Business

KFC has unveiled a £1.49 billion investment plan for the UK and Ireland, marking one of its most ambitious expansions since entering the British market nearly 60 years ago.

The global fried chicken giant said the investment, which will be rolled out over the next five years, is expected to create more than 7,000 new jobs and deliver a £169 million boost to the UK economy.

The fast-food brand, formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, plans to use the investment to upgrade hundreds of restaurants and expand its footprint with up to 500 new outlets, including a focus on drive-throughs and strategic growth regions such as Ireland and the northwest of England.

“We’ve never seen such strong demand for freshly prepared fried chicken as we’re seeing today,” said Rob Swain, general manager of KFC UK and Ireland. “That’s why we’re doubling down on our commitment to the UK and Ireland with a major investment in our restaurants and in the suppliers who have been so crucial to our success.”

Around £466 million of the investment will go toward building new sites, while another 20 per cent of KFC’s current estate — more than 200 restaurants — will be refurbished, bringing updated designs, improved facilities, and a better customer experience to its core locations.

The expansion comes as the UK’s fried chicken market continues to boom, now estimated to be worth £3.1 billion. The sector has become increasingly competitive with the arrival of cult US brands like Popeyes, Wingstop, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Slim Chickens, all seeking to capture a slice of the growing appetite for fried chicken among British consumers.

Despite the intensifying competition, Swain says KFC remains in a strong leadership position and is well placed to unlock further growth.

KFC’s growth will also deliver a major jobs boost, creating kitchen and management roles within its own 270 company-owned restaurants and across its network of 27 UK franchise partners, which collectively employ more than 30,000 people.

Founded in the 1950s by Colonel Harland Sanders, KFC opened its first UK restaurant in Preston in 1965, becoming a staple of British high streets and town centres. The company’s iconic slogan — “Finger lickin’ good” — has become part of global pop culture, evolving over the years to reflect changing customer tastes and trends.

The investment was welcomed by the wider hospitality industry. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said the announcement was a vote of confidence in the sector’s ability to drive regional growth and create local employment.

“Hospitality’s ability to create places where people want to live, work and invest is unrivalled,” she said. “This significant announcement from KFC is proof of that and will help to drive socially productive growth, deliver economically and support employment across the UK.”

As the brand celebrates its 60th anniversary in the UK, KFC’s major reinvestment signals a long-term commitment not just to feeding demand, but to supporting communities, suppliers and the broader UK economy well into the next decade.

Read more:
KFC announces £1.5bn UK investment to upgrade restaurants and create 7,000 jobs

The UK government has announced a major step forward in its international artificial intelligence strategy, unveiling plans for a new UK-EU collaboration that could deliver breakthroughs in healthcare, energy and advanced technologies, while boosting British jobs and economic growth.

From today, UK public research organisations can apply to host the country’s first AI Factory Antenna — a new facility that will link British AI researchers and innovators to Europe’s most advanced supercomputers through the EU’s EuroHPC programme.

The move comes as part of the government’s broader Plan for Change and follows the new UK-EU agreement secured by the Prime Minister earlier this month, which aims to reset trade and cooperation with Europe across multiple sectors, including science and technology.

If successful, the new Antenna site will act as the UK’s gateway to European AI compute infrastructure, providing access to the immense processing power needed to develop large, complex AI models that could tackle global challenges from climate change to cancer research.

“Supercomputers are the turbo-chargers of discovery,” said Feryal Clark, the Minister for AI. “By strengthening our partnership with Europe, we’re giving British innovators the compute power to solve climate and health challenges, grow the economy, and deliver our Plan for Change.

“This is about more than faster processing – it’s about putting the UK at the forefront of global AI. With access to some of Europe’s most advanced systems, our researchers and startups will be equipped to lead on cutting-edge breakthroughs and strengthen Britain’s role as a trusted partner in international AI development.”

The AI Factory Antenna, if approved, will connect UK institutions directly with an AI Factory on the continent, a high-tech site that integrates EuroHPC compute with access to data, training, and technical support.

Up to €5 million will be made available through EuroHPC’s call, and the UK’s chosen host — a public research organisation or consortium — will lead Britain’s government-backed bid. The initiative is expected to shorten development cycles, attract private investment, and create high-skilled jobs.

The collaboration builds on the UK’s growing momentum in compute infrastructure, which includes £44 billion in data centre investment since July 2023. It also complements the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, a strategy that highlights international collaboration on compute as essential to unlocking economic value from artificial intelligence.

The Antenna programme is the first step in what the government hopes will be a deeper integration into European and global AI ecosystems. It also signals a renewed spirit of UK-EU cooperation post-Brexit, as both sides seek to lead in responsible, high-impact AI development.

