Featuring: Q2 2026
Editors Letter Phone: 01283 365204 Website: smenews.digital Sofi Parry Senior Editor No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Welcome to the Q2 2026 edition of SME News Magazine, where we provide you with all the latest news, announcements, and features about some of the best up-and-coming enterprises across the United Kingdom. We are pleased to present this quarter’s edition of our esteemed magazine, especially as its carefully crafted and curated pages detail current developments shaping the business landscape in the UK and beyond. Covering award winning businesses to motivational speakers, all influencing the way business continues to evolve, this issue stands as a reminder that UK-based companies and their teams are truly making a positive difference. Join us again in Q3 for our next issue of SME News Magazine where we’ll bring you more news, insights, and success stories. Until then, we wish you a prosperous and inspiring few months ahead.
Contents 4. News - Almost Two- Fifths of SME Employees Report Cybersecurity Responsibilities Beyond Their Job Description - UK SME Loan Hotspots Revealed: Where Businesses Are Borrowing – and What They’re Investing In 6. Why Most Bosses Are Failing atthe One Thing That Decides a Company’s Future 7. What Small Businesses Are Actually Building with AI And Why It Matters 8. CLOUDeBERRY: Best B2B IT Services Provider 2025 10. Colour Chronicles: Celebrating Every Family 11. Archipelo Coaching: A Multi-Award-Winning Coaching Company 12. Steel City Wheels: Professional, Convenient, Affordable Alloy Repairs 13. Beds.Digital: Upgrading Sleep Quality for the Masses 14. Millstream Productions Ltd: Hampshire Creative Studio Telling Stories with Heart 15. Tusker: Driving Planet Positive Mobility Forward 16. Johnson Law Group: Group Litigation Firm of the Year 2026 & Recognised Leaders in Consumer Law 2026 17. HATS Group Limited: Supporting Health and Wellbeing, One Trip at a Time 18. Fazeley Mill Marina: SME News In- Land Marina of the Year 2026 19. The OPRA Group: Find Your Talent. Find Your Solution. Find Your Future. 20. The Wilten Promise: A Continuous Pursuit of Excellence 21. Sober in Seven: Take a Break From Booze and Unleash Your Subconscious Mind 22. Get Designer Glasses Fast and at the Best Price with Specscart
SME News Q2 2026/ 4ews Almost TwoFifths of SME Employees Report Cybersecurity Responsibilities Beyond Their Job Description • New survey of SME employees explores gaps in training, confidence and support among those with cybersecurity responsibilities • Just 39% of SME employees with cybersecurity responsibilities have received comprehensive training • Over half (51%) feel only ‘somewhat confident’ in managing cybersecurity risks • Nearly two-thirds (64%) have felt out of their depth at least sometimes when dealing with a cybersecurity issue at work • More than two-fifths (45%) cite a lack of training as the biggest barrier their organisation faces in managing cybersecurity • Business broadband experts share tips to support employees managing cybersecurity responsibilities in SMEs. More than two in five (43%) businesses reported a cybersecurity breach or attack in 2025. Against this backdrop of cyber threats, the Uswitch Business Broadband experts surveyed SME employees to explore how cybersecurity is being managed within organisations and the pressures faced by non-specialist staff. Cybersecurity responsibilities often fall outside of formal job roles in SMEs. Almost two-fifths (37%) of employees surveyed say cybersecurity was not part of their job description when they started their role, while 14% are unsure or cannot remember. The findings highlight inconsistency in how cybersecurity responsibilities are assigned and communicated across SMEs, with many employees taking on duties that were not formally defined in their role. More than half of SME employees lack formal cybersecurity training. The lack of clearly defined responsibility is also reflected in training levels, as over one in six (16%) say they have never received any relevant cybersecurity training, while 45% have only completed basic training. Just two-fifths (39%) report having received comprehensive cybersecurity training. SME employees report confidence in their cyber skills, but some still feel underprepared. One in five (20%) say they are very confident in managing cybersecurity risks, while 51% are only somewhat confident. A further 21% remain neutral, with 7% not very confident and 1% not at all confident. While confidence is broadly positive across SMEs, the findings highlight a minority of employees who lack certainty when dealing with cybersecurity risks. Cybersecurity challenges often push SME employees beyond their comfort zone. More than half (52%) of SME employees sometimes feel out of their depth when dealing with cybersecurity issues at work, while 12% say they feel this often. Almost a quarter (24%) say they rarely feel out of their depth, while 6% say they never do. These findings suggest that uncertainty and a lack of confidence are relatively common among SME employees dealing with cybersecurity issues, with many staff potentially managing these responsibilities without specialist expertise or extensive preparation. Training gaps are the biggest barriers to effective cybersecurity in SMEs. Almost half (45%) of SME employees say a lack of training is the biggest barrier their organisation faces in managing cybersecurity. This is followed by a lack of dedicated staff (31%) and limited budgets (20%) For more guidance on improving cybersecurity awareness at work and staying safe online, visit Uswitch Business Broadband.
