Business London Press

Half of adults want more effort from partners on Valentine’s Day

News

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14/02/2023

Half of adults want more effort from partners on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has been dubbed a waste of money with novelty mugs and cheap underwear amongst the worst presents.

More than half of the 2,015 adults polled, said their partner should make more effort, rather than splurge on presents they don’t even want.

Respondents reported the rubbish gifts they had received included ‘wrong’ perfume, socks, candles and even, a car mat.

But while most said the day of lovers is a waste of time, one in three said they’d be gutted if their better half did nothing to celebrate.

Travel together

The research by Railcard.co.uk, found that one in five said a trip away would be the best romantic gesture with the Lake District top destination in the UK.

Relationship expert and coach, Sarah Louise Ryan, said: “Couples who travel together often end up more fulfilled and happier in their relationship.

“There are many reasons for this; inclusive of the fact it encourages communication and can deepen feelings of commitment as they plan their trips ahead of time, looking towards the future.

“Travel allows more opportunities for romance and time outside of the day-to-day routine, meaning romantic sparks can be reignited.

“Where flowers and chocolates can play a part, this Valentine’s Day I’d encourage all couples to carve out some time to book and experience a romantic getaway, whether for a day trip or a long weekend.”

The study also found 36% had considered a trip together as a way to rekindle a floundering relationship.

James Squires Joins Niche Private Clients in Non-Executive Director Capacity

Business

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20/04/2026

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James Squires Joins Niche Private Clients in Non-Executive Director Capacity

Niche Private Clients, a firm specialising in wealth management and financial planning, has announced that James Squires has joined its board in the role of Non-Executive Director.

With a professional background spanning over 15 years in financial services, private equity and corporate finance, James will bring his considerable experience to bear on the firm’s strategic direction and plans for sustainable long-term growth.

Prior to joining Niche, James spent 12 years at Phoenix Equity Partners, a UK mid-market private equity fund with assets under management of around £1 billion, where he was a Partner responsible for directing the firm’s financial services investment activity. Before his time at Phoenix, he worked for four years in corporate finance at DC Advisory. James holds a degree in Biochemistry from Oxford University.

Alongside his position at Niche, James maintains a portfolio of non-executive and advisory roles elsewhere in the sector. He is a Non-Executive Director at Mobius Life, an institutional investment platform overseeing more than £30 billion on behalf of UK pension schemes, as well as at Great Yellow, which focuses on advising clients on the financing and performance of nature restoration initiatives.

James also lends his expertise to BIGTXN, a firm providing sanctioned securities screening solutions to financial institutions. Given that the majority of businesses he works with operate under FCA and/or PRA regulation, he has developed a thorough understanding of the strategic, commercial and governance dynamics that are central to running a financial services firm effectively.

Aled Phillips for Niche Private Clients added: “James is someone I’ve known and respected for a long time. He brings a depth of experience and perspective that is rare in our space, and a very clear understanding of what it takes to build something properly over time. As we continue to develop Niche, it was important to bring in someone who can challenge our thinking as much as support it. James does both.”

James’s arrival at Niche Private Clients reflects the firm’s broader intention to invest purposefully in the long-term structure of the business, rather than focusing solely on expanding its size. The addition of senior expertise from private equity and regulated financial services continues to set Niche apart from firms that operate in a more transactional manner, underscoring its commitment to building something that is both strategically considered and genuinely high in quality.

Commenting on his appointment, James added: “Niche has been purpose-built to provide great client outcomes; the combination of high-quality advice from chartered professionals, fantastic client support enabled by a slick tech-stack, and a conflict-free fee model sets Niche apart from the competition. I’m delighted to be working with the team and look forward to supporting the firm’s next phase of development.”

More information about Niche Private Clients is available at https://nichepc.co.uk

Helen McGinn Joins Forces with Calvet to Demystify French Wine for British Shoppers

Retail

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20/04/2026

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Helen McGinn Joins Forces with Calvet to Demystify French Wine for British Shoppers

Wine brand Calvet has unveiled a new campaign in collaboration with wine writer and broadcaster Helen McGinn, taking aim at one of the most persistent issues facing the UK wine aisle: the confusion that continues to surround French wine for many British shoppers.