Later this summer, the government will announce the next AI Growth Zones — regional innovation clusters designed to host AI infrastructure and attract billions in private investment. These efforts are part of the forthcoming Compute Strategy, a ten-year roadmap that will aim to increase the UK’s compute capacity twenty-fold.

The hope is that by anchoring British research to the computational resources of its European neighbours, the UK can take a lead in developing AI solutions that are not only globally competitive but socially transformative — from faster medical diagnostics to clean energy breakthroughs.

Today’s announcement marks a tangible milestone in that journey, with applications now open for the UK’s bid to host this pivotal hub. The first UK AI Factory Antenna could be operational within months — and with it, a new era of transnational AI innovation.

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UK and EU to deepen AI collaboration with launch of new UK ‘AI Factory Antenna’

Oxford Brain Diagnostics (OBD) is preparing to launch its groundbreaking technology for the early diagnosis of dementia across the UK and US healthcare markets, following a wave of key regulatory approvals that mark a major milestone in the company’s growth.

Backed by growth capital investor BGF, the Oxford-based medtech firm will begin commercial deployment of its patented Cortical Disarray Measurement (CDM) software — a novel tool that can objectively measure neurodegeneration using standard MRI scans. By enabling earlier and more accurate assessments of brain health, the technology is poised to transform how conditions like Alzheimer’s are diagnosed and monitored.

The roll-out follows successful FDA 510(k) clearance and UKCA self-certification, which together provide the regulatory green light for entry into two of the world’s most significant healthcare markets. The company now aims to expand into hospitals, clinics and clinical research organisations that urgently need non-invasive, precision diagnostic tools.

“Neurodegenerative diseases represent a growing public health challenge,” said Dr Steven Chance, CEO and co-founder of OBD. “The support from BGF and our other partners has been instrumental in taking CDM from the lab to the clinic. We’re now in a position to bring hope to millions seeking clarity on their brain health.”

OBD was co-founded in 2019 by Dr Chance, a former Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Oxford University, and Professor Mark Jenkinson, an expert in neuroimaging. The CDM platform builds on decades of scientific research into the structural changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.

The company gained early validation in 2020 when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted CDM Breakthrough Device Designation, recognising the tool’s potential in identifying early-stage Alzheimer’s in adults.

OBD’s commercial progress has been powered by a multi-million pound funding round in 2023, led by BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor. Continued support also came from existing backers, including the Oxford Technology & Innovations Fund (OTIF).

“OBD’s progress over the past two years has been remarkable,” said Maggy Lau, investor at BGF. “The technology is truly differentiated, and its recent regulatory achievements show just how close it is to making a major impact. We’re proud to back a company tackling one of the most urgent and important challenges in healthcare today.”

The company has already begun forging strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical firms, helping to support clinical trials and drug development by offering a reliable and scalable method for evaluating patients. As new Alzheimer’s treatments emerge, demand for accurate diagnostic tools is expected to surge — a gap OBD is now well placed to fill.

While CDM’s initial focus is on Alzheimer’s, its broader applications are already being explored. Early studies show potential in diagnosing and tracking other neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

With global dementia cases expected to double every 20 years, the need for early and accurate diagnostics has never been more pressing. OBD’s breakthrough signals a shift in how brain health can be evaluated, tracked and ultimately treated, moving beyond symptoms to deliver data-driven, proactive care.

As the UK and US roll-outs begin, OBD’s platform could soon become a central tool in both clinical settings and pharmaceutical pipelines, offering a new lens through which neurodegeneration can be understood — and tackled.

Read more:
Oxford Brain Diagnostics to roll out revolutionary dementia technology following UK and US regulatory approvals

University of Cambridge leaders have issued a stark warning that the UK risks falling behind in the race to commercialise world-class research unless it does more to support academic spin-out companies struggling to scale.

Speaking at a London showcase of Cambridge’s most promising spin-outs, university figures and venture capitalists said that while Britain remains a hub of scientific excellence, it lacks the investment firepower and infrastructure needed to turn breakthrough research into category-defining global businesses.

“The world isn’t waiting for UK and European science to commercialise,” said Gerard Grech (pictured), managing director of Founders, a Cambridge initiative to boost entrepreneurial growth. “Founders in Silicon Valley, Shenzhen and Bangalore are already building, and very, very quickly. The question is: can European universities match that pace without losing the depth that makes our research world-class?”

Grech said that many of the best commercial opportunities emerge when university science interacts with bold capital, adding: “This is where real innovation happens.”