UK SME Loan Hotspots Revealed: Where Businesses Are Borrowing – and What They’re Investing In Access to finance continues to play a key role in enabling small businesses to grow, invest and remain resilient. By analysing Funding Circle’s lending data, we have uncovered where in the UK SMEs are most actively seeking funding, which sectors are driving demand, and what businesses are using finance for. Data from Funding Circle reveals that while London dominates in SME lending, there is a rising demand in regional cities that signals a broader shift in how and why UK businesses are borrowing. Working capital is the most important structural driver for taking out loans. Expansion is still the biggest reason businesses are borrowing, with £701m in lending in 2025. However, its share of total lending has fallen from 50% to 48% year-on-year, showing that growth-focused borrowing is becoming less dominant. This suggests businesses are becoming more cautious about long-term investment due to higher costs and are focusing more on short-term cash needs. Working capital is reported for 37% of loans, at £533M, which is a +17% change YOY. The data indicate that firms are increasingly borrowing primarily for working capital purposes, not for investment expansion. This is often reflective of a higher cost/uncertainty environment, where firms prioritise cash flow resilience over capital expenditure. At the same time, refinancing existing loans has increased by 33% to £88m, while borrowing to cover tax payments has risen by 29% to £25m. This shows businesses are increasingly borrowing to manage cash flow, debt, and ongoing financial pressures. Tax-related borrowing also shows the strongest increase in average loan size (+13% YoY), suggesting that firms are not only more frequently drawing on credit for tax liabilities but are doing so at higher amounts per facility. This is most likely driven by cash flow timing pressures and broader fiscal drag effects. This lending trend reflects a broader shift in borrowing. While overall lending is still growing year-on-year, businesses are borrowing less for expansion and more for day-to-day cash flow needs and refinancing existing debt. Which UK regions/cities have the highest lending activity? According to the data sourced from Funding Circle across their term loan lending, it's clear that the overall market value is growing faster than the number of loans. The number of loans has grown 10% YOY, and yet the value has grown 16%. This gap implies that the average loan value is increasing from £77k per loan to around £81k per loan (roughly 5%). London dominates the market, but it isn't the fastest-growing. While Greater London remains the UK’s leading region for SME lending, with £295m in 2025, the demand is far from concentrated in the capital alone, with several regions establishing themselves as key drivers of borrowing activity and a gradual decentralisation of growth away from London. The South East recorded £214m in lending, followed by the North West at £170m, underlining the strength of SME demand across the UK’s major economic regions. Most notably, year-on-year growth figures reveal a shifting landscape. Northern Ireland saw lending increase by 47%, making it one of the fastest-growing regions for SME finance and signalling rising business confidence beyond traditional hotspots. The North East saw a 22% increase in value alongside an increase in loan count by 19%, suggesting a strong growth across the board for this region. Following this, the North West (+21%), Scotland (+20%) and South East (+19%) all saw an increasing value of loans. Lending growth is being driven primarily by construction, logistics, and industrial sectors Lending growth is mostly coming from construction, logistics, and industrial sectors, while consumer-focused industries are staying flat. This suggests businesses are borrowing more to invest in physical projects and operations, rather than to support consumer spending growth. The clearest growth sector is Property and Construction, which has increased by 30% year-on-year and remains the largest single industry category. This likely reflects a combination of ongoing development activity, refinancing within the sector, and expectations of more stable interest rates following recent volatility. Higher average loan sizes may also be a result of rising input and materials costs. Despite this growth, the overall sector mix is fairly stable year-on-year, with only a slight increase in share for Property and Construction (+2%), and minimal shifts elsewhere. This suggests that while some industries are growing, there hasn’t been a major shift in where lending is going across sectors. Sectors linked to consumers, however, are more varied. Consumer Services (+46%), Wholesale (+40%) and Automotive (+22%) all show strong growth, indicating resilience in parts of the broader consumer supply chain and supporting ecosystem. However, more discretionary spend-facing sectors such as Leisure and Hospitality (-1%) and Arts & Entertainment (-2%) are broadly flat or slightly down in lending activity. This reflects a “selective spending” environment. Businesses in the supply chain and industrial sectors are borrowing more, while consumer-focused sectors remain weaker. This likely shows that households are still cautious with spending due to cost-ofliving pressures, and businesses are focusing more on efficiency and managing stock rather than expanding consumer-driven areas. The UK SME lending market is still strong and growing, but there's a growing emphasis on financial flexibility and essential investment The UK SME lending market is still growing and remains resilient, but businesses are becoming more focused on financial flexibility and essential investment rather than broad expansion. More businesses are borrowing to manage cash flow, refinance debt, and cover tax costs as they deal with ongoing cost pressures. Property and construction are driving much of the growth, alongside strong activity in logistics and industry. In contrast, consumerfocused sectors remain weaker as spending demand stays cautious. London still leads SME lending activity, but growth is spreading more across the UK, with strong performance in the North West, North East, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This suggests business lending is becoming more balanced across different regions. Funding Circle continues to support this shift through flexible SME lending products designed to help businesses access finance quickly, manage cash flow, and invest where opportunities are strongest.