Even as the trend towards premiumisation shows no sign of slowing, large numbers of UK wine buyers remain uncertain when faced with French wine, and frequently opt instead for bottles from regions they find easier to interpret, such as those from Italy, Spain or the New World. Data from within the industry indicates that although consumers are increasingly open to spending more on a single bottle, a shortage of confidence at the shelf remains one of the principal barriers to doing so.

Titled A Taste of France with Helen McGinn, the campaign has been developed to address this challenge directly where it matters most, weaving together digital content, integration with e-commerce platforms, and physical activations inside the stores of leading UK retailers.

Launching in April 2026, the initiative takes the shape of a six-episode content series in which McGinn handpicks wines from some of France’s most notable wine-producing regions and presents them alongside simple, home-cooked meal ideas. The episodes will be released via her Instagram account (@knackeredmother), with embedded links taking followers directly to the relevant supermarket listings.

In-store support for the campaign extends across Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Co-op, Waitrose and Ocado, where a number of selected Stock Keeping Units will carry Point of Sale materials and neck tags designed to highlight pairing suggestions and regional identifiers, making the choice of wine less daunting for the average shopper.

The campaign sits within a wider industry trend towards retail activity that is more fully integrated, connecting the discovery and learning process with the final purchase decision in a single, uninterrupted experience. The combination of social content and tangible in-store prompts is intended to lower the barriers that shoppers encounter in the wine aisle and to inspire them to consider styles and regions they might not otherwise have explored.

Henry Colyer, Marketing Manager at Calvet, said: “French wine offers incredible diversity, but we recognise that shoppers often need clearer guidance on the shelf. This campaign is about turning regional complexity into something practical and accessible, helping consumers feel confident trading up and trying new styles.”

The series shines a spotlight on six regions including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Loire and Rhône, reinforcing Calvet’s position as a trusted starting point for those consumers who are keen to engage more deeply with French wine but are unsure where to begin.

Helen McGinn added: “Once shoppers understand a region’s style and how it works with the food they already enjoy, French wine becomes far more accessible. This campaign is about making those connections simple and relevant for everyday occasions.”

Running through to the beginning of 2027, the campaign will be sustained by a continuous stream of digital content, ongoing promotion across social channels, and a schedule of in-store activity planned around the seasonal occasions and moments that traditionally drive wine purchasing.

Defence Academy of the UK Engages Sterling Training to Support Instructor Development

Education

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20/04/2026

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Defence Academy of the UK Engages Sterling Training to Support Instructor Development

Sterling Training has been appointed by the Defence Academy of the UK to deliver a series of specialist trainer training programmes, designed to develop and strengthen instructional capability within the defence training environment.

The Defence Academy of the UK, which serves as the Ministry of Defence’s foremost institution for professional military education and training for the UK Armed Forces, is partnering with Sterling Training to improve how training is delivered across its programmes, with a specific aim of enriching the learning experience for its international delegates.

The decision to appoint Sterling Training aligns with a growing movement across both defence and commercial sectors to invest in developing internal training capability, a shift prompted by the increasing need for adaptable instruction as workforces become more diverse and multicultural in their composition.

Based in Southampton and led by its founding Managing Director Emma Lacey, Sterling Training provides training solutions that can be deployed at short notice, available through both in-person and online delivery, and reaching clients across the country and beyond, in both defence and business training contexts.

“To now be appointed by the Defence Academy of the UK is a real validation of everything we’ve built, and reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation and long-term impact in defence education and training,” said Emma.

download 3 1 — Managing Director of Sterling Training, Emma Lacey.

The organisation was originally established to deliver rapidly deployable training solutions for military organisations.

“I started Sterling Training in 2015 to meet the demand for high-quality, rapidly deployable training solutions for international military organisations. Beginning in Oman, we quickly earned a reputation for delivering outstanding bespoke training, tailored to diverse operational requirements.

“TILT (Train the International Learner and Trainee) was born from that experience – designed to ensure our own trainers could deliver in any cultural context – but what happened next surprised even us. It was identified as addressing a critical gap within the British Army’s own framework, adopted as a solution and has since been delivered to more than 2,000 serving personnel,” added Emma.

