Blog

Plain-English notes on AI, software and automation for UK businesses: what's changed, and what to do about it.

A software renewal dashboard listing subscriptions with seat usage and keep, cut back and build tags, a renewal calendar and a small custom portal. A software renewal dashboard listing subscriptions with seat usage and keep, cut back and build tags, a renewal calendar and a small custom portal.
Bespoke software vs off-the-shelf

Your next software renewal is a build-or-buy decision: how to make it

SaaS prices are rising quietly through tier shuffles, AI add-ons and ending grandfathered plans. Here's how UK SMEs can use each renewal to decide whether to keep, cut back or build.

5 min read

A code review dashboard: three red findings move into a short fix-first list, the rest fade into a grey pile, beside padlock and key checks. A code review dashboard: three red findings move into a short fix-first list, the rest fade into a grey pile, beside padlock and key checks.
Taking over AI-built or inherited software

Taking over an AI-built or inherited app? Triage first, fix second

AI scanners can list an inherited app's flaws in an afternoon, but deciding which ones matter is the hard part. Here's a triage-first plan for owning, securing and stabilising AI-built or agency-built software.

5 min read

A CRM window with an AI panel drafting a follow-up email, beside checks for consent, an authenticated domain and a hand-to-team button. A CRM window with an AI panel drafting a follow-up email, beside checks for consent, an authenticated domain and a hand-to-team button.
Lead nurturing and automation

Before AI follows up your leads: consent, deliverability and handover

CRM vendors are adding AI agents that write and send follow-ups. Before you switch one on, make sure your emails are lawful, reach the inbox and hand leads to a person at the right moment.

5 min read

An admin dashboard with an AI spending gauge and limit slider, a list of AI tools with owners, and an AI agent card with an email and permission toggles. An admin dashboard with an AI spending gauge and limit slider, a list of AI tools with owners, and an AI agent card with an email and permission toggles.
AI adoption for small businesses

AI is moving to pay-as-you-go: how to control the bill before December

Microsoft is making usage-based billing the default for new Copilot Business licences from 1 December, while Anthropic and Google push cheaper models and AI agents. Here's what it means for UK SMEs and what to do now.

6 min read