SME News Q2 2026/ Forward Feature Feature Visionary leadership is often treated as a vague boardroom phrase. Dr Oleg Konovalov argues it should be treated as a practical business discipline: a way of turning uncertainty into direction, clarity and measurable progress. A recognised leadership expert, C-suite coach and Founder of Oleg Konovalov Visionary Leadership, Dr Konovalov works with executives on strategic foresight, organisational clarity and what he describes as the ability to “be in command of the future”. His work is built around a central idea: without a compelling vision, businesses risk movement without direction. That perspective is shaped by both corporate experience and academic work. Before becoming an adviser and speaker, Dr Konovalov held senior international business roles, including Eastern Europe Sales Director for Icebrit Limited, where he helped grow turnover to more than $90 million, according to his speaker profile. He has also served as an MBA Mentor at Durham University Business School and is the author of several leadership books, including The Vision Code, Beyond Chaos, The Fisherman’s Path to Leadership and Leaderology. In this exclusive interview with the Champions Speakers Agency, Dr Konovalov discusses why vision is more than a statement on a wall, how leaders can avoid what he calls “leadership blindness”, and why clarity, future-focused thinking and practical execution are now central to business performance. Question 1. What does visionary leadership mean to you, and why is it so critical in today’s environment? Dr Oleg Konovalov: “More than 95% of people are afraid of the future. We must have a vision to be in command of the future. Without vision, we are only hostages of it. “Without vision, there is no leadership, only motion without direction. And vision is a collective understanding of how the future would look like and how we will benefit from it. “The greatness of vision defines the greatness of success for every business. Vision leadership is a meta competence of the 21st century. And I’m the first who revealed the nature of vision, how to create it, how to make it pragmatic, functional, investable and how to execute it. “And I came up and turn it into a simple framework. So, I’m named the Da Vinci visionary leadership. It’s my passion. It’s my love. I love see people succeeding.” Question 2. Why is vision the core asset of a successful business? Why Most Bosses Are Failing at the One Thing That Decides a Company’s Future This exclusive interview with Dr Oleg Konovalov was conducted by Tabish Ali of the Motivational Speakers Agency. Dr Oleg Konovalov: “Vision is not a statement on a wall. Vision is a space in the market where a business will be in command. “Your business vision defines a monetary value because actually vision allows 25 30 times greater monetary value rather than just a great product. “Think of Tesla, Amazon, Lind and many others. Vision drives people engagement and their goals. “You’re growing people or giants of the future who drive your success today. And vision offers phenomenal strategic benefits. Without vision, your strategy is a bridge to nowhere. “And what’s important, vision allows creating more with less.” Question 3. From your work with global executives, what leadership challenge do you see most often? Dr Oleg Konovalov: “Leaders are responsible for a future. However, we’re having a big issue with leadership blindness. “Less than 0.1% of today’s leaders have a clear, strong, and compelling vision. More than 76% of today leaders have chaos in their thinking. “We need leaders who define and create the future, not handle the past or spreading the panic. “This is about leaders future focused mindset. And I helped leaders from more than 40 countries to become visionaries as and masters of clarity.” Question 4. What do you hope people take away from your public speeches? Dr Oleg Konovalov: “I use two core metrics. I have gone myself from being a second engineer on a deep sea troller to the CEO of a large international business. And I believe in practical solutions and real substance. “I always share practical solutions and tips that people can immediately apply with immediate return on investment. “I’m considered one of the 100 most inspiring leaders in the world along with Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey and Ilan Musk. In this sense, inspiration is about showing people what they can do beyond themselves. “Inspiration is energy. So simply, I promise a practical outcome and inspirational energy.”
Feature AI has stopped being abstract. We’ve moved on from the hype and theoretical promises to a stage where it has become the foundation of a series of viable revenue-generating tools. And nowhere is this shift more visible than among the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. What’s surprising many people, though, is that it’s not the high-profile, sweeping generic platforms are driving this movement, but the small, targeted systems devised to answer specific problems and serve a specific audience. Providing real functionality, they are rapidly becoming indispensable. And there are many reasons why this matters. More than just a tool Many of us think of AI as a tool that can be used to support task completion, but the new generation of AI products, developed to handle specialist tasks for specialist teams, have become an integrated part of company workflows. Take marketing, for example. Until very recently, running a sophisticated marketing campaign required multiple roles. AI agents can plan campaigns, generate creatives, test variations, optimise spend, and report on performance in near real time. What used to take an entire team can now be managed by a single employee and a dedicated AI stack. And this is changing how small businesses work. Suddenly, the marketing coverage that belonged entirely to the largescale brands has become accessible to everyone. SMEs can operate with a level of sophistication that they could only have dreamed of just a few years ago. And that’s why vertical-driven AI is having such an impact. The rise of vertical-focused AI Rather than relying on broad, general-purpose tools, businesses now have the opportunity to access problem-specific AI tools, whether that’s a HR management system designed specifically for the hospitality sector, or an AI-powered management portal for an infrastructure, concessions, What Small Businesses Are Actually Building with AI And Why It Matters By Alex Wu, Founder and CEO of Atoms AI which is an AI-powered platform that turns ideas into working products. Atoms is trusted by customers in more than 100 countries, with 166,000 GitHub stars across its open-source projects. and construction group. The important thing is that it brings context. All of the information that informs the AI system are relevant to the sector – often to the specific business – and that results in improved accuracy, better decision-making, and improved performance. Making the capabilities once limited to enterprise accessible to everyone. The quiet transformations The most important thing here is that these AI integrations are happening everywhere, and they’re not always visible. Yes, AI is proving invaluable in marketing, but it’s also finding a place in operations and product development. AI agents are streamlining supply chain management, automating invoicing, and handling customer support. Meaning that smaller retailers can now run inventory forecasting models that rival those used by major chains. They can predict demand, reduce waste, and improve cash flow. While in product development, AI is accelerating iteration. Businesses are using AI to analyse customer feedback, shape new offerings, and test market demand. It’s saving time, effort, and, perhaps most importantly, money. So, while much of this is happening under the radar, out of the headlines, it’s having an enormous impact. Small businesses can do more Perhaps most importantly, this shift means that we’re beginning to see the closing of the capability gap between small businesses and large organisations. Small businesses can now scale, without the increase in people, costs, and complexity that have always gone hand-in-hand with growth. AI allows businesses to scale without proportionally scaling headcount, because it changes where people are needed, and helps to expedite the tedious day-to-day tasks. All businesses are becoming more capable of doing more with less, and that holds huge potential for the UK economy. What this means for the UK SMEs represent a massive proportion of the UK’s businesses – as much as 99%, according to the House of Commons. So, if SMEs can do more, it can’t help but impact the economy. AI is becoming an operating model for SMEs. While on the surface it may seem like a random collection of tools, it’s actively changing how businesses work, replacing manual processes, driving continuous improvement, and supporting cost-effective growth. AI is levelling the playing field in a way that regulation, funding schemes, and government initiatives have repeatedly promised but rarely delivered. The solo founder with the right stack can now compete with a business ten times their size. That’s not a trend — it’s a structural shift in who gets to build something serious.
