// NEWS //
Aon launches dedicated advisory solution for growing UK businesses
that the intellectual property( IP) of a growing business is often its most valuable asset.
Aon’ s Accelerate Programme goes beyond simply the provision of insurance. Using the full power of Aon’ s global solutions, the Accelerate Programme provides scale-ups with comprehensive risk and insurance advice and helps business leaders manage and mitigate the risks that can threaten to slow or curtail their business plans.
Aon, a leading global professional services firm, has announced the launch of its Accelerate Programme, a new service specifically designed to provide growing businesses in the UK with comprehensive risk and insurance advice.
Aon’ s Accelerate Programme has been designed with technology start-ups and scale-ups in mind. Acknowledging the special requirements of those unleashing the power of Artificial Intelligence( AI) and automation, the new service recognises
Steve Wilson, Head of Aon’ s Accelerate Programme, said:“ We know that entrepreneurs at start-ups and rapidly growing businesses are hugely confident and ambitious, and that an element of risk – often high – is unavoidable if they are to realise their growth potential. When operating in hi-tech and innovative environments such as AI, there are possible risks – especially around IP which is vulnerable to theft and infringement – and these can threaten the future viability of a business.
“ Aon’ s Accelerate Programme acknowledges and addresses this challenge. It is delivered by a dedicated team that is highly experienced in both the technology sector and in working with growing organisations. We are here to remove obstacles to growth and to protect the liquidity assets of a business as it develops.”
UK losing two pubs and restaurants a day
New figures from CGA by NIQ and AlixPartners show the
UK hospitality sector lost 374 venues in the first half of 2025, with net closures averaging two a day. The data highlights ongoing pressures on pubs, restaurants and cafés, particularly independent operators working to tight margins.
George Holmes, Managing Director of business finance specialist, Aurora Capital, said:“ This is yet more evidence of what happens when policy decisions are made without understanding the pressure small businesses are already under.
“ Pubs, restaurants and cafés operate on some of the tightest margins in the economy. Adding billions in new wage costs overnight, without meaningful business rates reform or sector-specific relief, has pushed hundreds of viable firms over the edge.
“ The rise in employer National Insurance is especially damaging. Small operators are now paying tax on the wages of part time staff who were previously exempt. For many independents, this is the tipping point between survival and shutdown.
“ The Treasury talks up things like pavement pints and draught duty cuts, but none of that helps in reality. The tax burden on hospitality has never been higher, and if urgent action isn’ t taken soon, the UK risks hollowing out its high streets for good.”
Intelligent SME. tech
9