Cambridge’s vice-chancellor, Deborah Prentice, highlighted the university’s strong track record in spin-out formation. Last year, Cambridge spin-outs raised more than $2 billion, and the institution now produces more spin-outs per capita than any other UK university.

“Cambridge is by many measures the highest-performing innovation ecosystem in Europe,” she said. “International investors, large companies and world-class scientists are recognising that we’re punching above our weight — but we need to go further.”

However, the ability to grow these ventures into globally competitive firms remains a major hurdle. Data from Dealroom cited during the event showed that while Cambridge has a healthy pipeline of start-ups with up to $10 million in venture capital, the number of firms that go on to raise $100 million or more remains significantly lower than in Silicon Valley.

“That is the problem. It is as simple as that,” said Suranga Chandratillake, general partner at Balderton Capital. “You can build so much of a business with $10 million, $20 million, or $30 million. But you need hundreds of millions to build truly global, category-defining companies. And we just don’t have enough companies raising that kind of money.”

The showcase featured pitches from several early-stage, high-impact ventures looking to address complex medical problems. Prodromic, for example, is developing predictive diagnostics that could detect the early onset of brain diseases like dementia. Gastrobody Therapeutics is working on ingestible, stable antibodies for treating gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn’s, potentially eliminating the need for injections.

Such innovations demonstrate the commercial potential sitting within UK universities, but investors and academics alike warned that unless Britain finds a way to provide follow-on capital at scale, these businesses may never realise their full potential — or may end up relocating abroad.

The message from Cambridge was clear: if the UK wants to turn scientific leadership into economic leadership, it must urgently improve its ability to fund, grow and retain its most promising ventures.

With international capital accelerating elsewhere, and breakthrough research already happening on British soil, the missing piece is not invention — it’s investment at scale.

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Cambridge warns UK must scale up investment to turn spin-outs into global success stories

BGF, the UK’s most prolific private equity investor, has announced plans to invest £3 billion into British growth companies over the next five years, in a move designed to back the next generation of entrepreneurs and help stimulate regional economies.

The commitment marks a significant increase on the £2.3 billion deployed over the previous five years and includes a dedicated allocation of at least £300 million for businesses led by women. The announcement comes despite a difficult climate for equity investors, with higher interest rates and economic uncertainty continuing to cast a shadow over the wider venture capital and private equity sectors.

Founded in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis as part of the Project Merlin agreement between the UK government and the country’s biggest banks, BGF—formerly the Business Growth Fund—was established to support British businesses looking for equity investment without surrendering control. Unlike traditional private equity firms, BGF only takes minority stakes of up to 40 per cent and avoids using debt to drive returns.

Since its inception in 2011, BGF has backed 370 companies and invested a total of £4.5 billion, helping to create more than 27,000 jobs. Its shareholders include Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC and NatWest, who provided the capital for the fund as part of efforts to boost business investment after the global financial crisis.

Speaking about the new pledge, Andy Gregory, BGF’s Chief Executive, said the organisation remained confident in the resilience of British business, even in a subdued investment environment. He acknowledged that market conditions had made it harder to deploy capital and realise returns, but said that BGF’s unique model—based on partnership, not control—had enabled it to continue backing companies across the UK.

Gregory noted that many investment firms still had large reserves of capital but were hesitating due to a lower risk appetite and a slowdown in deal activity. Despite this, BGF invested around £500 million across 50 businesses last year, maintaining momentum while others held back.

The organisation has also opened discussions with pension funds as the government pushes ahead with the Mansion House reforms, which aim to channel more retirement savings into productive investment in UK companies. BGF’s experience and scale could position it as a key player in helping deploy some of this anticipated pension capital.

While London and the southeast continue to attract the lion’s share of investment, BGF remains one of the few major funds with a truly national footprint. Gregory said three-quarters of BGF’s investments are outside the southeast, with a particularly strong presence in Manchester, Newcastle and Northern Ireland—areas where access to capital has historically lagged behind.

The fund’s diverse portfolio includes well-known names like Gousto, Brompton Bicycles, Open Cosmos, Gymbox, and fashion brand Strathberry. BGF has also invested in more traditional sectors that often fall outside the scope of venture capital, such as recycling, childcare and healthcare. Last year, BGF scored a major return with the sale of Springfield Healthcare, in what it described as one of its most successful exits to date.

Investment Minister Baroness Gustafsson welcomed the announcement, calling it “a strong endorsement that Britain is a place to invest and do business in.” She said the pledge signalled confidence in UK entrepreneurs and the long-term economic prospects of the country.

Gregory said the organisation would continue to play a key role in supporting British businesses through all phases of the economic cycle, from early-stage growth to established expansion. “This is about backing ambition, talent and long-term value creation,” he said. “We’re here for the journey—not just the headline.”