SME News Q2 2026/ 8 Whilst almost every business today benefits from IT solutions, few have technology that is fully aligned with how they operate and grow. CLOUDeBERRY, founded in 2019, helps change that. Supporting clients across the UK, the company delivers tailored IT solutions built around people, process, and technology, ensuring IT supports the business, not slows it down. Recognised as the Best B2B IT Services Provider 2025, we explore how CLOUDeBERRY supports businesses with reliable and effective IT solutions. CLOUDeBERRY delivers end-to-end IT services designed to give businesses complete confidence in their technology. From strategy and implementation through to ongoing support, the company brings everything under one roof. Acting as a single partner, CLOUDeBERRY takes full ownership of IT, removing the need to manage multiple providers and allowing businesses to focus on growth. At the core of this approach is a clear philosophy, people, process, and technology. By aligning these three areas, CLOUDeBERRY ensures IT supports the business in a practical, structured, and reliable way. This has led to long-term partnerships, with clients viewing the company as an extension of their own team. Many of CLOUDeBERRY’s clients come through referrals, reflecting the trust and consistency the team delivers. This client-first mindset drives the delivery of tailored solutions built around each organisation’s needs. With transparent pricing and a structured approach, businesses benefit from a consistent and hassle-free IT experience. A key differentiator is CLOUDeBERRY’s proactive support model. Systems are continuously monitored, risks are identified early, and issues are prevented wherever possible. Combined with responsive support, this ensures businesses remain productive and secure at all times. Best B2B IT Services Provider 2025
This performance is reflected in strong service metrics, including an average response time of under 30 minutes, 95% of tickets resolved within an hour, and a 98% client satisfaction rate. Alongside managed IT services, CLOUDeBERRY supports businesses in adopting and managing cloud platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. From planning and migration through to ongoing optimisation, the team ensures systems are secure, scalable, and aligned with business needs. Security is embedded across every service. CLOUDeBERRY delivers practical cyber security solutions covering endpoint protection, email security, access control, and user awareness training, helping businesses stay protected without unnecessary complexity. The company also supports clients in adopting AI in a structured and secure way. Through its AI and governance services, CLOUDeBERRY helps businesses introduce automation and improve workflows while maintaining control, security, and compliance. In addition, CLOUDeBERRY delivers services across IT procurement, consultancy, and project delivery. Whether upgrading infrastructure or delivering strategic IT projects, the team ensures everything is handled efficiently and aligned with long-term goals. One example of this impact can be seen in a mid-sized agency that was experiencing frequent IT disruptions. After partnering with CLOUDeBERRY, downtime was reduced by 89% through proactive monitoring, rapidresponse support, and improved infrastructure. This enabled the agency to deliver projects more efficiently and improve its own client satisfaction. “CLOUDeBERRY has taken full ownership of our IT. We can now focus on growing the business without worrying about technology.” With a growing reputation built on trust, quality, and long-term partnerships, CLOUDeBERRY continues to support businesses across the UK with reliable and secure IT services. This award reflects the company’s commitment to delivering technology that works and supports long-term growth. Businesses looking for a trusted IT partner that takes full ownership of their technology and supports long-term growth can learn more by visiting the link below. Contact Details Email:hello@cloudeberry.com Contact: Gous Ahmed Company: CLOUDeBERRY Web Address: https://www.cloudeberry.com/
SME News Q2 2026/ 10 Celebrating Every Family Many consider childhood as a series of milestones to be checked off a list, formative memories slowly fading into the background as we grow and adult life takes over. But in reality, childhood is a rich unfolding of personality, connection, and everyday moments that deserve to be remembered forever. This is a belief upheld by Colour Chronicles, creator of the renowned memory books designed to give families a place to record their child’s unique perspective of the world as they grow. We spoke with Founder Ruth Sturdy below, as Colour Chronicles is honoured in the Business Elite Awards 2026. “From the fleeting first year to the evolving conversations of later childhood, our books are designed to grow with families, honouring every kind of story and every kind of family.” Founded in 2018 by Ruth Sturdy, Colour Chronicles is on a mission to help families of all kinds to have fun, see things through each other’s eyes, and save special memories year upon year. The business creates thoughtfully designed memory books that provides families with a place to record not only what happened, but who their children are becoming, capturing and keeping stories from babyhood, through childhood and beyond. The Book of You is Colour Chronicles’ flagship product, designed to grow with a child from age one to 16. Each yearly section includes carefully designed prompts and a dedicated Make Your Mark page for a handprint, drawing, or photos to create a record for growth. From The Book of You to The Baby Book of You and The Book of Me & You to bundles suitable for all of the above, Colour Chronicles offers a range of special keepsakes that will soon become a treasured family tradition. The story of Colour Chronicles came from Ruth’s own experience as a parent, following her daughter’s third birthday. Ruth wanted to find a way of recording both the big milestones and smaller funny moments of her childhood. At the same time, she also wished to capture life from her daughter’s unique point of view, with questions that she could answer with a three-year-old’s perspective. On her search for such a product, Ruth struggled to find a book that was non-assuming and judgement-free. “That gap became the foundation for The Book of You,” Ruth told us. “The Book of You exists because I couldn’t find a childhood journal that invited the child’s voice