The TILT programme was developed in 2016 to support effective, consistent and adaptable training delivery across varied learning environments and a wide range of learner profiles. It is embedded within Sterling Training’s trainer development approach and used across defence-related training contexts.

The appointment comes as defence and commercial organisations increasingly focus on strengthening internal training capability in response to changing learning environments, including the growth of hybrid and digital delivery models.

Within defence training environments, there is a continued shift towards developing internal instructional capability as organisations modernise training systems and adapt to evolving workforce requirements.

“Synthetic training environments come with inherent dangers”, says Emma, “if we simply bolt technology onto poor trainer practice, we simply have more expensive, less effective training.”

In addition to its international defence work, Sterling Training has held a continuous contract with the British Army since 2016, including the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, with 6–10 TILT courses delivered annually. Further details on trainer training courses for UK Forces personnel available online.

Bedford Agency crdone Reaches Finals of Two Categories at SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026

News Desk

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20/04/2026

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Bedford Agency crdone Reaches Finals of Two Categories at SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026

crdone, a Bedford-based digital growth agency, has been selected as a finalist in the Business of the Year (Less Than 50 Employees) and High Growth Business of the Year categories at the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2026.

The nomination reflects what has been a positive twelve months for the agency, characterised by solid growth and an unwavering commitment to producing results that matter to its clients.

Set up by Carl Darnell, crdone has developed a strong reputation for focusing on how well marketing activity performs, rather than simply doing more of it. The agency works alongside its clients to build coherent strategies, test performance on an ongoing basis, and direct resources towards whatever is most likely to generate meaningful impact.

Being shortlisted across two categories highlights both the momentum the agency has built and how well its methodology is working in practice. Over the course of the last year, crdone has continued to develop its approach to digital growth, guided by a commitment to honest communication, achievable goals, and continuous performance improvement.

Organised by the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards shine a light on businesses that have shown genuine performance, sustainable development, and a positive contribution to the local economy. Finalists are those who can demonstrate tangible results from the previous year.

Making it through to the finals places crdone alongside a small number of businesses that are being recognised for the strides they have made and the contribution they have provided to the region.

Carl Darnell, Founder of crdone, said: “It’s been a strong year for us, but more importantly for our clients. We’ve focused on delivering better outcomes, not just more activity, and that’s what has driven our growth. We test. We measure. We learn. We adapt. Being recognised in both categories is a great result for the team.”

The winners will be revealed at an awards evening on Thursday, 18 June 2026 at The Marquee Bedford, an occasion that will draw together businesses from across Bedfordshire to celebrate the region’s commercial success.

Wayne Ashley Parry unveils two new illustrated children’s stories exploring themes of bravery and hope

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16/04/2026

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Wayne Ashley Parry unveils two new illustrated children’s stories exploring themes of bravery and hope

Wayne Ashley Parry has announced the release of two new children’s books, Pip and the Star and Big Wave Little Wave, aimed at inspiring young readers.

Published by Maple Publishers, the books deliver uplifting narratives centred on courage, kindness and optimism, supported by vivid illustrations and emotionally resonant storytelling.

In Pip and the Star, readers follow Pip, a small but brave mouse, who joins his brother Tobias in tracking a glowing star that leads them to a Bethlehem stable. During their journey, Pip discovers the significance of the newborn child and gains the courage to protect a meaningful moment.

The story weaves together gentle humour, immersive settings and elements of spiritual reflection, creating a warm introduction to the Nativity story for children and families alike.

“I wanted to show children that courage does not always come from size or strength, but from kindness and conviction,” said Wayne Ashley Parry.

Early readers have responded positively to Pip and the Star. Geraldine, a parish vicar, read a passage aloud during midnight mass and praised the story for its warmth.

Another reader, Christine, described the book as “something I absolutely loved” and expressed interest in future stories. The illustrations include contributions from artist Michael Nicholas, whose work complements Parry’s creative vision.

Pip and the Star is available through major international book retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and on Amazon in ebook and paperback editions.

Big Wave Little Wave, which was published last month, is an imaginative ocean adventure that follows two waves, Big Wave and Little Wave, who set out on an adventure that tests courage, cooperation, and emotional balance.

Wayne added: “Even a quiet presence can make a big difference. The story encourages children to remain calm when life feels stormy.”

