SME Finance & Banking: MoneySuperMarket has launched “MoneySuperMarket Business Banking”, a UK business current account for sole traders and small firms, built with Countingup and backed by iwoca lending, aiming to bundle banking plus accounting/tax tools in one app. Local Business Costs & Compliance: Spain’s administrative burden is under fire again, with reporting that “unbearable” bureaucracy is costing self-employed workers thousands. High Street Regulation: The UK plans to scrap the “aim to permit” rule, giving councils more power to block new betting shops and 24-hour gambling venues, as ministers cite crime and illegal activity concerns. Cyber & Growth for SMEs: Quick Heal/Seqrite appointed Rajiv Sreekantan to lead global enterprise sales, targeting expansion across small and medium businesses via partners and a broader cybersecurity portfolio. EU Trade Rules: The EU has changed its GSP+ extension mechanism: no automatic extension from January 2027, with countries needing to apply and submit action plans tied to UN conventions. Defence Supply Chains: Europe’s iMUGS2 uncrewed ground systems programme will run a three-day Norway exercise in 2028, involving 29 partners across EU countries including SMEs. Workforce & Pensions: Ireland’s pensions auto-enrolment is spotlighted after claims some large employers tried to steer workers into cheaper schemes with lower returns. Tourism & Local Economies: Edinburgh’s festivals are defended with data showing residents make up a large share of audiences, supporting the case that events help local life, not just visitors.