Nationally, two in three small business owners (66%) said they are working on initiatives to secure growth in the future – with year-on-year rises in the percentage of enterprises focusing on keeping fixed costs down (62%, up from 58% last year), improving cashflow (34%, up from 31%) and managing late payment (26%, up from 24%). Other growth projects that small business owners are prioritising include: investing in new equipment (16%), expanding into new overseas markets (16%), hiring new staff (15%) and reassessing their funding arrangements (13%).

Significantly, the Novuna Business Finance data reveals that 69% of those small businesses that forecast contraction between July and September are working on growth plans in an attempt to turn around their growth forecasts in the final months of the year. The percentage of contracting businesses working on turnaround plans stands at a four-year high.

By industry sector, small business owners in manufacturing (84%), media (75%), construction (73%) and retail (71%) are most likely to be working on new growth initiatives – with figures all up on this time last year. Across 11 industry sectors surveyed, there has been a year-on-year increase in the percentage of small businesses working on initiatives to secure future growth.

Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance commented: “After a very challenging summer trading period, which saw small business growth outlook fall to a record low, this research may offer hope of improving business confidence heading into the autumn months. The data conveys a real sense of resilience across the SME community. Even at a time when market conditions have  been challenging, two in three are taking steps to strengthen their business for the future. The fact that so many businesses experiencing contraction over the summer are investing time and resources to improve their outlook presents a basis for confidence for the months ahead.

“Many small businesses are focusing on measures to manage late payments and to protect cash flow, whilst others are investing in new machinery and looking at efficiency gains that can help improve profitability. At Novuna Business Finance, we continue  to support established businesses by helping them finance essential assets, enabling them to preserve cash flow and ease pressure on other areas of their budget. Taking a flexible approach gives small businesses greater scope to plan ahead and invest in opportunities that power future growth.”

Novuna Business Finance provides funding solutions to SMEs and large businesses across the UK, including asset finance, stocking finance, block discounting and sustainable project finance. 

SHEFFIELD, England — 22 August 2026 — Michael “Mick” O’Neil Brown, a Sheffield-born former plasterer with no previous software-development experience, has launched an iPhone app designed to help people incorporate short, manageable movement breaks into everyday life.

Mick, who turns 62 on 1 October, grew up around Sheffield’s Hyde Park Flats. He delivered newspapers there and worked in a local shop as a teenager, attended City School, and spent ten years working as a plasterer before leaving Sheffield for Canada at 27.

His new app, HeyUp: Daily Movement Breaks, takes its name from the familiar Yorkshire greeting. Although Mick spent more than 30 years in Canada and now lives in Thailand with his wife, Darlene, his connection to Sheffield has remained strong. His mother still lives in the city.

The Yorkshire identity is also built into the experience. When a movement break is ready, users can choose a spoken “Ey up!” alert, in addition to a gentle chime or a silent on-screen notification.

A practical idea born from experience

HeyUp was inspired by Mick’s experience of getting older and finding practical ways to remain active without always relying on a gym. In his mid-50s, he noticed that he was gaining weight and losing muscle. He became increasingly conscious of the role strength can play in mobility, confidence and independence later in life.

Part of the idea developed while Mick and Darlene were staying in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, without access to a gym. They exercised together using bodyweight movements such as push-ups, sit-ups and squats. By remaining consistent and gradually completing more repetitions, Mick noticed himself becoming stronger.

During a later hotel stay, they added another element: a phone timer prompting them to stop periodically for a short round of movement. That combination—accessible exercises, regular reminders, gradual progress and accountability—became the foundation of HeyUp.

Turning screen time into move time

HeyUp is designed around three familiar situations: watching television, working from home and going about daily life. Users choose their situation, how frequently they want a movement reminder and how long they want the overall session to continue. They then select an exercise and a manageable repetition target.

Options include wall push-ups, knee push-ups, squats, seated squats, seated leg raises and seated arm raises. No gym, weights or specialist equipment are required. The app uses the iPhone camera to count completed repetitions and records progress without requiring the user to count manually. Body-pose detection happens privately on the device; camera footage is not recorded, stored or uploaded.

A person watching a two-hour film, for example, could complete two wall push-ups every 30 minutes. That would add eight intentional repetitions to time that might otherwise have been completely sedentary. Someone completing five repetitions every 30 minutes during a four-hour session would accumulate 40 repetitions.