Read more:
BGF pledges £3 billion to support UK growth businesses, with £300 million aimed at female-led firms

Ever since Canada’s St-Pierre hung up his gloves, the nation has been eagerly waiting for their next great UFC star. Although contenders surfaced from time to time, there hasn’t been a true face of MMA ‘until now’ – Mike Malott.

The Ontario welterweight is grabbing attention with his finishes, ‘composure’, and accolades which has led stoked the flames of recognition. He has a calm demeanor, calculated approach alongside his 100 percent winning record, and unrelenting style brimming with brutal submissions and knockouts. With his rising fanbase, analysts and supporters alike are starting to question the possibility of Malott emerging as UFC Canada’s reigning champ.

Early Career and Skill Set Breakdown

It wasn’t an easy sight for Mike Malott to get recognized as a UFC athlete. Prior to his big break, he spent countless hours enduring a fighter/coach dual role in the regional circuits, refining his skills. Before securing a UFC contract, Mike worked as a coach, which aided him in developing a comprehensive understanding of striking and jiu-jitsu.

His big moment came when he received his UFC contract as a result of a smooth submission victory during Dana White’s Contender Series. His Octagon debut only fueled the excitement. Even fans that don’t follow Canadian MMA, and access broader sports websites like https://melbet-ca.com/en/allgamesentrance/plinko, have begun to recognize his increasing prominence in Canadian martial arts.

He uses powerful boxing skills with seamless shifts to grappling. Malott is well-rounded and adjusts to the fight, meaning he is not a striker and wrestler without any overwhelming aspects. That ability is what makes him stand out in a division packed with specialists.

Key Attributes That Set Malott Apart

Here’s a breakdown of the main qualities that analysts highlight when discussing Malott’s potential as a UFC headliner:

Attribute
Description

Fight IQ
Reads opponents well, adjusts strategy mid-fight

Finishing Ability
High submission rate, quick setups, and precise striking

Physicality
Excellent cardio and welterweight frame

Mindset
Calm under pressure, emotionally disciplined

Coaching Background
Tactical approach developed from helping other fighters reach peak form

With these strengths, he’s more than just a hype train—he’s a real threat in the UFC welterweight division.

Top 5 Canadian Fighters in UFC History

Georges St-Pierre – The GOAT of welterweight and middleweight champion
Rory MacDonald – Former title contender and GSP’s protégé
Patrick Côté – Tough middleweight and fan favorite
Mark Hominick – Known for his war against José Aldo
T.J. Grant – Retired early, but briefly in lightweight title talks

These athletes brought pride to Canadian fans, but none have filled the post-GSP vacuum. Malott has the opportunity—and the skills—to change that.

Building a Superstar Brand: What Malott Needs Next

Talent alone isn’t enough to become a superstar. Timing, promotion, and public image matter too. Malott already checks several boxes: he’s media-friendly, humble, and active in the community. He’s also marketing-savvy—appearing on Canadian MMA podcasts, training at top gyms, and building a loyal fan base.

So what’s next?

To become a superstar, Malott needs:

High-profile fights against ranked opponents
A main card slot on a Canadian UFC event
A clear rivalry or storyline that draws mainstream interest
A finish or performance that goes viral
Consistency—he needs to stay healthy and active

If these elements align, Malott could become more than just a top welterweight. He could become the face of Canadian MMA for a new generation.

The Role of UFC Betting in Shaping Public Perception

The betting world, specifically in the UFC, plays a critical role in determining the value of a fighter in the broad spectrum of sports. With the growth of betting in Canada, websites such as UFC betting change the way fans look at and support the fighters.

Malott has carved a name for himself in the prop betting circles due to his high finish-rate and brutal striking style. Malott is a frequent topic during breakdowns and discussions. Even casual fans tend to pay attention to sports analytics and prop betting, which helps grow his fan base.

Access provided by UFC betting stretches even further. Aside from prop betting, UFC betting associated commentary gets attention on social media platforms and among highlight reels.

What Could Stop Malott’s Rise?

Despite all his potential, Malott still has obstacles ahead. The UFC’s welterweight division is crowded with elite talent. Fighters like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Gilbert Burns, and Sean Brady pose serious threats. One bad loss could derail the hype.

There’s also the pressure of carrying national expectations. Following in the footsteps of someone like GSP means every fight comes with extra scrutiny. Malott will have to balance personal growth with public visibility—no easy task in the modern media landscape.

Read more:
Can Mike Malott Become Canada’s Next UFC Superstar?

