Dux Advisory

16/07/2026

This week, our very own Shaun Brownsmith, was invited along to No. 10, by our Aylesbury MP, Laura Kyrke-Smith, to be part of a roundtable discussion that bought together other Bucks businesses to explore AI and digital adoption for SMEs.

On what was the anniversary of the Government's Small Business Strategy, a number of fellow businesses and Shaun joined Laura and Buckinghamshire Business First to discuss key issues and challenges faced in the journey to embracing the fast-moving world of AI and technology.

Amongst other topics, the group discussed how businesses move towards embedding AI into their operations and the challenges this presents. One of the biggest is ensuring our people have the skills to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. This is particularly important when training and developing young professionals, as traditional learning approaches can quickly become outdated. Like many SMEs in the accountancy sector, we recognise the long-term value of investing in early careers. However, balancing continuous technical and digital skills development with the time and resources needed to support new entrants remains a significant challenge, particularly when it can often be more cost-effective to recruit experienced returners or career changers than those taking their first steps into the profession.

The group also discussed how or if some similar commitment could be made to AI as it was with Cyber with the aim of ensuring a minimum benchmark for all businesses in the UK using AI with the possibility of local support to accelerate this journey for businesses across the UK through the already established growth hubs like Buckinghamshire Business First.

It was a great opportunity to share ideas and hear first-hand about the opportunities and challenges businesses are facing as technology continues to evolve. As advisors to SMEs, we see the importance of embracing innovation while ensuring businesses have the right support to make informed decisions.

Great to have been part of the conversation alongside so many innovative local businesses. Discussions like these are vital in helping shape policies that support growth, productivity and the long-term success of the UK's SME community.

16/07/2026

Thank you to Laura Kyrke-Smith MP for hosting yesterday's roundtable discussion, bringing together innovative Buckinghamshire businesses on the anniversary of the Government's Small Business Strategy to explore AI and digital adoption for SMEs.

The discussion highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses as they embrace new technology. With research showing that even a 1% increase in SME productivity could unlock around £3 billion for the UK economy, helping businesses adopt AI and digital tools has never been more important.

Thank you to Chandler Garvey, Bradbury Tracks, Red Helix, MA Group, Adroit, Dux Advisory and Polka Marketing for sharing their experiences and insights. Real-world business perspectives are essential in shaping policies that support growth, innovation and competitiveness.

19/06/2026

⚽️ We're delighted to announce that we'll be continuing as a strategic partner of Aylesbury United Football Club for the 2026/27 season.

Our relationship with the club goes beyond sponsorship. As a business committed to supporting local communities, we believe in the important role grassroots football plays in bringing people together, developing young talent, and creating opportunities both on and off the pitch.

Over the years, we've seen first-hand the passion, dedication and ambition that drives everyone involved with Aylesbury United, and we're delighted to continue supporting the club as it looks ahead to another exciting season.
We look forward to building on what we've achieved together and contributing to the club's ongoing success.

Read the full announcement here >>> https://duxadvisory.co.uk/category/latest-news/

Up the Ducks! 🦆

15/06/2026

Meet Dux! The Dux duck.

We’re taking part in the Bucks Radio duck race this year, so why not back us and be in with a chance of winning £200 cash and a year's membership to Aqua Vale Swimming & Fitness Centre.

🔗 Visit this link 👉https://www.bucks.radio/win-with-bucks-radio/aylesbury-duck-race/ to pick our duck and look out for the coverage on this virtual race on Friday 26th June!

10/06/2026

We were proud to sponsor and present the Team of the Year Award at the Berkhamsted Sports Hub Sporting Excellence Awards last week.

This was a new award for this season, recognising not only competitive success but also teamwork, commitment and positive impact within the local community.

These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, dedication and community spirit of athletes, coaches, volunteers and clubs across Berkhamsted, bringing together sporting talent from a wide range of local organisations.

It was a privilege to be part of an evening that showcased the incredible contribution sport makes to our community and to present an award that celebrates the very best of teamwork, support and sporting values.