as well as the adult’s. That clarity of purpose continues to shape our innovation, our product development, and our steady, valued-led growth.” This is precisely what sets The Book of You apart; rather than focusing solely on baby milestones, Colour Chronicles’ books follow families to capture personalities, voice, and connection. Its focus on the long-term perspective means that families do not create a simple record of events, but a layered, evolving portrait of their child and the people who love them. Furthermore, Colour Chronicles also places great importance upon maintaining inclusivity throughout its products. Traditional memory books often assume a narrow family structure, which no longer reflects modern realities. All Colour Chronicles’ products hold space for every kind of family, with language, prompts, and designs that are intentionally inclusive and adaptable for all. Over the next five years, Colour Chronicles will focus its efforts on deepening, not diluting, its operations. Instead of rapidly expanding into unrelated categories, the team intends to thoughtfully evolve the memory-making space by building products that extend the lifecycle of storytelling within families. One key area of innovation for the team is to broaden the ways in which families can keep shared history beyond childhood. This includes developing complementary journals that capture intergenerational stories, family traditions, and milestone moments, creating a cohesive ecosystem of intentional memory-keeping that reflects Colour Chronicles’ position as the Best Childhood Memory Journal Brand 2026. Colour Chronicles is currently exploring the development of a School Year Memory Scrapbook. A natural extension of its existing range, this new concept will focus specifically on the keepsakes and creations that shape school life. By creating a scrapbook where children can keep mementoes collected throughout the academic year, Colour Chronicles hopes to encourage children to take ownership of their achievements and experiences, gradually becoming more involved in curating their own story as they grow. “This product remains in development, but it reflects our wider ambition to thoughtfully expand the ecosystem of intentional, inclusive childhood storytelling,” Ruth concluded. “Our broader goal is to position Colour Chronicles not simply as a product brand, but as a category leader in intentional, inclusive memory-keeping. We want to redefine what a childhood memory book can be: manageable, collaborative, design-led, and long-term.” Contact: Ruth Sturdy Company: Colour Chronicles Web Address: www.colourchronicles.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/colour.chronicles TikTok: www.ticktok.com/colour.chronicles Facebook: www.facebook.com/colourchroniclesthebookofyou
Here at SME News we are proud to identify and reward those going the extra mile to create the perfect environment for both their staff and their clients. We’re delighted to have heard from Founder and Director Gary Cole shortly after awarding Archipelo Coaching with the title of Most Impactful Coaching Consultancy 2026. A Multi-Award-Winning Coaching Company Awarded for two consecutive years by us at SME News, winning Best Executive Coaching Company last year in our UK Enterprise Awards, Archipelo Coaching stands head and shoulders above a plethora of coaching companies through its commitment to excellence, every step of the way. The business’ flagship programme, Managing and Inspiring Peak Performance, is an offering not to be missed. Gary told us: “It’s a complete leadership development programme designed to equip leaders with the tools to inspire teams, align strategy, and drive performance.” He continued: “Alongside this, our Bespoke Culture Transformation programmes are also where we create a big impact designing tailored solutions that embed high-performance behaviours into the DNA of an organisation.” Both of these programmes offer clarity on vision, purpose, and strategy, reinforced leadership capabilities, tangible behavioural change, and measurable business outcomes. As just one example, a very satisfied client shared: “Archipelo’s support has amplified the change we have been able to make; focusing our efforts and ensuring we all work towards our goal with a high performance mindset will see us best placed to live our values and meet our aims.” Working with clients from all walks of life and of all sizes, Archipelo Coaching has worked with a plethora of small businesses and household names such as B&Q, KPMG Ireland, BBC, Cazoo, Formula 1, Howden’s, FGH, Swisscom, Lotus, Marks & Spencer, and many more. Gary commented: “We’ve had the privilege of working on a number of highimpact transformation projects with global organisations, each focused-on unlocking performance through culture.” “What makes these projects particularly powerful is the scale and ambition aligning senior leaders, empowering cultural “change agents,” and embedding consistent behaviours across entire organisations.” Therefore, Archipelo Coaching is proud to be a lifeline for leaders and their teams around the world. It believes that internal culture is absolutely a strategic lever, not an afterthought as it can become the driving force of success in every business. High performance culture needs to be backed by continuous leadership development. Often this can only be achieved with a transformation consultancy that prioritises executive coaching for senior leaders, taught by organisational culture and behavioural change specialists. Archipelo Coaching is an outstanding choice for this kind of business development and success, especially as it provides bespoke coaching and consultancy services every day. We’re pleased to comment on the real-world impact of Archipelo Coaching’s work. Gary shared: “We are not a theoretical consultancy we are a delivery partner. We measure success by outcomes, not outputs.” This approach guarantees better performance through lived behaviours which embed accountability, care, clarity, and the pace needed to build upon business success each day. “Our role is to design and deliver a full-scale highperformance culture transformation, aligning senior leadership, equipping leaders to role model change, and empowering a network of “culture architects” to drive behavioural shifts across the organisation.” For the years to come, Archipelo Coaching plans to build further momentum with a number of high-impact, long-term partnerships that create high-performance teams for sustainable growth and development. This includes work with Stellantis and M&S, where Archipelo Coaching supports organisations such as these to flourish. Bestowed with the title of Most Impactful Coaching Consultancy 2026, Archipelo Coaching consistently elevates the realm of leadership development and team performance coaching. This award is truly testament to the company’s dedicated approach to making a positive impact, not only for business success but for the ongoing development of individuals looking to better themselves and their career paths. Company: Archipelo Coaching Website: https://www.archipelocoaching.co.uk/