Federal Government Advisors is a Tampa-based consultancy that has built its reputation by guiding businesses through the intricate world of government contracts.

This firm isn’t just another outfit helping companies register for federal awards. Instead, it focuses on creating real opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, steering them toward contracts that range from straightforward acquisitions to detailed, formal bidding processes. Their mission is to help clients who might otherwise find the door to federal work closed.

Government contracts hold immense potential. They can bring steady revenue, open new markets, and spark significant growth for businesses willing to take on the challenge. Yet, the path to winning these deals is far from simple. It’s filled with layers of complexity that can overwhelm even the most determined company owners. Federal Government Advisors step into this gap, offering the kind of competence that turns daunting hurdles into manageable steps.

Now, a new layer has been added to this landscape: the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC. Developed by the Department of Defense, the aim of this program is to protect sensitive information from escalating cyber threats. For businesses eyeing DoD contracts, CMMC isn’t optional; it’s a requirement that demands attention. Federal Government Advisors has embraced this shift, bringing its deep knowledge to help clients meet these standards and secure their place in the federal contracting world.

From understanding the certification levels to walking clients through compliance, the firm offers a clear, practical approach that resonates with companies striving to succeed.

The Growing Need for CMMC Compliance

The Department of Defense introduced CMMC to tackle a growing problem: cybersecurity weaknesses within the defense industrial base. This vast network includes contractors, suppliers, and service providers, all of whom handle sensitive information that makes them targets for cyberattacks. The DoD needed a way to ensure these businesses could protect two key types of data: federal contract information and controlled unclassified information, or CUI.

Federal contract information covers data tied to government deals, not meant for public release; think details about a supply order or service agreement. CUI goes deeper, encompassing operational plans or technical specs that, while unclassified, still require protection. CMMC sets up a framework to assess how well companies safeguard this information.

CMMC began in 2019 with five levels but was streamlined to three in 2021 under CMMC 2.0, aiming to protect military intelligence, enforce standards across the defense industrial base, ensure accountability, foster collaboration between vendors and the government, and maintain public trust.

For small and medium-sized businesses, this framework can feel like a mountain to climb. The complexity of government contracting was already a barrier, and now CMMC adds a technical dimension that demands great skill. That’s where a consultancy like Federal Government Advisors becomes invaluable, offering the guidance needed to turn this requirement into an opportunity.

Federal Government Advisors Takes the Lead

As Federal Government Advisors aren’t content with just getting businesses registered for federal work. The firm exists to level the playing field for companies that might otherwise miss out on government contracts. Many business owners have at least thought about pursuing these deals. After all, the government is a massive customer, and the potential rewards are hard to ignore.

But the reality often stops them short. Government contracts come with a bidding process that’s complex, time-consuming, and riddled with details that can trip up even seasoned players. Whether it’s a simplified acquisition contract, which moves quickly but still requires precision, or a formal bidding process that drags on with extensive documentation, the challenges are real. Federal Government Advisors understands these hurdles and brings the knowledge and skill to overcome them.

The firm’s team knows the ins and outs of government contracting. They’ve seen how a well-crafted bid can turn into a win and how a misstep can derail months of effort. Federal Government Advisors works with clients to develop strategies that increase their chances of success, staying involved from the initial bid all the way to contract completion. This hands-on approach is what sets them apart. They’re not just advisors; they’re partners in the process.

With CMMC now in the picture, Federal Government Advisors have adapted seamlessly. They recognize that cybersecurity compliance is now part of the contracting game, especially for DoD work. The firm helps clients navigate this new requirement, ensuring they can meet the standards needed to handle sensitive information. Whether a business is just starting out or looking to expand its federal footprint, Federal Government Advisors offers the tools and knowledge to make it happen.

Understanding the CMMC Certification Process

Getting CMMC certification starts with understanding what’s required. Businesses must first determine which level applies. Level 1 for federal contract information, Level 2 for CUI, or Level 3 for high-value data facing advanced threats. Each level builds on the last, with specific steps to prove compliance.

Level 1, called Foundational, focuses on basic security practices. Companies need to meet 17 CMMC Compliance requirements from NIST SP 800-171 which includes  maintaining antivirus software and enforcing password hygiene. Businesses at this level deal with federal contract information and assess themselves annually to affirm their compliance. It’s the entry point designed for businesses with basic security needs tied to simpler contracts.

Level 2, known as Advanced, steps up significantly and ramps up the demands. It’s designed for companies handling CUI, with 110 CMMC Compliance requirements. These cover physical access controls, incident response planning and risk management. Depending on the contract, businesses either self-assess or face a third-party audit by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization, or C3PAO, every three years. Also, an annual affirmation verify compliance with the 110 security requirements keeps them accountable.

