SMEs
AI offers potential but is not a universal solution; strategic finance leadership is crucial for SMEs under $100M.
10 August 2026Impending Ban on Subscription Traps: What SMEs Should Know
The accelerated ban on subscription traps in the UK is crucial for business leaders to understand and adapt to regulatory changes.
7 August 2026European Junior VCs and Opportunities for SME Growth
The spotlight on European junior VCs indicates growth potential for SMEs. Understanding this trend can finesse your market approach.
6 August 2026Making Tax Digital: A Catalyst for Change in the SME Sector
Explore how Making Tax Digital is shaping the SME market, with 45% of sole traders feeling pressured to consider quitting.
5 August 2026Managing New Procurement Rules: A Strategic Approach
Changes in procurement rules signal a shift in business priorities, impacting strategy decisions for SMEs and founders.
4 August 2026AI Automation: It Should Work Without Extra Costs
AI was supposed to work seamlessly, yet maintenance costs can spiral. Why this matters to SME leaders managing automation.
3 August 2026Resilient Manufacturing: Sustained Growth Amid Economic Gloom
Recent data shows manufacturers thriving despite economic challenges, a critical signal for SMEs prioritising efficiency.
30 July 2026The AI Advantage: managing Virtual Interviews with Confidence
Virtual interviews are changing recruitment. Understanding their impact on personality showcase is crucial for business leaders.
29 July 2026Fresh Tech Minds Signal a Shift for SME Growth
A free tech crash course for teens highlights new growth strategies. SMEs must adapt and innovate to keep pace.
29 July 2026Mastering Your Elevator Pitch: Lessons from Royal Engagements
Crafting a compelling pitch is critical for SMEs seeking partnerships. The right message can open doors in unexpected ways.
27 July 2026Impact of Splitting UK's AI Responsibilities on Businesses
The UK's AI initiative hit a snag, highlighting the necessity for businesses to independently strengthen their AI strategies.
24 July 2026AI Tools Alone Insufficient for Regulated Work
AI tools need governance to be effective in regulated environments, vital for compliance.
23 July 2026Why SMEs Should Rethink Automated CV Screening
Blash examines the pitfalls of automated CV screening and offers solutions for SMEs to optimise hiring practices.
22 July 2026AI Sovereignty: An Urgent Need for SMEs
As AI sovereignty becomes vital, SMEs must adapt to secure a competitive edge through open-source solutions.
16 July 2026Scaling AI Initiatives from Pilot to Production
AI is moving from pilot projects to full operation in firms. Learn why this is crucial for business leaders.
10 July 2026Valuation Scrutiny: Lessons from Battersea Power Station
Financial misreporting scrutiny at Battersea Power signals important lessons for SMEs on valuation integrity.
9 July 2026Avoiding Costly Marketing Pitfalls for SMEs
Common marketing mistakes can stunt SME growth. Knowing how to avoid these pitfalls is key for business leaders today.
8 July 2026Managing Financial Stress: How SMEs Can Avoid Closure
22% of SMEs face potential closure over tax issues, underscoring the need for strategic financial leadership. Find out how Blash can help.
7 July 2026Women Leading Deeptech Startups Signal Market Shifts
Women in deeptech reveal new market dynamics, offering insights for SME founders and operators to refine strategies.
6 July 2026Construction Job Cuts Highlight Industry Challenges
The construction sector's 18th month of job losses signals ongoing challenges. SMEs must adapt strategically to manage this environment.
3 July 2026Starling's Strategic Shift: Implications for SMEs
Starling's AI-driven job cuts hint at larger trends impacting SMEs, calling for strategic planning to embrace similar efficiencies.
2 July 2026Understanding SME Funding in Northern Ireland
Exploring the SME funding market in Northern Ireland is crucial for scaling your business effectively.
1 July 2026SumUp's Strategy: Paying Users to Shop Small
SumUp's move to incentivise small business shopping highlights the potential benefits of refining go-to-market strategies for SMEs.
30 June 2026Choosing Between Cash and Accrual Accounting for SMEs
Deciding between cash and accrual accounting can impact financial clarity for SMEs and influence strategic decisions.
29 June 2026Refining SaaS Pricing Strategies for SMB Growth
SaaS companies need careful pricing strategies to grow with SMB clients without increasing churn.