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners, and thank you to Berkhamsted Sports Hub for organising such a fantastic event.

👉 You can read the full write up from BERKHAMSTED SPORTS GROUND CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION LIMITED here >>> https://www.bsgca.org/sporting-excellence-awards-2025-26/

Pictured here far right, Dux Advisory Director Ian Carter with members of the winning team Berkhamsted Raiders CFC U12 Whites! 👏 👏 👏

10/06/2026

15 years. Here's what Buckinghamshire Business First has built:

- 15,000+ members (from just 10 in 2011)
- £10m+ in grants awarded
- 2,500+ jobs created
- 1,000+ businesses supported through the Growth Programme
- £145m increase in turnover forecast
- 193,000 tonnes of CO₂e saved through sustainability support
- 1.2m tonnes saved across all programmes
- 109 new products/services launched in a single year
- 84% expect increased turnover
- 98% are taking action to grow

This is what 15 years of business, built together, looks like.

https://orlo.uk/FxTe2

04/06/2026

Will you be entering this years Buckinghamshire Business First "Bucks Business Awards"?

If you’ve already entered, congratulations. And if you’re thinking about it, then go for it!

We know the dedication, resilience and hard work that goes into leading a successful business, and taking the time to reflect on and share your achievements is an accomplishment in itself.

Whether you're shortlisted, named a finalist or take home an award, entering is an opportunity to celebrate your journey and showcase the impact you've made.

As sponsors of The Business Leader of the Year Award once again, we're looking forward to reading your stories, learning from your experiences and celebrating your achievements alongside the wider Buckinghamshire business community.

👉 Read the full article about why we are delighted to be sponsors for the third year running >>> https://bbf.uk.com/news/dux-advisory-sponsors-of-the-bucks-business-awards

31/05/2026

🌟 Calling all Buckinghamshire businesses! 🌟
Nominations are now open for the Buckinghamshire Business Awards 2026, which we are proud to support.

This is your opportunity to:
🏆 showcase your success
🏆 celebrate your team
🏆 raise your profile
🏆 gain recognition
🏆 connect with others
🏆 share your story

Submit your nomination today (link in comments).


Buckinghamshire Business First

21/05/2026

Entries for this year’s Bucks Business Awards are now open and we’re thrilled to be sponsoring the Business Leader of the Year award once again!

This award celebrates the standout leaders making serious moves in business - the visionaries with the ambition, energy and drive to build, grow and scale exceptional businesses within their sector.

Over the past two years, we’ve had the privilege of meeting some truly inspiring leaders through this award, and we can’t wait to discover this year’s entrants.

More info on all the awards and how to start your entry below ⬇️

Not sure which award is right for you? The Buckinghamshire Business Awards 2026 celebrate every kind of success, with categories including:

🚀 Growth Business of the Year
👥 Apprentice and Young Person Employer of the Year
🌟 Business Leader of the Year
🏘️ Community Champions Award
🎨 Creative Business of the Year
📈 Enterprising Business of the Year
💛 Excellence in Customer Experience Award
👨‍👩‍👧 Family Business of the Year
💡 Innovative Business of the Year

And of course, the Company of the Year Award, sponsored by Magicman, part of the MA Group, will recognise the very best of the best.

There is no entry fee, and you can enter up to two categories — so why not showcase your achievements across different areas?

Browse all the Buckinghamshire Business Awards 2026 categories and start your entry at https://orlo.uk/edN6V

A huge thank you to our sponsors, including headline sponsor Magicman, part of the MA Group, and category sponsors bpcollins, Buckinghamshire Council, Buckinghamshire Skills Hub, Chandler Garvey Ltd, Dux Advisory , Pinewood Studios, Richardsons Chartered Accountants, Buckinghamshire Building Society, and Buckinghamshire New University

18/05/2026

What a fabulous experience for the boys to take part in this Play On The Pitch tournament at West Bromwich Albion over the weekend.. a day designed to inspire young players, nurture their love of football and allow them to dream of one day becoming a professional footballer ⚽️