#9 2026 OUTLOOK - What SME Business Owners Can Expect This Year

#9 2026 OUTLOOK - What SME Business Owners Can Expect This Year

One month down in 2026 and business owners continue to face uncertainty, rising costs, and increasing pressure to make the right decisions at speed.

In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, Rob Brown is joined by Peter Gallanagh, UK & Ireland CEO at Azets, to unpack what the year is likely to bring for SME leaders.

Peter reflects on the structural challenges businesses are carrying forward, from cost pressures and access to finance to automation, AI and leadership strain. He explains why clarity, scenario planning and strong adviser relationships will be critical in helping businesses stay resilient and confident.

The conversation also explores what strong leadership needs to look like in 2026, how owners can balance caution with growth, and why advisers who understand the full picture of a business are best placed to help navigate what comes next.

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Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence.

Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology.

Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community.

This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts.

Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it.

Find more about Azets at www.azets.com.

Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

Episoder(44)

#14 HIGH TECH, HIGH TRUST - Balancing Technology With A Human Touch

#14 HIGH TECH, HIGH TRUST - Balancing Technology With A Human Touch

This episode of Fresh Perspectives looks at how SMEs can balance technology with a human touch to improve customer experience without damaging trust. Rob Brown is joined again by Charles Richards, UK...

18 Mar 18min

#13 CUSTOMER SERVICE DONE WELL: What SMEs Get Right and Wrong

#13 CUSTOMER SERVICE DONE WELL: What SMEs Get Right and Wrong

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores what great customer service really means for SMEs and why it is a growth lever rather than a hygiene factor. Rob Brown is joined by Charles Richards, UK He...

11 Mar 17min

#12 CORPORATE FINANCE REALITY - How Deals Actually Get Done

#12 CORPORATE FINANCE REALITY - How Deals Actually Get Done

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores the current corporate finance landscape in the UK and what it really means for SME business owners navigating growth, investment, acquisitions and exit deci...

25 Feb 27min

#11 EMPLOYMENT ENFORCEMENT SHIFT – Inside The New Fair Work Agency

#11 EMPLOYMENT ENFORCEMENT SHIFT – Inside The New Fair Work Agency

In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, we unpack the introduction of the Fair Work Agency (FWA) and what it means for employers ahead of its launch in April. Rob Brown is joined by Hannah-Jane Dobbie...

18 Feb 32min

#10 CONSTRUCTION TAX ALERT - Why More Businesses Get This Wrong

#10 CONSTRUCTION TAX ALERT - Why More Businesses Get This Wrong

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores the Construction Industry Scheme and why it presents a growing risk for businesses well beyond traditional construction firms. Rob Brown is joined by Jo Ga...

11 Feb 20min

#8 TIPPING POINT - The Rules Hospitality Businesses Can’t Afford To Ignore

#8 TIPPING POINT - The Rules Hospitality Businesses Can’t Afford To Ignore

In this episode, we explore the Tipping Act and what it means for employers, payroll teams, and HR leaders, with expert insight from Hannah-Jane Dobbie and Julie Gunnell. We break down what qualifies...

28 Jan 21min

#7 CASHFLOW CONFIDENCE - PART 2: The Cash Hidden In Your Business

#7 CASHFLOW CONFIDENCE - PART 2: The Cash Hidden In Your Business

In Part 2 of Cash Flow Confidence, we continue the conversation with Matthew Grant, following on from Part 1 where we explored why profitable businesses still run into trouble because of cash flow. I...

21 Jan 16min

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