UK Small Business Rates Shake-Up: Labour’s Andy Burnham is proposing a 50% rise in England’s 100% small business rates relief threshold (from £12,000 to £18,000) and higher tapered relief (to £21,000), with analysis suggesting it could cut business rates bills by about £880m a year—funded via higher property levies on large warehouse sites used by online giants. Cybercrime Warning for SMEs: UK businesses are being targeted by scammers posing as Interpol to lure victims into ransomware and phishing attacks. Heat Stress Risk for Employers: A report says many firms are “flying blind” on heat stress because rules on what counts as excessive heat and what employers must do remain vague, leaving companies to improvise. SME Finance in the Balkans: An OECD review finds Albania’s small businesses have slightly better access to finance, but bank lending still lags due to weak credit information and collateral registration. Trade & Growth Support: The UK government has announced an EU-backed support programme for small businesses, aimed at helping them prepare for growth and new market demands. SME Opportunities via Retail Fairs: UK independent brands are competing for free exhibition stands at Spring Fair 2027 through Theo Paphitis’ #SBS Small Business Sunday network. EU Environment Compliance Watch: Microplastic filters for washing machines may soon become mandatory in the EU, raising compliance questions for small operators in the supply chain.