A first-time founder, assisted by AI

Mick first considered the idea more than a year ago. The original concept focused entirely on television and carried the working name FlexFlix. He assumed that turning it into a real app would require a substantial budget and a conventional development team. Rapid advances in generative AI and “vibe coding” changed what appeared possible.

Codex and Claude helped generate and refine the code while Mick supplied the concept, product decisions, direction and testing, and worked through Apple’s development process. He created a working version in approximately one intensive week.

After moving to Canada, Mick’s career included telecommunications sales with Bell Canada and work as a realtor. More recently, he has pursued projects involving entrepreneurship, apps, AI and digital marketing. He jokingly refers to his habit of learning online as attending “YouTube University”.

His route from Sheffield paperboy and plasterer to first-time app founder approaching 62 is part of the broader message he wants HeyUp to represent.

Availability and pricing

HeyUp launched on the Apple App Store on 26 July 2026. Its free plan provides three movement breaks every week indefinitely, with no subscription required. UK Pro pricing is £6.99 monthly or £39.99 annually. Through 31 August 2026, a limited-time Founder’s Lifetime purchase is available in the UK for £59.99, providing permanent Pro access with one payment rather than an ongoing subscription. A seven-day Pro trial is also available. App Store prices vary by country and region.

Download HeyUp: Daily Movement Breaks from the Apple App Store, or visit heyup.fit.

About HeyUp

HeyUp: Daily Movement Breaks is an iPhone wellness and movement-reminder app created by Sheffield-born founder Michael “Mick” O’Neil Brown. It helps users place short, equipment-free movement breaks into television time, home working and everyday routines. Users choose a schedule, exercise and repetition target; HeyUp provides reminders, counts repetitions using private on-device body-pose detection, and records progress. HeyUp is a general wellness app and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

The Japan Anti-Scam Alliance (JASA) is a public-private group launched on 26 August 2026 – supported by Big tech and the Japanese banks – to fight online fraud in Japan.

Speaking at the Anti-Scam Conference Japan 2026 – in session with the Yasuhiro Hanashi, Member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Research Commission on Public Order, Counter-Terrorism, and Cybercrime Countermeasures – GSE co-founder Lucien Taylor addressed delegates on the theme of international cross-sector co-operation, highlighting the GSE’s track record working on successful projects with law enforcement agencies, building a shared commitment to strengthening global public-private partnership against online scams. 

Supported by co-founder Google – and powered by Oxford Information Labs (OXIL) – the GSE brings together public and private sector organisations worldwide to share abuse data and threat signals in real time, enabling faster disruption of criminal activity. Tracking more than 1 Billion threat signals in real time, the GSE is a not-for-profit that allows its community members – including technology leaders such as Google, Meta and Microsoft – to pool intelligence and act at speed and scale. This global collaboration is designed to make online scams less profitable and less effective.

–Lucien Taylor, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at GSE comments: “Through GSE, we are building an international community with a shared commitment to advancing international information-sharing and collaboration – and this year’s Anti-Scam Conference in Japan was another step forward in this journey, and we look forward to working closely together with The Japan Anti-Scam Alliance (JASA), which will do much to replace fragmentation with a more joined-up approach to real-time data sharing and collaboration. The conference has done much to help build a strong cross-industry, private-public shield for the digital space and GSE will continue to work with its community members and partners to drive significant and decisive action that turns the tables on the scammers.”

For more information, visit: https://www.globalsignalexchange.org

• Research from Time Out and Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%’s new report indicates  that Gen Z and Millennials of legal drinking age are driving a major shift toward  more mindful, selective drinking habits, with 3 in 4 saying they now make  

everyday choices more intentionally3 

• Backed by over £1m of marketing investment that includes sampling, social,  influencer and retailer support, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Limone di Sicilia and  Arancia Rossa will bring more choice, distinctiveness and premiumisation to the  market 

Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%, the leading contributor to no and low-alcohol growth in the UK,4is  bringing more choice, distinctiveness and premiumisation to the market by launching two  flavoured alcohol-free beers in Sicilian lemon and Italian blood orange varieties – Limone di  Sicilia and Arancia Rossa.  

Positioned as a premium, stylish alternative to other alcohol-free beers, Peroni Nastro Azzurro  0.0% flavours are refreshing and uncompromising in taste, delivering a lively sip of Italy. With  new research commissioned by Asahi UK revealing that 92% of 18–27-year-olds and 89% of  millennials and would be likely to purchase a flavoured alcohol-free beer,5 Peroni Nastro  Azzurro 0.0% flavours tap directly into emerging demands of the modern consumer. 

