In this HLB insights article as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we deep-dive into why people are your most important security control and how businesses can build ongoing training and awareness programmes to help reinforce a more people-centric security strategy.
The changing landscape of cybersecurity
Medium-sized businesses are an ideal target for cybercriminals: they have access to valuable data and operations without the extensive security infrastructure of large enterprises. So what can mid-market businesses do to better prepare for the latest cybersecurity challenges? The first step is awareness; understanding the threats.
Three major market shifts reshaping industries in 2025
Major market forces are redefining competitive landscapes in 2025; nowhere is this more apparent than in sectors like food and beverages, real estate, and manufacturing. The structural shifts happening in each of these industries could have profound implications for businesses — far more so than predictable cyclical swings.
Euro 2024’s sustainability playbook is reshaping corporate ESG strategies
There are not many credible and scalable ESG models to follow that also comply with stricter regulations and pass investor scrutiny. However, the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament offers an inspirational case study from top to bottom. Here, we explore the roadmap tournament organisers generated that could help forward-thinking businesses.
Turn mandatory CSRD reporting into a competitive advantage
2028 is the deadline for one of the biggest business reporting upheavals in EU history. Companies will be required to publish detailed sustainability reports under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). CSRD presents an unprecedented opportunity to differentiate your business from the competition.
AI and the end of manual property management
Property businesses cannot rely as much on manual processes and reactive decision-making as they once did. Instead, they need to stay up to date with current tech trends, such as AI-driven management systems. By reducing operating costs and handling mundane tasks, this switch can allow employees to focus on high-value activities instead.
Why agribusiness leaders are competing with tech giants for skilled workers
The agricultural industry has encountered many challenges in the past few years, but is now facing a new threat to talent. As with most sectors, farming has become more digitised. These new technologies require specialists on staff, with agribusiness now competing against the global tech giants of the world for new hires.
How tariff chaos creates opportunities for nimble companies
It is said that in the middle of every crisis, there’s an opportunity. This philosophy could certainly apply to the current tariff chaos businesses around the world are experiencing. While varying tariff rates are bandied about like playthings, mid-market company leaders can quietly position their organisations to capitalise on the strategic opportunities ahead.
Why raising prices could actually help increase customer loyalty in the hospitality industry
Strategic price increases, if executed properly, can strengthen guest relationships. This provides hotels with a unique opportunity: to reframe their pricing strategy as an investment to deliver the exceptional experiences modern guests look for in areas such as personalisation, environmental friendliness, and contactless services.
A guide to auditing digital assets using different accounting standards
Forward-thinking companies around the world are actively using digital assets to shape their balance sheets, using a range of solutions – from cryptocurrencies to stablecoins. From an accounting point of view, digital assets can often create confusion. Learn how both IFRS and US GAAP accounting standards handle digital assets in this article.
Accounting for crypto assets under IFRS 18 versus FASB ASU 2023-08
Corporations are starting to wholeheartedly embrace cryptocurrencies. As these currencies are becoming integral to business operations, demand for clear and transparent financial reporting has come under the spotlight. It’s important to understand how IFRS 18 and the FASB Accounting Standards Update affect crypto asset accounting.
Employee Value Proposition: The essence of human centric leadership
Why should a talented individual choose to work at your organisation over anywhere else? HLB Chief People Officer Stephanie Rix delves into the pivotal role of an Employee Value Proposition (EVP), the risks of ignoring it, and provides a practical guide to crafting an impactful EVP.