SME News Q2 2026/ 12 Steel City Wheels: Professional, Convenient, Affordable Alloy Repairs We heard more from Lucas Thomas, Managing Director of Steel City Wheels as the business was recently named Best Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Specialists 2026 – Yorkshire in our Business Elite Awards 2026. “We pride ourselves on providing great customer service and a fantastic product at a fair price. We don't aim to be the cheapest, but we do aim to provide the best possible service and outcome for our customers.” Steel City Wheels provides powder coating, custom finishes, diamond cutting, split rim solutions, welding, and wheel straightening, all under one roof. Ensuring it is professional and affordable, while staying of the highest quality and durability, Steel City Wheels guarantees a service its customers won’t forget. Managing Director, Lucas Thomas, has worked in the industry since he was just 16 years old, working with his father on his Snap-On tools route. He has experience in running his own dealing business and working in a busy car sales environment, and this shines through everything he does at Steel City Wheels. Lucas’ team are dedicated to their craft, and they have been since they started trading in 2024. Quickly becoming a trusted alloy repairs company, built on the advice that was given to him by my General Manager Tom Garratt when he worked for Vertu Motors. He continued: “The thing he said that really sat with me was ‘The standards of a business will never outweigh the standards of its management’. This really cemented within me, that excellence, drive and consistency all come from the top. I can't expect my team to work like dogs and not show that I can get in the trenches with them.” “We are consistently looking for ways to improve our service; whether through additional products such as the aftercare range that we offer or through additional services that increase the level of service that we provide.” Lucas added: “While increasing what we do offer, we never forget the core of our business is wheel refurbishment. Each quarter we complete a series of tests to make sure that our wheels meet our stringent quality control, and that the finish is hard enough to be able to meet the needs of our 12 month guarantee.” A happy customer shared: “Steel City Wheels offer a super service, and our reviewer has been very impressed with manager Lucas. Our reviewer has put his BMW vehicle in the hands of Lucas on two occasions. The measure of an excellent business is not only the quality of the product, but also how they manage the after-sales. Dealing with any concern from the customer, no matter how minor, is what Lucas and his team do, and our reviewer was 100% satisfied. We are pleased to award a 5-Star review.” 2026 looks promising as the company adds to its services while building on what it is well known for. With exciting plans in the pipeline, such as these: “There are a number of ongoing projects that I have waiting in the wings. I am hoping to head over to a company in Belgium in the coming weeks to look at how that provide a certain service, with the view to be able to offer the same here in the UK,” said Lucas. However, there’s so much more to come that will be fantastic developments and brilliant surprises to the market, influencing those to come. Watch this space It’s a pleasure to recognise Steel City Wheels as our Best Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Specialists 2026 in Yorkshire, and here’s to the years to come. Contact: Lucas Thomas Company: Steel City Wheels Website: https://steelcitywheels.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ steelcitywheels Instagram: @steelcitywheeelssheff
Based in Milngavie, Scotland, Beds.Digital has made a name for bringing the very best beds and mattresses to the market. The brand provides innovative products specifically to the retail and wholesale industries, allowing stockists to gain a commercial advantage through exclusive access to price lists, quality images, and product specifications. Beds.Digital offers a comprehensive range of products guaranteed to elevate any customer’s sleep. Its Healthopaedic mattresses prioritise wellbeing through orthopaedic support that promotes perfect sleeping posture, whilst its Zero Gravity mattresses ensure optimal spine alignment and pressure relief for weightless relaxation. The Carbon Active 3400 Zero Gravity mattress goes one step further, leveraging carbon infusion to promote temperature regulation, remove static electricity from the body, and provide antibacterial benefits. Alongside mattresses, Beds.Digital also offers a range of bed bases with additional storage, as well as designer and adjustable beds; an expansive collection of strutted and floor-standing headboards, available in myriad colours and styles for all tastes; high-quality Bed Bitz pillows of various compositions, including bamboo, duck feather and down, goose feather and down, and microfibre; and luxury mattress protectors and toppers that ensure consumers can sleep in complete peace. Since its inception, Beds.Digital has built a stellar reputation amongst the top stockists in the sleep market. This growth has been made possible by Owners Colin and Hana Montgomery, who have both risen the ranks of the corporate ladder to lead Beds.Digital with unrivalled expertise. Colin saw many setbacks along the course of his professional journey, even leaving the industry at one point when feeling disillusioned. He worked across the furniture industry, signage and POS, and eCommerce, building a wealth of experience that provided the perfect stepping stone to eventually build his own venture. Hana similarly worked her way up, first training and coaching in the fitness industry before leading herself into management positions and entering the world of digital marketing. Now, she leverages those unique skills to move Beds.Digital into a new