Available in 4x330ml packs, with an RRP of £5.50, Limone di Sicilia (Sicilian lemon) and  Arancia Rossa (Italian blood orange) will be listed in selected Tesco stores from 24th February.  

The launch will be supported by over £1m of marketing investment, which includes social and  influencer activity, presence at events such as American Express presents BST Festival, and a  partnership with Time Out. 

According to Time Out x Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% ‘s new report, Gen Z and Millennials of  legal drinking age are driving a major shift toward more mindful, selective drinking habits, with 3  in 4 saying they now make everyday choices more intentionally. This behavioural shift is  transforming 0.0% drinking occasions, with younger consumers choosing alcohol‑free options  more often across dinners, picnics, social activities and wellness‑focused spaces. Crucially for  the category, taste is the #1 motivator for these drinkers and they are keen to try fruity, citrus‑led  0.0% lagers, highlighting a clear demand for premium, flavour‑forward alcohol‑free options.  These findings reinforce the opportunity for Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Limone di Sicilia and  Arancia Rossa as the brand continues to be at the forefront of the no‑ and low‑alcohol segment. 

Asahi UK will distribute over 500,000 samples to consumers via in-store activity, digital  promotions, a partnership with HelloFresh and by linking with new occasions, such as running  clubs. Consumers will also receive samples, offers and discounts via the Club Peroni loyalty  programme.  

Moderation remains one of the most important UK household consumption priorities, with 54%  of drinkers moderating their alcohol consumption.6 Health, keeping things balanced, and flavour  are the top three category drivers for consumers choosing alcohol-free beer.

Rob Hobart, Marketing Director for Asahi UK, said: “The launch of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%  Limone di Sicilia and Arancia Rossa represents a step-change for flavoured alcohol-free beer in  the UK and marks our commitment as a globally recognised brand in driving the alcohol-free  category forward.” 

“With Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% generating a price premium of +21% vs the wider category,8 we know that the brand is the right choice for retailers who are looking to drive sales and profits  from alcohol-free, the fastest-growing segment of the beer market 9.” 

The alcohol-free beer category appeals to all legal drinking age groups. However, Gen Z and  Millennials demonstrate more habitual consumption of alcohol-free beer, with over 40% of  consumers drinking it on a weekly basis. Consumer sentiment toward flavoured alcohol-free  beer is highly positive, with 77% of overall consumers indicating they are likely to purchase, and  interest strongest among younger consumer generations. Therefore, the launch of Peroni  Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Limone di Sicilia and Arancia Rossa represents a compelling opportunity  to bring innovation to the category, engaging a diverse range of drinkers and establishing new  consumption rituals.10

Tracking research from Novuna Business Finance reveals significant downturns in growth forecasts across the construction (15%), retail (21%) and hospitality (21%) sectors. Whilst small business growth forecasts rose modestly in the north west, they fell in every other region of England and Wales – with the position flat in Scotland. 

Further, the July-September figures from Novuna Business Finance mark the first time since the UK went into Covid lockdown that the percentage of small businesses contracting or struggling to survive (24%) has matched the proportion predicting growth (24%).

The Business Barometer tracking study from Novuna Business Finance goes beyond general feelings of confidence and, instead, every quarter tracks the percentage of small business owners that forecast tangible business growth over a three-month period.

The sector picture: There was a mixed picture on small business growth forecasts across industry sectors. Whilst manufacturing, transport and IT recorded quarter-on-quarter rises in growth outlook, there were significant falls elsewhere. In the construction sector, the percentage of small businesses predicting growth almost halved to 15% and there were also sharp falls for enterprises in the hospitality and retail sectors – ruling out the likelihood of a much-needed ‘feel-good’ bounce from the World Cup and hot weather.

Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance comments: “Following a quarter-on-quarter slide in small business growth forecasts during 2025, this year promised hope of recovery – with the percentage of small businesses forecasting growth edging up to 28% by the Spring. However, the fall to 24% this quarter is a setback and (excepting the quarter when the UK went into the first Covid lockdown) growth forecasts now stand at their lowest level since the Business Barometer study began in 2014.”

“At Novuna Business Finance, we remain committed to supporting established businesses as they plan for the future, helping them invest in long-term opportunities that can drive growth, improve operational efficiency and strengthen cash flow. Whilst small business outlook is cautious, the community continues to demonstrate strong resilience. Now is the time for everyone to support SMEs with what they need to create jobs and drive future economic growth.”

