AI Adoption Push: The UK government has unveiled a £200m package to speed up AI take-up across the economy, including a £100m boost to Bridge AI and funding for regional rollouts and workforce training. Regulation & Side Hustles: A Birmingham “cake shed” boss fears closures after councils introduce street trading licence rules, highlighting how local licensing can hit micro home-based businesses. EV Charging Support: The Department for Transport confirms a 2p per mile change for households without driveways, extending grants so renters and businesses can claim up to half the cost of installing home chargers. Local Growth & Awards: Suffolk’s EADT Business Awards spotlight fast-growing firms, while Deeside Home Care raised £675 for Dementia UK via a community “cuppa” event. Shop-Local Tools: Newport Now Gift Card adds a group collect feature, aiming to keep spending in the city centre with a network of 50 local businesses. Business Risk: A Newry family bakery says two delivery vans were destroyed in an arson attack, underlining how quickly disruption can land on SMEs. Export Finance: Hull pharmaceutical manufacturer GMP Manufacturing secured £500k+ via White Oak UK backed by UK Export Finance to meet international demand. Tourism for SMEs: Pembrokeshire campsite Stackpole Under the Stars wins TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice for a fifth year, a boost for local hospitality.