28 June 2026AI Automations Revolutionising SME Efficiency
AI-driven CRM systems like Lightfield's demonstrate how SMEs can enhance productivity through automation. Here is what it means for your business.
27 June 2026Volkswagen's Massive Job Cuts: A Signal for SMEs
Volkswagen's potential job cuts signal a significant market shift, highlighting the need for SMEs to reassess their strategies.
26 June 2026Preparing SMEs for the UK-India Trade Deal Impact
The UK-India trade deal is poised to redefine trading markets. Here is why it matters for SMEs and how to prepare.
25 June 2026N26's Profitability Spotlights Need for Flexible Finance Leadership
N26's profitability milestone shows the importance of adaptable finance strategies for SMEs seeking efficient growth paths.
24 June 2026Thriving in the Hybrid AI-Human Office Environment
The shift to AI-human collaboration is crucial for SMEs. Here is how to prepare and thrive.
23 June 2026UK Services Sector Faces Shock: Implications for SMEs
The UK services sector's downturn signals challenges for SMEs. Business leaders must adapt strategies to manage this uncertainty.
22 June 2026London's AI skills gap widened this year, and what it means for mid-market firms
Half of London firms now say their workforce lacks the skills to meet AI demands. What the BusinessLDN survey means for lower-mid-market businesses, and where to start.
21 June 2026AI-Generated Influencers: A Trend SMEs Must Address
AI-generated influencers are reshaping digital marketing. SMEs need an AI strategy to stay relevant and competitive.
20 June 2026Accounting Software Migration: A Strategic Move for SMEs
Switching accounting software signals a move towards efficiency and strategic growth for SME leaders today.
19 June 2026Eolo's €500m Refinancing: A Shift to Private Credit
Eolo's refinancing negotiation with Apollo signals a critical shift in mid-market financing strategies towards private credit.
18 June 2026Private Credit Gains Ground as Banks Pull Back
The shift from bank financing to private credit offers businesses new opportunities for accessing capital in the mid-market sector.
17 June 2026Rising Defaults: A Call to Review Private Credit Strategies
Private credit default rates hit peak levels, posing challenges for mid-market firms replacing bank debt with private lending options.
16 June 2026Taiwan Opens Doors for Insurers to Invest in AI Projects
Taiwan's move to allow life insurers to invest in AI can reshape financial strategies, offering novel asset management opportunities.
15 June 2026Muzinich & Co Raises €1.3bn: A Sign of Private Debt Growth
The recent €1.3bn fundraising by Muzinich highlights the rising allure of private debt funds for institutional investors, impacting strategic finance decisions.
14 June 2026Succession and exit planning for owner-managed businesses
Most owner-managers leave exit planning too late. Here is what a well-structured succession process looks like and why starting early changes the outcome.
13 June 2026Visa and OpenAI revolutionise AI-led transactions
Visa's collaboration with OpenAI on AI transactions poses impactful questions for finance leaders to consider.
12 June 2026KKR Unveils a $10bn AI Infrastructure Platform
KKR’s $10bn AI platform signals a major shift for businesses eyeing AI infrastructure for future growth.
11 June 2026Private Credit Withdrawals Mostly Outside US: What It Means
Recent data shows private credit withdrawals mainly outside the US. Here is why this is relevant for finance leaders.
10 June 2026Insurers' Shift to Private Credit: What It Means for You
The increase in private credit exposure by KKR and Apollo-backed insurers offers opportunities and challenges for business leaders.
9 June 2026Bpifrance SACA's New Bond: A Fresh Debt Market?
Bpifrance SACA issues a bond backed by SME loans, potentially opening a new debt market. Discover why this matters now.
8 June 2026Is Private Credit Growth Losing Momentum?
Businesses must now consider the implications of slowing private credit growth for mid-market financing options.
7 June 2026Bouygues Telecom's €20.35bn Bid for SFR: Key Takeaways for Leaders
The Bouygues Telecom consortium's acquisition of SFR for €20.35bn may reshape the telecom market, pending antitrust approval.
6 June 2026Working capital in diligence: adjustments that change the price
Working capital adjustments in M&A diligence routinely shift deal price. Here is what sellers need to prepare before they reach completion accounts.
5 June 2026AI's Role in PE Growth: M&A Remains King
M&A is the major growth driver in PE, AI speeds value creation. Critical insights for business leaders in private equity.