LONDON, and BLUE BELL, Pa., Aug. 26, 2026 – Scopism and Unisys (NYSE: UIS) have released a new white paper, “The Global Rise of Selective Service Integration: Why the Service Integration and Management Model is Evolving.” The paper highlights an emerging trend: organizations are strategically applying integration principles selectively. By applying only where they deliver the most value, organizations can build responsive and powerful ecosystems fit for the future. 

Recognizing a shift in how organizations design, implement and operate service integration across increasingly complex, multi-supplier ecosystems, Unisys partnered with Scopism to examine evolving service integration operating models. The findings draw on a global survey of more than 5,000 SIAM professionals across the UK, Europe, Australia, Asia and the Middle East.

Key findings include:

• Only 6% of organizations have adopted a fully integrated Service Integration and Management (SIAM) model spanning all services and suppliers, and only 12% operate under a fully outsourced SIAM provider model. 
• Close to half of organizations (44%) apply service integration selectively to specific domains, suppliers, or processes.
• Control is shifting inward, with 52% of organizations retaining the service integrator role in-house.

The white paper reveals that integrative capabilities are being built into tooling via cloud platforms, automation and AI. AI-driven automation turns performance data into trend-level insights, helping organizations proactively identify risk, improve service quality and support continuous improvement across increasingly complex ecosystems. This allows organizations to adopt a ‘just enough’ SIAM approach, creating streamlined governance models tailored to their supplier-specific operational requirements.  

“Early SIAM models were based around an ‘all or nothing’ approach,” said Claire Agutter, CEO and founder, Scopism. “What we’re seeing now shows SIAM thinking has matured dramatically. It’s no longer a question of whether to adopt SIAM, but how to apply it effectively and pragmatically. Organizations recognize the value of SIAM principles, but they can choose the level and scope of integration that meets their requirements. Selective Service Integration (SSI) reflects the industry’s push for smarter, more practical solutions that align with their own operational needs.” 

Advantages for organizations embracing SSI capabilities:

• Greater agility to adapt to market changes at speed.
• Reduced cost and complexity by avoiding unnecessary integration overhead.
• Improved risk management through automation, AI and focused control over critical service areas. 

“As businesses navigate constant change, SSI isn’t just a new trend; it’s the future of service management taking shape,” said Karl Brandt, senior vice president and general manager, Global Delivery Operations, Unisys. “With a more targeted approach, core integration principles can focus on services or suppliers that need it most, rather than a blanket overhaul. We’re excited to be at the forefront of this shift, helping our clients build service ecosystems that are integrated, as well as tailored and flexible.”

SSI represents an evolution in how SIAM is adopted, upholding the fundamental principles of strong governance, collaboration and end-to-end accountability while enabling businesses to select their integration approach.

Scopism surveyed its global SIAM community of more than 5,000 professionals across customer organizations, service providers, consultancies and public-sector organizations. The research explored service integration adoption, key drivers and emerging trends. Survey findings were complemented by 10 practitioner interviews across the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Asia and the Middle East.

Download the Scopism and Unisys white paper. https://bit.ly/Scopism-Unisys-Whitepaper

About Scopism

Scopism is the global home of Service Integration and Management (SIAM) best practice. We help organizations design, implement and improve SIAM through independent guidance, advisory services, training, research and practical resources. Our portfolio includes the SIAM Body of Knowledge, the online SIAM community, professional learning, global research and the Scopism SIAM Directory, connecting customer organizations with trusted SIAM partners and experts. Our mission is to advance SIAM worldwide by sharing knowledge, building capability and supporting better outcomes in complex, multi-provider service environments. Visit scopism.com or LinkedIn to learn more.

About Unisys

Unisys is a global technology solutions company that powers breakthroughs for the world’s leading organizations. Our solutions – cloud, AI, digital workplace, applications and enterprise computing – help our clients challenge the status quo and unlock their full potential. To learn how we have been helping clients push what’s possible for more than 150 years, visit unisys.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

After graduating from Northumbria University in 2024, Harry spent two years at a property consultancy working across the residential and commercial sectors before joining Lantern last month.

His previous experience spans a wide range of instructions including Level 2 and Level 3 Building Surveys, dilapidations, reinstatement cost assessments, pre-acquisition surveys and schedules of condition.

Commenting on his new role, Harry said: “I was attracted to Lantern by the variety of work, with portfolio instructions, professional services and project work all being undertaken.

“Lantern’s founders Martin and Alex were also a big factor, as throughout the interview process it was clear they have a genuine passion for building surveying, which has definitely carried through into working here.”