Level 3, dubbed Expert, is the highest tier. It targets businesses protecting CUI against advanced threats. It builds on Level 2, adding over 24 requirements from NIST SP 800-172. It includes proactive methods to detect and mitigate threats before they begin, as well as systems and processes in place to audit infrastructure, identify gaps, and fix them. The Defense Contract Management Agency conducts assessments every three years, ensuring rigorous standards are met. Federal Government Advisors can do the certification for any small business, guiding them through this process with precision.

The firm takes a practical approach. They identify clients’ needs and expectations, ensuring the strategy fits. They work step-by-step, helping clients prepare for self-assessments or C3PAO audits, depending on the level. It’s a clear, manageable path that keeps businesses on track without overwhelming them.

The Impact of CMMC Success

CMMC compliance isn’t just a hoop to jump through but a doorway to opportunity. For small and medium-sized businesses, winning a government contract can change everything. It brings financial stability, the chance to hire more staff, and the ability to compete in new markets. Federal Government Advisors understands this potential and helps clients seize it.

The firm’s work often leads to more than one victory. Their robust system links buyers and sellers among their clients, and through this network, clients connect with others, forming partnerships that yield additional deals.  It’s a practical extension of their mission, showing how they help businesses grow beyond a single deal.

Time and money are big concerns in this process. Bidding and compliance can drain resources, especially for smaller firms up against competitors with deeper pockets. Federal Government Advisors saves both by streamlining the effort. Their knowledge and skill cuts through the confusion, giving clients a real advantage. They know the government contracting world, its rules, its quirks, its demands, and they use that knowledge to keep clients ahead.

Even for businesses not chasing DoD contracts, CMMC has value. Its focus on cybersecurity strengthens operations overall. Meeting these standards builds a foundation that protects against threats, no matter the customer. Federal Government Advisors ensures clients see this broader benefit, turning a requirement into a business asset. 

Federal Government Advisors’ Stance for the Future

Looking ahead, CMMC’s full rollout by October 2025 will make compliance non-negotiable for DoD work. Federal Government Advisors are ready, helping clients prepare now so they’re not caught off guard later. Their support doesn’t end with certification; it’s about setting businesses up for ongoing success. As cyber threats evolve and government spending continues, the firm remains a steady guide, helping clients turn ambition into lasting achievement in a field where competence is everything.

Read more:
Federal Government Advisors helps small businesses navigate CMMC certification and secure defense contracts

In the grand ledgers of commerce, where every decimal tells a tale and every balance sheet reflects the soul of a business, a quiet revolution is unfolding.

It doesn’t wear the flashy badge of a tech startup, nor does it shout for attention on Wall Street. Yet, it is reshaping the very foundation of financial operations across the globe.

We speak of outsourced accounting services, once viewed as a mere cost-cutting alternative, now emerging as the future-forward model of financial stewardship.

But why this shift? Why are businesses, from budding startups to seasoned conglomerates, increasingly entrusting their financial backbone to external experts? Let us examine this unfolding trend with an inquisitive eye and a reverence for time-tested wisdom.

The New Business Mandate: Focus and Flexibility

The modern enterprise is leaner, faster, and unencumbered by the traditional trappings of fixed infrastructure. Leaders today are not just looking to grow; they are seeking agility and focus. Outsourced accounting enables just that.

Instead of managing an in-house team burdened with payroll, compliance, audits, reconciliations, and reporting, businesses can now focus on their core operations while outsourcing these essential but non-core functions. It’s not an abdication of responsibility, but a strategic delegation, one that fosters clarity of vision.

Access to Global Expertise at a Fraction of the Cost

Accounting is not just about number crunching. It’s about navigating regulatory mazes, ensuring compliance, optimizing tax positions, and offering strategic insights. The level of skill required is significant, and expensive, especially in high-cost economies like the U.S., UK, and Australia.

By outsourcing to experienced professionals, often in countries like India, the Philippines, and Eastern Europe, companies gain access to world-class talent at a fraction of the in-house cost.

According to Deloitte’s Global Outsourcing Survey, businesses can achieve up to 60% savings on accounting costs by offshoring functions like bookkeeping, payroll, tax filing, and audit support. And let’s not forget — this talent is often certified (e.g., CAs, CPAs, CMAs) and trained in international financial standards like IFRS, GAAP, and SOX compliance.

Real-Time Reporting with Tech-Enabled Processes

The rise of cloud accounting software has blurred the boundaries of geography and time. Tools like Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho Books, and NetSuite enable outsourced teams to work in real-time, delivering dashboards, analytics, and financial reports at the click of a button.

