SME Manufacturing Shock: Unleashed data shows UK manufacturers’ average sales revenue fell 39% in Q1 to £252,050, with furnishings down 61% and construction suppliers down 57%, while gross margins slipped from 39.4% to 30.08%—though lead times improved. Local Grants for Community Groups: Chesterfield Borough Council reopens its Community Grants Fund with £500–£6,000 awards (plus up to £50,000 for bigger capital projects) to back health, volunteering, greener choices and neighbourhood projects. Water-Saving Push for Beach Businesses: Bournemouth Water tells beachgoers not to rinse sandy feet with water during a record May heatwave, urging simple habits to protect supplies. Skills and NEET Pressure on FE: Alan Milburn’s interim NEET review warns colleges are under-resourced “safety nets” as student numbers fall and funding penalises institutions serving complex-need learners. Start-up Marketing Support: Go Succeed NI runs a free Teams webinar on 3 June for new founders, focusing on practical marketing steps and a marketing mix playbook. Tender Opportunities: Yorkshire & the Humber seeks a consultant for accessible transport consultation (July–Dec 2026); SettleParadigm also tenders pumping station and sewage plant servicing/repair (3 years, extendable). SME Tech/Payments: Palus Finance selects Modern Treasury to automate multi-rail payments for startups and SMBs. New Business Tools: HoneyBook launches in the UK to help independent professionals manage proposals, contracts, invoicing and payments in one place.