Since joining Lantern, Harry has already become involved in a broad range of projects including the conversion of a former bank into a post office with two flats above and acting as employer’s agent on the conversion of another former bank into a snooker hall.

Harry is targeting Chartered status in 2027, with ambitions to build on his experience and take ownership of his own projects. Commenting on his first impressions of the firm, he added: “My first few weeks at Lantern have been really positive. The team has a great atmosphere, and everyone is approachable and willing to share their knowledge, whether that’s discussing building defects, contracts or technical challenges.”

Looking ahead to the wider building surveying sector, Harry expects sustainability to remain a major focus: “With the requirement for commercially let buildings over 1,000m² to achieve a minimum EPC rating of B by 2031, I expect we’ll see an increasing number of projects centred around improving building fabric, upgrading mechanical systems and enhancing overall energy performance.”

Lantern’s team has also been strengthened by the promotion of Max Bertin who has been made associate director after joining the firm last autumn. Commenting on the firm’s growth, director Martin Smith, said: “Recruiting talented individuals who want to develop their building surveying careers is fundamental to our growth plan. We are delighted to welcome Harry to the firm and to recognise Max’s positive impact since joining us last year with a well-deserved promotion.”

Lantern Building Consultancy works with property owners, occupiers and investors across the UK, advising on everything from building condition and design through to construction management.

The towns, cities and regions across the UK that score highest and lowest for their food hygiene ratings have been revealed, thanks to a report from leading online training provider High Speed Training.

The report, which analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for almost 240,000 food businesses across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, found that across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the average food hygiene rating from analysed businesses was 4.57.

A similar report run in 2025 by High Speed Training calculated the score at 4.56, showing that food hygiene standards have slightly improved in recent years, with 88% of businesses scoring a 4 or 5, and 72% scooping top marks.

The top-scoring region was the South West, with an average rating of 4.69 from over 21,000 premises. This was followed by the North East (4.66), Northern Ireland (4.65) and the East Midlands (4.64). The 2025 report placed the South West top (4.67), with the North East and Northern Ireland joint second (both 4.64), and the East Midlands fourth (4.63).

Across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, 501 premises scored a zero, with 25,503 (11.7%) premises scoring a 3 or below. The most common rating scored by businesses was 5, with 72% of all premises across England, Northern Ireland and Wales scoring top marks.

London had the lowest average rating in the study, as it did in 2025, with a score of 4.39. However, London had by far the most establishments, with almost 37,000 premises contributing to the rating. The capital also increased its rating from 2025, by 0.01.

The East Counties town of Ipswich and North West seaside town Southport topped the individual rankings, with a highly impressive 4.92 out of 5, closely followed by Chichester (4.91), Stockton-on-Tees (4.86), and Lincoln (4.85).

The bottom three towns were Bolton (4.03), Walsall (4.03) and Wigan (4.06).

However, if London boroughs were counted as separate towns, they would claim the three bottom spots in the country – Ealing: 3.91, Newham: 3.94, Waltham Forest: 3.97.

The biggest improver was Salisbury (4.66), which improved its rating by 0.19, placing it 19th in the overall rankings. The biggest faller was Burton upon Trent (4.39), which saw its rating drop by a UK-wide high of 0.30, placing it 42nd in the overall rankings.

High Speed Training’s report also found that 1 in 5 takeaways (19.5%) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland scored a 3 or below for their food hygiene rating.

In big cities, this number rose significantly. In Birmingham (37%), Liverpool (37%), and Manchester (26%), the numbers were noticeably higher.

All in all, 501 premises scored a 0, and 3,309 scored just a 1 for their rating.

High Speed Training’s report is now in its 5th consecutive year, and over this time, average ratings across England, Wales and Northern Ireland have increased, from an average of 4.49 in 2022 to 4.58 in 2026. The average rating rose each year, apart from 2024, when it fell slightly to 4.47.

All but one of the analysed regions improved their rating from 2022 to 2026, with the West Midlands and the North East sharing the biggest increase in average rating, a rise of 0.10. 

The only region to record a drop in average rating over the 5-year period was Northern Ireland, dropping by 0.04, though it is worth noting that Northern Ireland has been a strong performer in the context of all the regions analysed, taking the top region spot twice and never dropping out of the top 3 since 2022.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is a partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that was launched in 2010. Following regular inspections, ratings are devised based on the standard of food handling hygiene, the physical condition of the premises and facilities and food safety management practices. These ratings are then made available on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website and are usually visible from outside of the premises, often presented in a window near the entrance.

