Mid-market SME squeeze in the UK: British “mid-sized” firms are pushing back on the SME label, saying it blocks access to the right finance products while costs rise; research cited shows many firms (50–249 staff) feel they’re too big for most bank offerings. Tax-driven wealth moves: Reports say Britain’s second richest person has relocated to Monaco, with lawyers linking the exodus to Labour-era tax changes. EU parcel tax hits cross-border trade: Swiss Post says the EU’s €3 customs duty on small parcels from third countries has already cut volumes, while retailers may route around the charge via European warehouses. EU simplification push: 13 EU countries are calling for a “deep cleaning” of legislation—reviewing existing rules before adding new ones and checking burdens over time. SME growth for green jobs (EU-funded): In Uganda, EU/Belgium-backed green jobs bootcamps have trained 50+ SMEs, targeting renewable energy, sustainable farming, waste and green construction. Hospitality VAT pressure (UK): UK venues and cafés are urging VAT cuts from 20% to 10%, arguing the current setup is pushing businesses to close. Energy cost strain (Northern Ireland): SSE Airtricity raised gas prices for domestic and small business customers, adding about £172 to a typical annual bill. AI adoption gap: A new analysis highlights how small firms catch up on basic AI use but lag on measurable results versus larger enterprises.