The book is also available through Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and on Amazon.

Wayne Ashley Parry is a retired writer and storyteller in his seventies. He previously won second prize in a Welsh short story competition and compiled Afternoon Tea with Guruji, a collection of discourses by his teacher Guru Sri Subrahmanium.

Wayne now focuses on creating children’s stories inspired by spiritual wisdom and life experience, appealing to families, educators, and faith communities seeking thoughtful and imaginative narratives.

Tecnifibre partners with Gallan Tennis Academy in multi-year deal to support junior player development

Sports

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16/04/2026

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Tecnifibre partners with Gallan Tennis Academy in multi-year deal to support junior player development

Gallan Tennis Academy has entered into a multi-year partnership with Tecnifibre, naming the brand as its Official Racket & Ball Partner.

The agreement represents a significant milestone for the London-based academy, supporting its goal of developing a structured pathway for talented junior players with ambitions to compete at county, national and international levels.

Under the terms of the partnership, Tecnifibre equipment will be used exclusively by GTA coaches during all academy activities. Training sessions and camps will utilise Tecnifibre balls, and the brand will also feature on official academy clothing worn by both players and staff.

Evan Michaels, co-founder of Gallan Tennis Academy, sees the partnership as a reflection of the academy’s broader performance vision.

“If we want to develop serious competitors, we have to create serious environments. That means higher standards, better structure and partnerships with brands that believe in performance. That’s what we’re building at GTA.”

He also stressed that the collaboration is rooted in shared values rather than simple brand visibility.

“We didn’t want a logo on a shirt. We wanted a partner aligned with the standards we are building inside the academy. Tecnifibre’s commitment to performance makes them a natural fit for what we are trying to achieve.”

Founded to deliver a modern and disciplined training structure inspired by leading European academies, Gallan Tennis Academy offers Open Performance Days, intensive camps and frequent matchplay opportunities to support ambitious young athletes.

Head Coach and co-founder Christian Gallan believes the partnership will help strengthen the consistency of the academy’s training environment.

“Consistency is essential in player development. When young athletes train in a professional environment, from coaching standards to equipment and competition, it raises expectations and accelerates progress. Tecnifibre’s focus on performance helps us create that kind of environment for our players.”

As players advance through the academy system, Tecnifibre will have opportunities to back emerging talent through formal sponsorship initiatives.

For Tecnifibre, the partnership highlights its commitment to nurturing grassroots performance settings that help shape the next generation of players.

Ian Bicknell, Tennis Development Manager at Tecnifibre, said: “Gallan Tennis Academy is creating an exciting performance culture around junior development. Their focus on structure, competition and long-term progression aligns closely with Tecnifibre’s philosophy. We’re delighted to support the programme and look forward to working closely with the coaches and players as the academy continues to grow.”

The agreement represents continued progress for Gallan Tennis Academy as it works to establish a long-term performance framework for ambitious players.

“We believe the next British Wimbledon champion is already out there, training right now and dreaming big. Our job is to build the system around them. That’s what GTA is here to do,” Michaels added.

COMET introduces purpose-built AI Assistant to transform incident investigation and root cause analysis

AI
Business

News Desk

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16/04/2026

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COMET introduces purpose-built AI Assistant to transform incident investigation and root cause analysis

COMET has launched a new AI-powered capability aimed specifically at enhancing incident investigation and root cause analysis, marking a first for the industry. The newly introduced COMET AI Assistant has been developed exclusively for this purpose, setting it apart from more generalised AI tools.

Rather than adapting existing AI frameworks, the solution has been created from the ground up, drawing on COMET’s long-standing expertise in investigative processes, its proven methodologies and its in-depth understanding of HSEQ-related failure data. This foundation has helped establish COMET as a recognised leader in investigation and root cause analysis.

The introduction of COMET AI Assistant represents an important milestone for the company, which works with organisations across multiple high-risk industries, including oil and gas, aviation, construction, rail, marine and ports, and waste management. Collectively, these organisations represent a workforce of more than 350,000 people across over 190 sites worldwide. The project has involved a significant six-figure investment, demonstrating COMET’s ongoing focus on delivering specialised, high-impact AI solutions.