4 June 2026AI and PE Fund Advisory: A New Era Begins
Kirkland & Ellis collaborates with Palantir to develop an AI platform for private equity advisory, a significant move for the industry.
3 June 2026US Fund Managers Back 401(k) Access to Alternatives
Fund managers support 401(k) access to alternatives, increasing private credit's role, a critical shift for investors.
2 June 2026Eurazeo's €3.9bn Fund and Europe's Direct Lending Future
Eurazeo's €3.9bn fundraise highlights the strong investor interest in European direct lending amidst shifting US private credit dynamics.
1 June 2026Atalian's Debt Restructuring: Implications and Insights
La Financiere Atalian SAS's debt restructuring highlights critical issues in corporate financial strategy. Here is what business leaders should consider.
31 May 2026EU Faces New Challenges as China Invests in Morocco
China's industrial investment in Morocco raises concerns for EU manufacturers, highlighting the need for strategic financial advisory.
30 May 2026The Role of AI: Focusing on What It Ought To Do
AI's potential impact on jobs is less about capability and more about ethical implementation. Leaders must choose wisely.
29 May 2026Due diligence for family offices making direct investments
Family offices moving into direct deals face diligence gaps that syndicated fund investing never exposed. Here is what to check and how to structure the work.
29 May 2026Can AI Discern Startup Potential from Empty Promises?
A former Spotify executive's use of AI reveals a route to smarter startup evaluations. CFOs, founders, and investors take note.
29 May 2026Anthropic's $965 Billion Valuation: What It Means for AI Strategies
Anthropic has outpaced OpenAI with a notable $965 billion valuation, signaling important trends for businesses prioritizing AI strategies. This article explores the implications of this shift in AI market dynamics.
29 May 2026Apollo and Blackstone's $36bn Move: Private Credit Ascends
Apollo and Blackstone's $36bn private credit package signals a pivotal shift in financing for tech infrastructure projects.
28 May 2026BCI Enters Private Credit Market, Shifting Mid-Market Dynamics
BCI is lending to buyout firms amid a deal slump. Is private credit replacing bank debt in the mid-market?
21 May 2026How music catalogues are valued: royalties, multiples and diligence
Music catalogue valuations turn on royalty income quality, the right multiple, and diligence that most financial advisers overlook. Here is what to prepare.
13 May 2026Credit due diligence for direct lenders in the lower-mid-market
What direct lenders and borrowers in sub-£50m deals need to know about credit diligence: what gets checked, common mistakes, and how to prepare.
5 May 2026Capital options for SME owners: debt, equity, and the middle ground
Debt, equity, mezzanine, and asset-backed finance each carry different costs and control implications. Here is how SME owners should think through the choice.
27 April 2026AI readiness assessment for mid-market boards
What an AI readiness assessment actually examines, what mid-market boards should prepare, and where the most common mistakes are made before committing budget.
19 April 2026Fixed-Fee AI Workflow Automation for Professional Services Firms
SME owners and PE portfolio operators: how fixed-fee AI workflow automation works, what it costs, and where professional services firms go wrong when buying it.
11 April 2026Go-to-Market for Founders Entering UK and GCC Markets
A practical guide for founders and SME owners entering the UK and GCC markets - what to prepare, what to check, and where most entrants go wrong.
3 April 2026When to appoint a fractional or interim CFO: a practical guide
An SME owner's guide to recognising when you need a fractional or interim CFO, what they actually do, and how to make the appointment work.
26 March 2026Buy-side M&A for mid-market acquirers: building a disciplined pipeline
Most mid-market acquirers find deals reactively and pay for it. Here is how a structured buy-side process changes the outcome for founders and operators.
18 March 2026Preparing an Owner-Managed Business for Sale: a Twelve-Month Checklist
A practical twelve-month checklist for SME owners preparing for a business sale. Covers financial records, management teams, legal housekeeping and buyer diligence.
10 March 2026How Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Are Valued for a Sale
Understand how acquirers value SME and lower-mid-market businesses: the methods used, what drives multiples, and how to prepare your company for a sale.
2 March 2026Commercial due diligence for lower-mid-market buyers: a practical guide
What commercial due diligence actually covers in sub-£50m acquisitions, what buyers get wrong, and how to prepare if you are on either side of the table.
22 February 2026What financial due diligence checks in a sub-£100m deal
A plain guide to what financial due diligence covers in deals below £100m: what buyers examine, what founders should prepare, and where deals quietly unravel.
