Louise Lithgow-Dicker, founder of Go HR, is cautioning small business owners to act now, as the UK prepares for a wave of employment law changes expected to fuel a 23% increase in tribunal claims over the next two years.

With 28 reform proposals under consideration, employers may soon face significantly higher risks, including tribunal awards averaging £13,000 and legal fees near £20,000. The forthcoming changes — from day one employment rights to the removal of unfair dismissal compensation limits — are arriving more rapidly than many SME leaders anticipate.

Louise, who recently spoke with Joe Wicks at BusinessMania about prioritising people and culture, says the scale of the incoming legislation means SMEs cannot afford to delay.

“Small business owners spend thousands on their external brand but very little on their internal culture,” Louise said. “Joe Wicks gives his team a full hour for exercise on top of lunch breaks because he understands that looking after people protects the business. That’s exactly the culture-first mindset SMEs need right now, especially with these legal changes coming.”

The Employment Rights Bill introduces wide-ranging revisions to the workplace landscape. Proposals include enhanced worker protections from the outset of employment, expanded redundancy consultation duties for larger employers, strengthened rights to flexible working, and tougher enforcement penalties. Additional measures aim to improve carers’ leave, update parental leave frameworks and refine off-payroll rules, leaving SMEs with new compliance requirements to manage.

Some reforms are substantial enough to catch many employers off guard. Day one rights will instead be applied after a six-month probation period, while the current £118,000 unfair dismissal compensation cap is set to disappear. Statutory sick pay will also become payable from the first day of absence.

The tribunal system, already facing delays of up to 18 months, is expected to come under further strain as the period for filing claims has been extended to six months. Without cost barriers for employees, experts believe disputes will rise sharply.

“The headlines are very scary and confusing for SME owners, who often don’t know who to turn to for reliable support,” Louise said.

Louise’s 35 years of HR experience and 12 years leading Go HR have made her a trusted source of practical and commercially balanced advice. One recent example saw her resolve a complex long-term sickness issue in just two weeks — a problem the client had struggled with for six months despite support from a major HR provider.

Construction businesses, many of whom rely on Go HR, face particular vulnerabilities. While they are typically strong on regulatory safety standards, they routinely overlook core HR obligations such as issuing contracts at the start of employment, exposing them to automatic penalties.

“They come to me saying: This employee is unproductive and disruptive, I need them gone,” Louise said. “Our job is to give them options, explain the consequences, and help them sleep at night instead of spending weekends worrying about ‘people’ problems.”

Louise advises all SMEs to begin preparing now. Her recommended first steps include reviewing employment contracts, auditing policies for compliance with future changes, and setting crystal-clear expectations around performance.

“With the right preparation, these changes don’t need to be scary,” Louise added. “Businesses that take action now can actually come out stronger. But those who put their heads in the sand will find themselves in tribunal hearings costing £30,000-plus and taking 18 months of their lives.”

To learn more about the new changes and how to navigate them safely, visit www.gohr.co.uk/contact-us.

Leadership expert Anna Mosley has announced the launch of her newest high-level growth initiative aimed at supporting the UK’s most accomplished founders and business leaders whose teams are ready to move into a new phase of expansion.

Launching in January 2026, the Extraordinary Leader Programme offers a 12-week hybrid structure that brings together online training with focused, small-group coaching. Created with the demanding schedules of founders in mind, it provides an environment where ambitious, coachable leaders can build the clarity, mindset and leadership ability required to scale their businesses to eight figures and beyond.

Mosley — a multi-award-winning mentor with a track record spanning thousands of leaders and collaborations with major international brands including L’Oréal, Boots and LinkedIn — notes that the programme is specifically designed for founders who have achieved substantial financial and operational success but now feel blocked or overwhelmed as they face the next phase of growth.

“These founders have done brilliantly to reach six or seven figures and build a team — but in order to scale from here, something has to shift,” Mosley said.

“Most founder have never been taught how to lead. This programme shows them how to become the leader their business needs them to become for this phase of business growth. It gives them the tools, confidence and capability to step into the CEO role of both their business and their life.”

Extraordinary Leader helps founders master how to:

• Lead themselves — building confidence, clarity and self-leadership capability
• Lead others — empowering people and developing future leaders, with maximum impact and influence
• Lead culture — driving high performance, accountability and a team that wins without them

Participants will learn how to free themselves from day-to-day firefighting, and carve out more time to work on their business rather than constantly being stuck in it.

“This programme is designed for the high-achieving yet plateauing founder ready to level up in 2026 — they know they are capable of more, but don’t yet know how to get there,” Mosley added.

“The transformation is profound: participants gain clarity, capability, community and a strategic pathway to scale. They stop feeling stuck, mastering leadership for growth.”

A master in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and an expert in high performance culture, Mosley brings a rare ability to make leadership simple, actionable and transformational.

Applications for the Extraordinary Leader Programme are now open.