era. Today, Beds.Digital boasts eight consecutive years of growth in a market that has never been more competitive, and this momentum only continues to grow. This consistent growth can be attributed to the ways in which Beds. Digital operates. The company has been meticulous in selecting the best businesses to represent and partner with, working with a selection of stockists who are loyal, communicative, and push the team to move in a direction that helps their own businesses flourish. Beds.Digital understands the importance of adding value to its business partners and leverages this knowledge to lead the market. Beds.Digital’s relationship with its stockists has directly influenced its operations. “We now work from a business model structured to support our stockists in improving sales,” Colin told us, “helping to generate footfall, providing digital marketing support, and giving accurate and easily digestible information on the products that we supply and they retail. By understanding the challenges they face, we can gear our efforts to help them thrive in a competitive environment.” Of course, Beds.Digital’s exponential growth would also not be possible without the exceptional team driving these operations. Colin and Hana realised early on that there were things in the business beyond their experience and expertise, but that there is no reason to bypass those elements. Instead, the pair made extensive efforts to find the proven experts and learn from them, refusing to settle for anything less than excellence on their journey. “Lots of people know a little,” said Colin. “Our first objective was to find experts, whether it was the Sales Managers in the businesses, the Marketing Ninjas who were patient enough to educate us, or the team at BBE who are now guiding our strategy and delivery.” From its high-quality products to its forward-thinking operational structure, Beds.Digital has truly propelled itself to stand at the forefront of the market. The company has dedicated almost a decade to ensuring that stockists across the UK can offer their customers the best possible night’s sleep. For its unwavering commitment, unrivalled resilience, and significant contributions to the nation’s sleep quality, Beds.Digital has been rightfully named Scotland’s Best Mattress Supplier 2026. Contact: Colin Montgomery Company: Beds.Digital Web Address: www.beds.digital Sleep plays an essential role in repairing our bodies and restoring our brains after a long day, making it as important as eating or breathing. We spend approximately a third of our lives asleep, so it is crucial that we do everything in our power to ensure optimal sleep hygiene. One company championing this ethos is Beds.Digital, a leading provider of innovative mattresses and beds that promise to transform the quality of your sleep. We spoke with Owner Colin Montgomery below, as Beds.Digital is named in the Business Elite Awards 2026. Beds.Digital: Upgrading Sleep Quality for the Masses
SME News Q2 2026/ 14 Hampshire Creative Studio Telling Stories with Heart One of Hampshire’s largest video production agencies, Millstream Productions Ltd is made up of 13 local creatives who each play a vital role in its operations. The skills of this in-house team cover everything from creative development and strategy to filming and postproduction, positioning Millstream as a full-service creative company that makes videos with heart. We take a closer look at these services following Millstream’s recognition as the Best Creative Video Production Company 2026 – South East. Specialising in video production, animation, photography, podcasting, and FPV drones, Millstream Productions is Hampshire’s most established video production company and a creative studio known for crafting compelling visual narratives that reflect the personality of a brand and resonate with its audience. Whether a client needs a promotional film, branded content, lifestyle photography or a podcast series, the team are with them every step of the way, covering strategy, development, and beyond thanks to an ongoing support service. At the heart of what this award-winning creative studio does is helping businesses to connect more deeply with their audiences, using engaging, high-quality video that inspires action. Its blend of rich storytelling and cinematic visuals is synonymous with the ‘Millstream style’, which is itself built on the cornerstones of quality, emotion, and engagement. The content that this video production agency proudly makes is delivered to a variety of SMEs, charities, agencies, and enterprise giants from all over the UK and beyond. Regardless of if they’re working with a local SME or a major organisation such as B&Q, Krispy Kreme, or Nuffield Health, the company’s process remains the same. Yes, it makes videos, but Millstream offers much more than that, as video goes well beyond marketing. From helping families connect with charities that can support them in whatever they are going through to promoting products or services that it knows can genuinely improve someone’s life, the power of the company lies in its ability to use video to tell stories, reach the right people, and create connections that last. A big part of achieving this is being relatable across its narratives, offering solutions for specific needs but also evoking a strong emotional response. This sense of humanity stems from its remarkable team. A company is only as strong as the people working within it, and the wave of success that Millstream has been riding can be attributed to the creative masters bringing client projects to life. Recognising the importance of having a great team, Hampshire’s leading video production agency touts itself as a mental health company first and a content company second. It puts mental wellbeing above everything else, as seen through its open culture that celebrates compassion and addressing mental health through various initiatives. This foundation has allowed the team of creative professionals behind Millstream to put their collective heart into the work they do, and this shines through across the more than 10,000 authentic videos they have made to date. With such an impressive number behind them, it is no surprise this team have developed a clear process for producing the perfect content for clients, beginning with understanding how to connect them with their audience. “We work as one team to create content that delivers your messages and represents your brand.” Increasing their family of services, Millstream launched a podcast