Insights

Daily commentary on M&A, valuation, and the markets that move them, from the Blash Advisory team.

AI Sovereignty: An Urgent Need for SMEs

As AI sovereignty becomes vital, SMEs must adapt to secure a competitive edge through open-source solutions.

July 22, 2026

Scaling 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.

July 16, 2026

Valuation Scrutiny: Lessons from Battersea Power Station

Financial misreporting scrutiny at Battersea Power signals important lessons for SMEs on valuation integrity.

July 10, 2026

Avoiding Costly Marketing Pitfalls for SMEs

Common marketing mistakes can stunt SME growth. Knowing how to avoid these pitfalls is key for business leaders today.

July 9, 2026

Managing 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.

July 8, 2026

Women Leading Deeptech Startups Signal Market Shifts

Women in deeptech reveal new market dynamics, offering insights for SME founders and operators to refine strategies.

July 7, 2026

Construction 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.

July 6, 2026

Starling'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.

July 3, 2026

Understanding SME Funding in Northern Ireland

Exploring the SME funding market in Northern Ireland is crucial for scaling your business effectively.

July 2, 2026

SumUp'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.

July 1, 2026

Choosing Between Cash and Accrual Accounting for SMEs

Deciding between cash and accrual accounting can impact financial clarity for SMEs and influence strategic decisions.

June 30, 2026

Refining SaaS Pricing Strategies for SMB Growth

SaaS companies need careful pricing strategies to grow with SMB clients without increasing churn.

June 29, 2026

AI 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.

June 28, 2026

Volkswagen'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.

June 27, 2026

Preparing 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.

June 26, 2026

N26'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.

June 25, 2026

Thriving in the Hybrid AI-Human Office Environment

The shift to AI-human collaboration is crucial for SMEs. Here is how to prepare and thrive.

June 24, 2026

UK 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.

June 23, 2026

London'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.

June 22, 2026

AI-Generated Influencers: A Trend SMEs Must Address

AI-generated influencers are reshaping digital marketing. SMEs need an AI strategy to stay relevant and competitive.

June 21, 2026

Succession 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.

June 14, 2026

Working 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.

June 6, 2026

Due 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.

May 29, 2026

How 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.

May 21, 2026

Credit 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.

May 13, 2026

Capital 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.

May 5, 2026

AI 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.

April 27, 2026

Fixed-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.

April 19, 2026

Go-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.

April 11, 2026

When 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.

April 3, 2026

Buy-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.

March 26, 2026

Preparing 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.

March 18, 2026

How 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.

March 10, 2026

Commercial 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.

March 2, 2026

What 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.

February 22, 2026

Accounting Software Migration: A Strategic Move for SMEs

Switching accounting software signals a move towards efficiency and strategic growth for SME leaders today.

June 20, 2026

Eolo'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.

June 19, 2026

Private 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.

June 18, 2026

Rising 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.

June 17, 2026

Taiwan 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.

June 16, 2026

Muzinich & 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.

June 15, 2026

Visa and OpenAI revolutionise AI-led transactions

Visa's collaboration with OpenAI on AI transactions poses impactful questions for finance leaders to consider.

June 13, 2026

KKR Unveils a $10bn AI Infrastructure Platform

KKR’s $10bn AI platform signals a major shift for businesses eyeing AI infrastructure for future growth.

June 12, 2026

Private 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.

June 11, 2026

Insurers' 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.

June 10, 2026

Bpifrance 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.

June 9, 2026

Is Private Credit Growth Losing Momentum?

Businesses must now consider the implications of slowing private credit growth for mid-market financing options.

June 8, 2026

Bouygues 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.

June 7, 2026

AI'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.

June 5, 2026

AI 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.

June 4, 2026

US 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.

June 3, 2026

Eurazeo'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.

June 2, 2026

Atalian'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.

June 1, 2026

EU 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.

May 31, 2026

The 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.

May 30, 2026

Apollo 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.

May 29, 2026

Can 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.

May 29, 2026

Anthropic'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.

May 29, 2026

BCI 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?

May 28, 2026
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