To register interest or secure a place, visit: go.eighty.academy/eighty-extraordinary-leader

Business coach and Lincolnshire entrepreneur Steph Ward has reported remarkable early progress following the launch of her new venture, the Evergreen Academy. Within its first quarter, the digital programme has attracted promising sales, established a robust revenue pipeline, and reinforced the feasibility of automated income systems for service-driven businesses.

Ward developed the Evergreen Academy in pursuit of a business structure that would offer both security and flexibility, particularly as she balanced her career with family life. Leveraging her background at Siemens and her co-founding role at Ward Holmes, she crafted a six-step approach to help consultants and coaches build digital income sources that require minimal ongoing maintenance.

Her model has now been validated through the creation of a £75,000 sales pipeline generated from less than £800 in advertising costs, demonstrating that small service-based businesses can secure high-margin, scalable income through automation. Ward’s strategic shift was inspired by her own experience of becoming a parent and reevaluating the constraints of conventional employment.

“I never valued my time as much as until I had a child, and then I realised that time was all that mattered,” she explained. “Nobody starts a business expecting to work harder than ever before for less money, but that is the reality for many when their income depends entirely on personal output.”

A defining element of the Evergreen Academy is its “meta-experience,” where clients learn to build an evergreen offer by progressing through one themselves. “Clients are with me because my process works,” Ward said. “Many had never heard of me before my systems brought us together, which is exactly the point.”

One participant successfully moved from concept to earning potential with a grief counselling course. Initially lacking the confidence to appear on camera, she moved from private writing activities to producing video content with growing assurance over a three-month period. Ward highlights these practical transformations as essential steps that enable coaches to develop enduring digital assets.

In January 2026, the Evergreen Academy will broaden its service offerings with specialist support, including technology clinics and legal insight into intellectual property. These additions have been shaped by client requests for targeted, practical guidance during the digital product development process.

To learn more about the Evergreen Academy, visit: go.theforward.biz/freetrainingpr

Property survey platform Find My Surveyor has confirmed the appointment of Ryan Osman as Chief Technology Officer and co-founder. He joins alongside existing co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Jack Purdie, who will continue in his current role.

Osman’s arrival signals the beginning of a strategic scale-up phase after a successful first year in the market. The company is preparing for significant expansion, supported by improved platform functionality and growing interest from UK property buyers.

Unlike many comparison services that generate multiple sales calls by reselling customer enquiries, Find My Surveyor was developed to offer a smoother, more transparent process. Users are matched to a single RICS-certified local surveyor who provides one clear price without sales pressure.

The model is powered by the proprietary OneQuote matching engine, which evaluates survey requirements, location and appointment availability to produce a single tailored survey quote.

“Our goal is to build the most trusted and efficient route to survey services in the UK,” said Jack Purdie. “With Ryan joining as CTO and co-founder, we now have the technical leadership in place to accelerate development and deliver that at scale.”

Since joining, Osman has prioritised infrastructure improvements, speeding up user interactions and enhancing the booking experience. The platform has also undergone a full redesign to better support additional survey categories and faster processing times.

The business now offers a wide scope of more than 15 survey types, including fire safety assessments, asbestos surveys, CCTV drainage checks, home condition reports, and RICS Level 2 and Level 3 services.

“This industry has been underserved by technology for too long,” said Osman. “We’re giving homeowners a modern, straightforward way to get expert survey advice without the hassle or confusion that’s traditionally been part of the process.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Find My Surveyor plans to build further nationwide coverage, automate more backend processes, and raise expectations across the surveying comparison sector. The brand’s reputation for clarity, fairness and convenience continues to drive momentum.

VestoFX.net review explores the key features of this trading platform, highlighting what it offers, how it operates, and the benefits for traders. 

VestoFX.net is an online platform specializing in CFD (Contract for Difference) trading, where traders can access a variety of assets including forex, commodities, indices, and more. 

The platform aims to provide an easy-to-use interface and a broad range of tools for both beginner and experienced traders. 

In this VestoFX.net review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the platform’s features, account types, and regulatory information, so you can decide if it suits your trading needs.

VestoFX.net Review: Platform Overview

VestoFX.net is designed to cater to global traders, offering a robust CFD trading environment with a user-friendly interface. The platform enables trading across a variety of asset classes, such as forex, cryptos, commodities, shares, and indices. 

CFD trading allows traders to speculate on the price movements of these assets without owning them directly. This provides flexibility, as traders can benefit from both rising and falling markets. 

VestoFX.net offers a variety of features aimed at simplifying trading, providing valuable insights, and helping traders manage their investments effectively.

VestoFX.net operates with a focus on providing an accessible trading experience for its users. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned trader, the platform’s intuitive design ensures a smooth experience. 

The platform is accessible from multiple devices, allowing traders to stay connected to their accounts wherever they are. VestoFX.net also offers multiple educational resources to assist traders in improving their skills.

VestoFX.net Review: Account Types

VestoFX.net offers several account types tailored to different trading needs. The account types vary in terms of spreads, withdrawal options, and other trading features, allowing traders to choose the account that best suits their trading style.

1. Basic Account: The Basic account is suitable for new traders who are just getting started with CFD trading. This account provides access to the most essential features, including standard spreads and standard withdrawal options.
   