Designed with real-world investigation challenges in mind, the AI Assistant focuses on three core issues: reducing the heavy documentation workload that can slow down investigations, improving consistency in investigation quality, and enabling organisations to unlock valuable insights from large-scale investigation data that would otherwise remain difficult to analyse.

Two dedicated capabilities

COMET AI Assistant is structured around two distinct but complementary capabilities, each addressing a different stage of the investigation lifecycle.

The first is embedded directly into the COMET Investigate workflow, reducing the documentation burden that delays investigations before they begin, elevating the quality of analysis, and ensuring nothing gets missed regardless of investigator experience or time pressure. The design principle throughout is that the AI supports, and the investigator decides.

The second is delivered through COMET Companion Plus, an evolution of COMET’s AI-powered investigation assistant. Now, a full portfolio intelligence engine, the tool builds on COMET’s long-standing capability to surface trends and patterns through its investigation dashboards and analytics, taking it further by operating across the entire investigation portfolio through natural language conversation. With no technical expertise required, it surfaces the systemic patterns, recurring factors, and emerging risks that manual review cannot reach.

Together, they represent end-to-end AI capability that no other RCA platform can offer.

Independent Validation

The launch follows an independent briefing with Verdantix, the leading analyst network for HSE technology, whose research is used by safety leaders and procurement teams across the industry.

Aleks Milligan, Analyst, AI Applied at Verdantix said: “This is a thoughtfully designed AI application. Its strength lies in combining deep investigative expertise with a practical, human-centred approach, grounded in high-quality data and the RCA methodology. The result is a product capable of delivering meaningful operational value to customers.”

Safe and responsible AI

COMET AI Assistant is built with enterprise-grade data security and responsible AI governance. The platform does not use OpenAI or any public large language model. Client data is fully segregated and does not leave the client environment or contribute to any shared model. The platform is GDPR-compliant throughout, with per-feature administrative controls that allow organisations to adopt at their own pace.

Mark Rushton, CEO of COMET said: “There is a difference between AI that has been applied to investigations and AI that was built for them. COMET AI Assistant is built on the process, the methodology, and the safety data expertise that drives meaningful prevention. This is not a feature update, it is a category shift in what investigation software can do. We built this because our customers deserved better than a generic AI bolted on to their workflow, and we had the expertise and the methodology to do it properly.”

COMET AI Assistant is available now. Organisations can request a personalised demo here.

Independent studio BearJam shortlisted in multiple categories for 2026 Brand Film Awards

News Desk

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15/04/2026

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BearJam, an independent video production company, has been named on the shortlist for several categories at the highly anticipated 2026 Brand Film Awards.

The recognition highlights the company’s focus on delivering compelling brand-led video content, with shortlist placements in the following areas:

Best Use of an Influencer/Celebrity
- For their work with Romans and their client Kellogg’s, which can be viewed here.
Best Director
- Trey Farley, Creative Director at BearJam. His work can be found here.

James Hilditch, Founder and Creative Director at BearJam, says, “We’ve been lucky to have a great run at the Brand Film Awards, so it’s exciting to be back again in 2026. It’s such a strong competition and Director of the Year is always a highlight. I’m so pleased that Trey, our in-house Creative Director, has been shortlisted. He’s had a huge impact on our work this year, and it’s great to see that recognised.”

Being shortlisted across these categories reflects BearJam’s capability to compete with larger, more established studios in the brand video space. It also showcases the talent within its team, whose work continues to attract industry attention.

Trey Farley comments, “Look, if I’m honest, like most creatives, I spend a fair amount of time wondering whether I’m doing something right or just getting away with it! So a nomination like this is a pretty nice signal from the universe saying, ‘hey, relax, you’re doing alright.’ More than anything, I think it’s a reflection of BearJam trusting me to take creative swings, while making sure clients feel like they’re in safe hands.”

The nomination of Trey Farley comes after just over a year and a half with BearJam, working on countless successful projects, each highlighting Farley’s sharp directorial skills.

The team at BearJam says he has reshaped their creative and production workflows, giving producers and editors clearer guardrails, raising the quality bar across every stage of delivery.

He has brought a distinctive directorial voice, sharpened their creative processes, and strengthened the culture of the studio.

