THE PULSE
Stay updated with the latest news and features in the world of reputation management and technology. Dive into articles on reputation enhancement, the application of technological innovations, data science in strategic decision-making, and impactful branding. Gain valuable knowledge to boost your ROI and ROE through expert tips and industry updates.
Expanding Your SME’s Reach in Asia (Q4 2025 Update)
The Asian market remains an important player for UK SMEs. Read what has changed with tariffs and volatility and discover
Remote-First Teams: A Strategy for SME Growth
Remote-first work is transforming SMEs, unlocking global talent, lowering costs, and turning flexibility into a powerful growth strategy.
The Power of Computational Intelligence: Transforming Technology
Imagine a world where every decision is illuminated by advanced analytics; a future where data-driven insights guide us toward a
Looking Ahead to 2026: New and International Markets for SMEs
The four key steps for sustainable growth in 2026: understand your market, build your digital strategy, establish your network and
Brand Differentiation: A Key Driver for Growth
Brand differentiation drives 57% of future growth by setting trends and commanding premium pricing. U.K. retailers must embrace bold differentiation
Focus on Scotland: Why Scottish Cheese Economy Must Look East
Focus on Scotland: Scotland is not only whisky. We Analyse the world of Scottish Cheese and the Internationalisation Potential.
How to Identify Opportunities for Innovation in 2026
Innovation remains key for SMEs in 2026—but it’s not what you think. Practical tips inside.
Shifting Trade Winds: The New Global Trade Order
Global trade is being reconfigured. For SMEs, agility, proximity and collaboration now matter more than scale and reach.
Focus on Scotland: Who Really Benefits from a Tourist Tax?
Scotland weighs tourist levies: fair funding for roads and heritage, or extra burden on families, microbusinesses, and rural communities?
Shifting Trade Winds: Global Ripple Effects and Implications for UK and EU SMEs
Global trade imbalances are reshaping opportunities and risks for UK SMEs. This article explores how shifting surpluses, deficits and policy
Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses – September 2025
Discover SME funding opportunities this September, plus news on NorthStar’s festival sponsorship and Scottish Enterprise Awards nomination.
Shifting Trade Winds: What Next for SMEs?
Global trade faces turbulence, but it is not vanishing, it is transforming. SMEs that diversify markets, localise supply chains, and
Focus on Scotland: Whisky and Heritage drive the economy
NorthStar Consulting’s UK Food & Beverage division supports Scotland’s whisky industry and heritage tourism with strategic know-how, helping SMEs and
How Small Businesses Can Achieve Global Success: Balancing Market Fit and Culture Fit
Expanding your small business internationally is exciting—but tricky. Success comes from balancing market fit and culture fit. Learn how to
From August 29, 2025, the US ends the de minimis exemption, meaning parcels under $800 are now subject to tariffs.
Hospitality and Scotland in 2025: Challenges & Opportunities
Scottish hospitality businesses are under pressure in 2025, with rising costs, labour shortages, and seasonal dips testing resilience. From hotels
July in Review: Focus on Commercialisation
A July 2025 recap: What agile SMEs across Europe and Asia are getting right about commercialisation and the cultural blind
Programmatic Advertising Updates: What’s new
Discover how AI, rising ad costs, and new privacy laws are reshaping marketing in 2025–2026. Get the full report free
Scaling SMEs: Your Ultimate Autumn 2025 Guide
Discover the key tax, regulatory, and international updates UK SMEs must know for Q3–Q4 2025. From NIC rises to EU
How SMEs can Price Like a Premium Brand: Key Opportunities
Learn how consumer-facing SMEs can build a premium brand without alienating customers. Go beyond price with smart design, story, and
Grow Your SME with Subscription Revenue: Proven Strategies & Deliver Results
Discover how subscription models help SMEs turn unpredictable cash flow into stable income, deepen customer loyalty, and unlock growth through
SMEs in the US: Challenges and Opportunities
In our latest article we explore the state of U.S. SMEs in 2025: key growth trends, struggling sectors, digital strategies,
SME Investment Opportunities in the UK and EU: What’s Next?
UK SMEs are driving growth as investment shifts toward AI, clean tech, and digital infrastructure. Backed by funding and incentives,
Tiny Home Market: Growth Strategies and Opportunities for SMEs
Explore SME strategies for success in the tiny home market—trends, revenue models & growth tactics. Read the latest analysis in
The UK’s Africa Pivot: SME Growth, Trade, and Innovation
Discover how the UK’s Africa strategy drives SME growth through inclusive trade, innovation, and partnerships in agritech, digital, and green
Prototyping Made Easy for Non-Tech Creators
Validate your non-tech product idea with a practical prototyping guide for creators—ideal for jewellery, artisan goods, and boutique brands.
Authenticity in the AI Era: Practical Trust-Building Tips for Small Businesses
SMEs face a paradox: AI delivers efficiency, yet customers crave human connection. By blending transparent AI use, ethical frameworks, and
Venture Capital for SMEs in 2025: A Positive First Half of the Year with a Surge in Funding
Global venture capital surged to £95B in H1 2025, led by mega AI deals and fintech growth. SMEs thrive through
Will UK SMEs Dominate or Struggle in Aug–Dec 2025?
UK SMEs face cautious consumers, slow spending growth, and regulatory hurdles. Modest optimism persists, with resilient discretionary spending and potential
The New Automotive Revolution: Vision, Agility, and Authenticity
The automotive industry is transforming rapidly, driven by electrification, digital innovation, and shifting consumer values—reshaping global markets, redefining luxury, and
Global Trade Slowdown? Here’s How SMEs Can Stay Competitive
As global trade contracts, SMEs must pivot fast, leveraging trade diversion, multi-hub sourcing, and data-driven resilience to seize niche opportunities,
Circular Economy & ESG: Trends for Small Companies
Discover how circular economy is changing and what it means for SMEs. Learn bold, forward-thinking strategies to future-proof your business.