recording studio in their Hampshire office last year. Using industryleading equipment and a friendly, relaxed set up, the studio is offered on a dry-hire basis or a complete service where episodes are recorded, edited and distributed - another medium that helps clients connect with their audience with authentic, insightful content. Not only are Millstream passionate about making content with heart, their support goes beyond working with clients. They also work with local education providers to provide project-based learning opportunities for students who want experience in the creative industry. They know that giving young people the opportunity to work on projects and gain real world experience can boost their self esteem and equip them with the skills and confidence to embark on the next stage of their journey. Millstream is using the power of storytelling to drive impact and help brands connect with audiences on a more meaningful level. Any SMEs wishing to bring their mission to life through the power of film are invited to contact the team at Millstream Productions Ltd for more, with information on how to do so available below. Contact: Ben Cloud Company: Millstream Productions Ltd Web Address: https://www.millstreamproductions.com/
The UK’s adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been slower than anticipated, with EVs accounting for only 23.4% of total vehicle sales across the country in 2025. For countless drivers, the challenge isn’t transitioning to green travel but affording it. Tusker is an award-winning car benefit company that has set out to remove this barrier, working with organisations to offer car benefit schemes that provide employees with a more affordable way to drive an electric vehicle. As Tusker is named in the Business Elite Awards 2026, we spoke with Head of Business Development Cheryl Clements for more information. Tusker: Driving Planet Positive Mobility Forward -“Ultimately, our role is to make ESG something businesses can move forward on with confidence, turning ambition into practical, measurable progress.” Since 2009, Tusker has been on a mission to help the UK drive newer and more environmentally friendly cars. As the largest salary sacrifice scheme provider in the UK, the company works in partnership with organisations to create bespoke, inclusive car schemes that work for their business and employee needs. It has provided company car and tax efficient car benefit schemes for more than 15 years, playing an instrumental role in boosting planet positive mobility and supporting a brighter, more sustainable future. At the core of Tusker’s work is a desire to bring simplicity and affordability to the landscape of car benefit schemes. It aims to remove the complexity surrounding such schemes, offering a straightforward package that combines everything from vehicle choice and insurance to maintenance and support. This package is delivered as a salary sacrifice scheme that helps employees access a wide range of cars in a cost-effective way, providing businesses with a valuable, modern benefit without adding unnecessary administrative burden. “With over 17 years in the industry, we’ve built a deep understanding of what works for both employers and employees,” said Cheryl. “Today, we have over 95,000 cars on the road, giving us the insight and data to continuously refine and improve the experience we offer.” She added: “That data capability is a real differentiator. It allows us to provide informed, practical guidance to businesses, helping them make confident decisions around fleet, cost, and carbon impact.” Sustainability lies at the heart of Tusker’s operations, embedded into every aspect of the company. Since 2013, Tusker’s carbon offsetting initiative has offset both tailpipe emissions and, for electric vehicles, the emissions associated with grid charging for every salary sacrifice vehicle it has put on the road. Furthermore, its scheme encourages employees to accelerate the shift towards electric cars, helping organisations to take meaningful steps towards their own environmental goals. One way in which Tusker has reshaped the car leading landscape is through its Pre-Loved offering, designed to make electric cars even more accessible, particularly for employees seeking a cost-effective solution. By offering high-quality, electric vehicles that have had a previous Tusker driver, the company provides a more affordable entry point into electric driving without the employee needing to compromise on the overall experience. For employers, the Pre-Loved offering broadens the appeal of a salary sacrifice scheme, making it more accessible to a wider range of employees. For drivers, it provides a practical way to benefit from the scheme, with the same all-inclusive package covering insurance, maintenance, and support. Ultimately, it allows for greater flexibility and inclusivity, affording more people the opportunity to drive electric in a way that works for them. “What we’re seeing from customers is really positive,” Cheryl told us. “Many value the balance it offers: lower cost, shorter lead times, and the reassurance of a fully managed solution, without added complexity. It is also helping businesses make faster progress against their sustainability goals by opening up access to lower-emission vehicles for a broader group of employees.” Since establishing the salary sacrifice scheme, Tusker has empowered countless individuals and organisations alike. The results speak for themselves: Jet2 reported a 16% take-up rate in scheme’s first year, whilst Evri saw more than 1,000 colleagues enrol. 46% of Evri employees registered with Tusker and requested a quote on a car, whilst more than 300 ordered cars within the first four months of the launch. Lorraine Derivan, Head of Reward and Employee Incentives at The Watches of Switzerland Group, shared, “It feels like there’s something for everybody.” While Natasha Litchfield, Reward Advisor at Reed, commented, “When we started looking for another provider, Tusker stood out as having the systems and experience to deliver the levels of service we need.” For its unwavering commitment to simplicity, affordability, and sustainability – playing a significant role in reshaping the car benefit landscape – Tusker has been named the East of England’s Best Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme Provider 2026. Email: hello@tuskerdirect.com Phone: 0333 400 1010 Company: Tusker Web Address: www.tuskercars.com
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