SME AI Hiring Boost: A US House Small Business Committee heard that small firms using AI are not cutting jobs—most report growing headcount as AI helps staff focus on higher-value work. Cybersecurity Pressure on SMBs: A phishing-as-a-service operation (“Kratos”) is targeting Microsoft 365 users across Europe and beyond, putting small businesses and public bodies at risk. Public Procurement Subcontracting: EU plans to overhaul procurement rules face calls to curb deep subcontracting layers in construction, arguing it harms micro-firms and accountability. UK Growth Mix for SMEs: UK output growth is weak and uneven, with services (where many SMEs operate) doing most of the work while production and construction lag. UK Business Rates Debate: Incoming PM Andy Burnham’s tax talk spotlights business rates reform, with potential knock-on effects for high-street and warehouse-heavy firms. EU Funding for Water & Entrepreneurs: The EU backs Jordan’s National Water Carrier with up to €1.6bn, including support for a digital hub and small enterprises. SME Finance Expansion: Bizcap expands into the US with fast funding for qualifying small and medium businesses. UK Aerospace R&D Investment: The UK’s AMRC opened a £54m composites facility to scale aerospace manufacturing—aimed at jobs, investment, and faster production. EU-India Trade Momentum: India-UK CETA takes effect with broad tariff cuts and duty-free access, plus social security relief for professionals. EU-Jordan Partnership: The same EU package ties infrastructure and green transition goals to jobs and entrepreneurship support. EU GSP+ Spotlight: An EU report says Pakistan used GSP+ effectively in 2024, supporting labour-intensive exports like textiles and food. MSME Cooperation Talks: India and Poland discussed deeper MSME collaboration on tech, innovation, and enterprise development.