“We are proud to nominate Trey Farley for Best Director, a filmmaker who brings craft, curiosity, and humanity to every frame.” – James Hilditch.

The Brand Film Awards are returning for their 10th year to celebrate and showcase Europe’s best in brand storytelling.

Nominations submitted will be reviewed by an independent, diverse panel of branded film professionals, including Alessio Nesi, Creative Director at Bloomberg Media, and Gavin Leisfield, Head of Design at Samsung Ads, to determine which organisations are leading the way in their respective categories.

Winning a Brand Film Award gives organisations valuable and deserved recognition across the industry for boundary-pushing video excellence.

Hoping to pick up some wins, the team at BearJam are looking forward to the event, excited to network with others within the industry, and celebrate those defining brand video in 2026.

Supported by PRWeek and Campaign, the Brand Film Awards will take place on 29 April at the Ham Yard Hotel, London.

Evolution London to host Engage Employee Summit 2026 as thousands of senior leaders and top brands gather

News Desk

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15/04/2026

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Evolution London to host Engage Employee Summit 2026 as thousands of senior leaders and top brands gather

Engage Business Media has announced further updates on the upcoming Engage Employee Summit 2026, scheduled for 20–21 May at Evolution London. The event is set to welcome more than 3,000 senior attendees, supported by 250 speakers and 120 exhibitors across a main platform and six focused content stages.

Guided by the theme “Putting People at the Heart of the Organisation”, the Summit will assemble senior professionals spanning HR, internal communications, reward, wellbeing, DEI, talent and culture. Leading global brands will come together to examine both present-day workplace challenges and the future of work shaped by artificial intelligence.

Now entering its 11th year and extended into a two-day format, the Summit will combine a headline Main Stage with six specialist tracks: Organisational Culture & HR Leadership; Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution; Internal Communications & Employee Voice; Communication & the Connected Workplace; Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion; and Reward, Recognition & Benefits.

This structure is designed to offer a flexible learning experience, enabling delegates to engage with keynote presentations, practical case studies and targeted sessions, while exploring cross-cutting themes such as trust, AI integration, inclusion and the changing nature of work.

The Main Stage will bring together senior executives from organisations including Space NK, Oxfam, Samsung Electronics, BBC News, Sky, Monzo and Lloyds Banking Group. These speakers will examine leadership challenges, talent priorities and the importance of trust in an increasingly AI-enabled environment.

Discussions will address pressing questions around workforce readiness, what elements of work should evolve—or remain unchanged—as AI advances, and the issues currently occupying the minds of senior HR and people leaders.

On the Organisational Culture & HR Leadership stage, contributors from The White Company, AXA, bp, Nestlé UK&I, Halfords and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will share practical insights into embedding purpose and values into everyday organisational culture.

The Wellbeing & Inclusion stage will feature voices from HSBC, Entain Group, Aviva, Bupa, Unilever and JLR, focusing on areas such as neurodivergent talent, psychological safety, women’s health, inclusion ROI and the integration of wellbeing into core business strategies.

Two stages dedicated to internal communications—Internal Communications & Employee Voice and Internal Communications & the Connected Workplace—will explore how organisations are reshaping communication and engagement practices.

Speakers from Samsung Electronics, Betfred, Evri, Sky, BBC News, ODEON Cinemas Group, Holland & Barrett, Visa, British Airways Euroflyer, Starbucks and ASOS will cover topics including navigating continuous change, scaling employee listening, measuring communication effectiveness and preserving authenticity in automated systems.

The Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits stage will bring together experts from Jet2.com, Gymshark, British Airways, Whitbread, Next and Auto Trader to examine evolving reward strategies, financial wellbeing and the future direction of employee benefits.

Meanwhile, the Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution stage will include organisations such as British Airways Euroflyer, GAIL’s, Standard Chartered, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Knight Frank and the British Heart Foundation. Sessions will explore workforce planning, skills development, leadership pipelines and retention in a competitive labour market influenced by AI.

Across the event, the exhibition area will feature over 120 providers offering solutions in employee engagement, communications, wellbeing, DEI, AI technologies, learning platforms and workforce analytics.

