Email scams using fake credentials become a growing problem for UK businesses

A supply chain attack called TrapDoor is spreading credential-stealing malware through popular code libraries used by developers. If your business uses software built with npm, PyPI or Crates packages – which a lot of web development teams do – you need to know about this. The good news is simple: npm has just added two-factor authentication (2FA) gates to stop attackers uploading malicious code in the first place.

What this means for you: if your developers use code libraries, ask them to enable 2FA on their npm accounts this week – it’s free and takes five minutes.

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Free AI writing tool helps small business owners write emails faster

OpenAI has expanded its AI capabilities – and the practical takeaway for you is this: modern AI tools are now genuinely useful for everyday business writing. Your team can use ChatGPT (free version is fine) to draft customer emails, proposal outlines, or meeting notes in minutes instead of an hour. It won’t replace your judgment – but it’ll handle the blank-page problem and save you thinking time.

What this means for you: try using ChatGPT to draft your next customer email – prompt it with what you want to say and it’ll give you a solid first draft to edit.

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How UK businesses should prepare for stricter AI regulation

Regulators worldwide – including the UK – are tightening rules on how businesses use AI. IMDA (the Singapore regulator) has updated its AI framework, and similar thinking is coming here. The practical point: if you’re using AI tools with customer data, you need to know what you’re doing with it. Document which tools you use and why – it’s not bureaucracy, it’s protection.

What this means for you: if your team uses AI tools, keep a simple note of which ones and what data goes into them – this is your audit trail if regulators ask questions.

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Government backs £600m apprenticeship push to tackle UK skills shortage

The government has committed £600m to create 60,000 new apprenticeship places – which means if you’re short-staffed, you have a real option. Apprenticeships aren’t just cheaper than hiring experienced people – you get a trained, loyal team member who knows your business inside out. It’s a genuine investment, not just a quick fix.

What this means for you: if you’re struggling to fill roles, look at apprenticeships – they’re subsidised, give you time to train someone properly, and often work out cheaper than hiring at market rates.

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Manage Right Top Tip

Enable 2FA on your code libraries this week

If your team uses npm packages for web development, two-factor authentication is now available and free. Ask them to turn it on – it blocks the kind of malicious code uploads that TrapDoor uses. Five minutes of work now saves you potential chaos later.