In Wales and Northern Ireland, it is compulsory for businesses to display their food hygiene rating. However, in England it is currently just considered best practice.

Dr Richard Anderson, Director of Learning at High Speed Training, said: “Food safety and robust hygiene practices should be of paramount importance to food businesses, and to the customers who use them. Over the last 5 years, we have seen trends broadly improve across the whole of the UK, which is a really positive sign. These ratings are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically an establishment operates, and we urge businesses and customers to take them seriously.

“For businesses that perform well, a high rating is a real selling point. However, establishments with a low hygiene rating can be extremely off-putting for customers, and may have a significant impact on reputation and profitability.”

“Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have improved from 2025. This commitment to correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to not only performing well as a business, but attracting and retaining customers.

“We would urge customers to always check the food hygiene ratings of establishments they wish to dine at, as it allows them to make an informed decision when choosing where to eat.”

To view the report in full, and to see how your area compares to others, please click here

1. It can give you your time back

2. It broadens your thinking 

3. It accelerates learning

4. It helps people play to their strengths

5. It raises the standard

1. People connect with people 

2. Judgement belongs to humans

3. Authenticity matters

4. AI is rubbish at asking good questions

5. Leadership is about courage, not convenience

The data reframes what fraud risk actually looks like. It is not a demographic profile – it is a situational one. More than one in four people who consider themselves impulsive (26%) have experienced attempted scams. The same is true for people going through a major life change (23%) – such as a divorce, a house move or the arrival of a new baby – and those with a gambling problem (29%). Across every group, the pattern is the same: disruption, distraction and dependency create the gaps that scammers exploit.

Carolina Caeiro, Director of Policy at OXIL Research said: “The fraud conversation has been stuck on the wrong question for years. We keep asking who is targeted, and the answer we assume is older people on their own. But our research shows the real question is when. When someone is exhausted, financially pressured, going through a break-up or managing a dependency, their ability to pause and question what’s in front of them drops. That’s not a character flaw. That’s a human condition. And it’s exactly what modern scams are built to exploit.”

Of those who acknowledged that situational factors had affected their ability to spot a scam, tiredness and lack of sleep was the single most cited factor at 29%. Financial worry came second at 22%, followed by having a hectic work-life balance at 21%. Nationally, 81% of people aged 18-29 acknowledged that situational factors had played a role in making them more vulnerable, compared to a national average of 62%.

The OXIL research also identifies the specific types of scam that map onto specific situations. People going through a house-move are disproportionately targeted by urgency-based scams involving fake deadlines, fines and demands. Those with a gambling problem are more than twice as likely to encounter fake romance scams. People in financial difficulty are drawn towards get-rich-quick schemes and cash prize fraud at rates well above the national average.

Alice Taylor, senior scam and fraud researcher at OXIL Research adds: “This research matters for how fraud intelligence is built and applied. Tackling scammers is not about telling victims what they could have done differently, how they could have educated themselves, or leaving them to blame themselves. Instead, we need organisations across sectors to do more to safeguard people. We are developing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Training on Safeguarding Adults Against Scams and Fraud. This will enable practitioners from law enforcement, healthcare, and social services to add scam and fraud awareness to their existing safeguarding frameworks.”

The OXIL research found that 89% of people have received what they believe to be a scam attempt. Among the groups most likely to be targeted are those with linguistic disabilities (35%), parents of pre-school-age children (23%) and people who have recently been through a bereavement (21%).

OXIL’s Research team has recently published a report, with support from Google.org, setting out a new paradigm for scam prevention, based on safeguarding – a mature framework widely used in health, education, and social care. For more information, visit: 

https://oxil.uk/news/large-scale-ai-analysis-of-scam-signals-calls-for-safeguarding-approach-to-scam-prevention

Oxford Information Labs (OXIL) is a UK-based cyber intelligence and consultancy firm specialising in cyber security and digital policy, bespoke research, data analysis software design, data mining, and assistive technology. OXIL owns the Global Signal Exchange (GSE), the world’s first global, multi-stakeholder and cross-sector clearing house for threat signals. GSE was launched in January 2025 with co-founder Google. Working with global partners worldwide, the GSE provides real-time insights into the supply chains delivering scams, fraud and other forms of cybercrime. By merging as many data sources as possible, GSE makes the facilitators of cybercrime more visible.

For more information, visit: https://www.globalsignalexchange.org