Delegates will be able to attend live demonstrations, assess different solutions and form partnerships to help deliver people and culture strategies effectively. Networking opportunities will be embedded throughout, including structured meetings, themed discussions and the Night Summit taking place after the first day.

The Startup Innovation Village will highlight emerging and fast-growing companies developing innovative solutions for employee experience, HR and communications, with a particular focus on AI, analytics, wellbeing and the digital workplace.

Attendance at the 2026 Engage Employee Summit is free for qualifying senior HR and People leaders, providing full access to all sessions, exhibitions and networking opportunities.

With only a limited number of sponsorship and partnership packages remaining, organisations interested in gaining visibility at the event are encouraged to get involved without delay.

WeFile launches to streamline CT600 submissions and Companies House filings

Business

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14/04/2026

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WeFile launches to streamline CT600 submissions and Companies House filings

WeFile, a newly introduced online filing solution designed specifically for UK limited companies, allows directors and small business owners to prepare and submit their CT600 corporation tax returns to HMRC, alongside annual accounts to Companies House, all within a single, user-friendly web platform.

The system removes the reliance on costly accounting software or external professionals for straightforward filings, giving business owners greater control over their compliance responsibilities.

For many years, corporation tax filing in the UK has been a disjointed and often confusing process. Directors frequently need to navigate multiple government systems, outdated tools and complex documentation, or alternatively incur significant costs by hiring an accountant for relatively simple submissions.

WeFile changes this by bringing the entire filing workflow into one guided, step-by-step wizard. Users are walked through every stage of the process:

Company details — automatically fetched from Companies House using the official API
Profit & Loss statement — with logical fields and automatic corporation tax calculation
Balance Sheet — with real-time validation and automatic balancing checks
Account type selection — intelligent detection of whether the company qualifies for Micro-Entity (FRS 105) or Total Exemption Full (FRS 102) accounts
HMRC & Companies House credentials — securely entered and used only for submission
Review & submit — preview your complete filing before sending it to both HMRC and Companies House

“We built WeFile because we believe every UK company director should be able to file their own tax return without needing a degree in accounting or spending a fortune on professional fees.”

WeFile generates fully compliant CT600 XML submissions using the HMRC GovTalk protocol. Returns are submitted directly to HMRC’s gateway, and users can track the status of their submission in real time — from acknowledgement through to final acceptance.

The platform produces iXBRL-tagged accounts in the correct inline XBRL format required by Companies House. Both Micro-Entity (abridged) and Total Exemption Full accounts are supported, along with dormant company accounts.

WeFile integrates directly with Xero, QuickBooks Online, and FreeAgent via secure OAuth connections. Users can import their trial balance data in seconds, which is automatically mapped into the CT600 computation — eliminating manual data entry entirely.

Intelligent Automation

Auto-calculated corporation tax — enter your profit and loss figures and WeFile computes the tax due at the correct rate
Account type detection — based on turnover, gross assets, and employee count, WeFile recommends the right accounts format
Filing period detection — return periods are fetched directly from Companies House, so users always file for the correct dates
Real-time balance sheet validation — ensures your assets equal liabilities plus equity before submission

Security and Compliance

Two-factor authentication (2FA) — via authenticator app for all user accounts
Encrypted credential handling — HMRC and Companies House credentials are used only for submission and are never stored in plain text
OAuth-only integrations — WeFile never sees or stores passwords for Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent
Session management — users can view and revoke active sessions at any time

All submissions use official government APIs and protocols — the same channels used by professional accountancy software — ensuring full compliance with HMRC and Companies House requirements.

Unlike generic international tax platforms, WeFile is built exclusively for UK limited companies. Every feature, every form field, and every calculation is tailored to the specific requirements of:

HMRC — Corporation Tax Self Assessment (CT600)
Companies House — Annual accounts filing under the Companies Act 2006
FRS 105 — The Financial Reporting Standard applicable to Micro-entities
FRS 102 — The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland

This UK-first approach means users never have to navigate irrelevant options or translate foreign tax concepts. Everything is designed around the British tax calendar, Companies House filing deadlines, and HMRC compliance requirements.

WeFile is available now at https://wefile.co.uk. Company directors can create a free account, add their company using the Companies House company number, and begin preparing their filing immediately.

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