An outsourced team today is not some faceless entity behind time zones. It is a digitally connected partner, working on the same platforms, with shared visibility and accountability.

This tech-driven collaboration ensures:

Faster month-end closes
Instant access to KPIs
Seamless compliance documentation
Error reduction through automation

No more chasing spreadsheets. No more waiting till quarter-end to know your financial health.

Navigating Complexity in a Globalized Economy

The world of finance is getting more complex — not less. From cross-border tax laws and multi-currency transactions to ESG reporting and digital payments, businesses are navigating a growing labyrinth of financial regulations and compliance demands.

Outsourcing brings in specialists who are not only up to date with the latest changes, but also equipped with frameworks to scale compliance across regions. Whether it’s GST in Australia, VAT in the UK, or Sales Tax in the U.S., outsourced teams help mitigate risk and ensure you’re never caught off-guard.

Scalability Without the Growing Pains

Business is not static. Your accounting shouldn’t be either. As your business expands, so does your financial complexity. You may launch new product lines, enter new geographies, or face new reporting requirements.

With an outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services model, scaling is seamless. Need three more accountants during year-end close? Require a forensic audit team post-funding round? Looking to implement financial forecasting tools? You can scale up (or down) without the hassles of hiring, onboarding, or restructuring.

This model is particularly beneficial for:

Startups scaling rapidly
E-commerce businesses with seasonal spikes
Franchise chains managing multiple locations
SMEs preparing for acquisitions or IPOs

Security, Compliance, and Business Continuity

Skeptics often raise a prudent concern: “Is it secure?”

In earlier days, yes, offshoring bore the taint of security risks. But today’s outsourcing firms operate under robust security protocols — think SOC 2 compliance, GDPR alignment, ISO 27001 standards, and 24/7 monitored infrastructure.

In many cases, outsourced teams are better equipped than in-house setups, offering:

Multi-tier data encryption
Role-based access controls
Redundancy systems for business continuity

Plus, when local disasters or disruptions strike (be it natural calamities or economic shifts), your offshore accounting function remains resilient and operational.

The Rise of Strategic Financial Outsourcing

The term “outsourced accounting” once evoked images of transactional bookkeeping. But the tides have turned. Today’s outsourced financial partners are offering CFO-level services — from budgeting and forecasting to strategic financial planning and advisory. This evolution, known as Finance-as-a-Service (FaaS), is gaining ground. Businesses are turning to these outsourced experts not just to keep the books, but to:

Analyze margins and cash flow
Build investor-ready reports
Advise on capital structuring
Prepare for due diligence and audits

This isn’t just a trend. It’s a tectonic shift in how finance functions are perceived and delivered.

The Future Is Hybrid — and Outsourced Accounting Is Its Spine

As remote work, cloud computing, and global collaboration become the new normal, the future of finance will not be tied to one desk or department.

Instead, it will be hybrid, blending in-house strategic leads with outsourced execution teams. A CFO might sit in San Francisco, with accounting support in Mumbai, payroll processing in Manila, and tax compliance run out of Dublin.

This decentralized-yet-coordinated model is efficient, responsive, and cost-effective and outsourced accounting forms its backbone.

In Closing: A Pragmatic Leap, not a Passing Trend

Is outsourced accounting a silver bullet? Certainly not. Like all business decisions, it requires due diligence, clear SLAs, data security vetting, and cultural alignment.

But to dismiss it as merely a fad is to overlook the tide of transformation sweeping through the world of finance. In a world demanding speed, transparency, and global adaptability, outsourced accounting is no longer a choice.  It is a strategic necessity.
It is the future of finance, built not on cutting corners, but on building bridges.

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Why Outsourced Accounting Services Are the Future of Finance?

The UK’s once-booming craft beer industry is facing a sobering reality, as new data reveals that 43 breweries went insolvent in the year to February 2025 — the highest number in recent memory.

According to figures compiled by UHY Hacker Young, the surge in insolvencies highlights the intense pressure facing independent brewers, many of whom are struggling to stay afloat amid rising costs, a saturated market, and increasingly cautious consumers.

Breweries lost to insolvency over the past year include well-known names such as Hackney Brewery, Burton Town Brewery, and Fourpure, the south London craft brewery once used as a backdrop for a 2021 political photo op featuring then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

“The craft beer boom was one of the most exciting recent trends in food and drink,” said Brian Johnson, partner at UHY Hacker Young. “Unfortunately, it’s a sector that attracted too many entrepreneurs who struggled to break even.”