2. Gold Account: The Gold account is designed for traders who have gained some experience and are looking for additional benefits. Comes with tighter spreads and 1 free withdrawal per month.
   
3. Platinum Account: The Platinum account is geared toward experienced traders who need advanced tools and better trading conditions. It offers lower spreads and 3 free withdrawals per month.
   
4. VIP Account: The VIP account is for experienced traders who require the best trading conditions. This account provides the lowest spreads and unlimited free withdrawals.
   

Each account type provides different benefits, and VestoFX.net review suggests that traders select the one that aligns with their trading goals and experience level. Traders from countries such as the UAE, Singapore, and Kuwait can choose from these accounts, as the platform serves a global audience

VestoFX.net Review: How to Register

Registering on VestoFX.net is a simple and quick process. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Sign Up: Visit the VestoFX.net website and click on the “Sign Up” button. You will be asked to provide basic information such as your name, email address, and phone number and complete a questionnaire.
   
2. Complete the KYC Process: As part of the platform’s regulatory requirements, you will need to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. This involves submitting identification documents such as a passport or ID card and a proof of address. The KYC process helps ensure that the platform adheres to regulatory standards and protects its users from fraud.
   
3. Make a Deposit: Once your account is verified, you can fund it using one of the available payment methods. VestoFX.net accepts a variety of payment options including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and popular e-wallets.
   
4. Start Trading: After your deposit is confirmed, you can start trading CFDs on the platform. VestoFX.net provides access to a wide range of trading tools and educational resources to help you get started.
   

VestoFX.net Review: Trading Features

VestoFX.net offers several features that enhance the trading experience for its users. These features are designed to help traders make informed decisions, manage risks, and execute their trades efficiently.

• Leverage Options: VestoFX.net offers leverage options, which allow traders to control larger positions with a smaller initial deposit. However, it’s important to note that higher leverage also comes with increased risk. Traders should use leverage responsibly and within their risk tolerance.
  
• Market Insights: VestoFX.net provides access to a range of market insights and analysis tools. These tools help traders stay informed about market trends and news, which is crucial for making well-informed trading decisions.
  
• Risk Management Tools: The platform offers a range of risk management tools, including stop-loss orders, take-profit orders, and other risk management features. These tools help traders limit potential losses and secure profits at desired levels.
  
• Trading Platform: VestoFX.net operates on a proprietary trading platform, which is designed to provide a smooth and intuitive trading experience. The platform offers real-time charts, technical analysis tools, and fast order execution, allowing traders to react quickly to market movements.
  

The platform supports both short and long positions, allowing traders to profit from both rising and falling markets. Traders can access CFDs on various markets, including forex, cryptos, commodities, stocks and indices.

VestoFX.net Review: Regulation and Security

VestoFX.net operates under the regulatory oversight of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa. The platform is managed by FAIRMONT FINANCIAL SERVICES (PTY) LTD, which holds a Financial Service Provider (FSP) license number 51766. FAIRMONT FINANCIAL SERVICES is located at 5 Fagan Street, Somerset West, 7130, Western Cape Province, South Africa.

Being regulated by the FSCA ensures that VestoFX.net adheres to strict financial standards and offers a secure trading environment for its users. The platform complies with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations, ensuring the safety and security of its clients’ funds.

VestoFX.net uses encryption technology to protect users’ personal and financial information. The platform also employs secure payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, ensuring that transactions are carried out safely.

VestoFX.net Review: Investment Opportunities

VestoFX.net offers a diverse range of trading opportunities through CFDs, covering various asset classes to cater to different trading preferences. 

In the cryptocurrency market, the platform provides CFDs on popular digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. Given the high volatility of these markets, cryptocurrency CFDs offer significant trading opportunities for those who enjoy fast-paced environments. 

Forex trading remains one of the most popular forms of trading worldwide, and VestoFX.net allows traders to speculate on the price movements of both major and minor currency pairs. 

Additionally, the platform offers commodity CFDs on assets like gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products. Trading commodities provides traders with the opportunity to diversify their portfolios by speculating on the price movements of tangible goods. 

VestoFX.net also offers CFDs on stocks from top global companies, enabling traders to participate in the stock market without owning the actual shares. This flexibility allows traders to speculate on stock price movements while employing various trading strategies. 

Lastly, the platform provides CFDs on global stock indices like the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, allowing traders to focus on the overall performance of major markets rather than individual stocks.

VestoFX.net Review: Conclusion

In conclusion, VestoFX.net is a solid platform for CFD traders looking for an easy-to-use interface, a wide range of trading instruments, and competitive account options. 

The platform is well-regulated and offers essential features like leverage, market insights, and risk management tools. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, VestoFX.net offers an accessible and secure environment to trade a variety of CFDs.

For traders in the UAE, Singapore, Kuwait, or anywhere else in the world, VestoFX.net provides a range of account types and investment opportunities that cater to different trading styles and experience levels. 

With its strong regulatory backing and commitment to security, VestoFX.net offers a reliable choice for anyone looking to enter the world of CFD trading.