The UK’s craft beer market has grown exponentially since the mid-2000s, with a wave of independent breweries emerging to meet consumer demand for small-batch, locally brewed alternatives to big-name lagers. But the post-pandemic landscape has been far less forgiving.

A “perfect storm” of rising production costs — including energy, ingredients, equipment, and staffing — combined with stagnant or falling consumer spending has placed many brewers under unsustainable pressure.

Recent hikes in the national minimum wage and employer national insurance contributions have further inflated wage bills, while the ongoing cost-of-living crisis means many households are scaling back on discretionary purchases like craft beer.

“Weak consumer spending means many breweries will have to adapt to leaner times,” Johnson added.

Insolvencies are only part of the picture. A report released in February by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) showed the UK lost 100 breweries during 2024, bringing the total number down from 1,815 to 1,715 — a steeper decline than in previous years.

The data suggests that in addition to formal insolvencies, many breweries are quietly closing their doors or exiting the market through mergers, sales, or voluntary closures.

“For smaller brewers who rely on loyal local followings, even a slight dip in demand can tip them over the edge,” Johnson said. “With so many brewers competing for attention, it’s increasingly hard to survive.”

While some breweries continue to innovate and thrive, the current climate suggests that the era of unchecked growth in craft brewing is over. The sector is being forced to consolidate, streamline, and refocus — with brands that can scale smartly or find a strong niche likely to emerge strongest.

For others, however, it may be last orders — a sobering sign that Britain’s love affair with craft beer may be entering a more mature, and less crowded, phase.

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Is it last orders for the UK craft beer sector as brewery insolvencies rise?

Zuber Issa, the billionaire entrepreneur who co-led the £6.8 billion acquisition of Asda in 2021, is investing millions in a new venture — the revival of Duckhams, a storied British motor oil brand once favoured by Formula 1 legends including Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna.

Issa’s investment, made independently of his brother Mohsin, is set to value Duckhams at approximately £50 million and will help propel the brand into new international markets while expanding its presence in the UK. The company, based in Bolton and employing around 100 people, is preparing for a five-year global expansion plan targeting 50 markets, up from the current 24.

“It’s great to see it back,” said Professor David Bailey, automotive industry expert at Birmingham University. “It is a brand very much intertwined with British motoring heritage and sport. It was sadly killed off as a brand under BP ownership.”

Founded in 1899 by chemist Alexander Duckham in Millwall, east London, Duckhams was once the lubricant of choice for British automotive icons including Austin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Rover. In 1951, the company launched Duckhams Q, Europe’s first multi-grade motor oil. It later gained global recognition through its sponsorship of Formula 1 teams, including James Hunt’s Hesketh Racing.

After being acquired by BP in 1969, the brand was heavily promoted throughout the 1970s and 1980s. However, by 2000, BP began consolidating its motor oil products under the Castrol name, and Duckhams disappeared from most markets.

The brand was quietly revived in 2016 by Jabir Sheth, another petrol forecourts entrepreneur, who acquired the Duckhams IP from BP. In doing so, he also inherited a 51% stake in a joint venture in Thailand, the only country where the Duckhams name had continued to be used.

“There were handwritten formula books dating back more than 100 years,” said Firoz Patel, executive director at Duckhams, recalling the discovery of the brand’s original archives following the relaunch.

Since its initial return to market in 2017, Duckhams has rebuilt a presence in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, including the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Denmark, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

With Issa’s backing, Duckhams now plans to expand through a franchising model, working with local partners to blend and distribute oils, reducing overheads while leveraging regional expertise. The company will also target the classic car market, a space where it retains strong brand loyalty.

The strategy will be supported by increased advertising and retail distribution, with Duckhams oils set to be stocked in EG On The Move, Issa’s petrol forecourts chain. While Zuber Issa sold his stake in Asda to TDR Capital in 2024, he remains a major player in UK retail and fuel distribution.

“The investment will be used to increase brand awareness,” Patel explained. “And the focus on classic cars will help the brand reconnect with its heritage, while new distribution routes will drive growth.”

Professor Bailey said that Duckhams still holds brand equity in Commonwealth countries like Malaysia and Singapore, which gives it a competitive edge internationally.

“Its classics oil will appeal, of course, to owners of historic cars, but the firm will also need to appeal to the mass market to be successful, which will be more challenging,” he noted.

“Historically, the brand was highly innovative and linked to motorsports. Building on that will be key to relaunching the brand internationally.”

As Issa turns his attention from grocery aisles to engine bays, the revival of Duckhams could be one of the most unexpected British brand comebacks in recent years — marrying historic legacy with modern entrepreneurial ambition.

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Asda billionaire Zuber Issa backs revival of iconic British oil brand Duckhams