New Year Business Guide - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 14 January 2026 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE T e fi ntech doctor


Mydlar Consulting is a boutique advisory fi rm supporting fi ntech and fi nancial-services organisations in turning innovation into commercial success


Combining deep industry knowledge with advanced AI capabilities, the fi rm helps clients work smarter, scale faster and convert strategic ideas into measurable results. At the core of Mydlar


Consulting’s off ering is the development and implementation of practical AI strategies. The fi rm helps organisations identify high-value use cases, design actionable implementation pathways and embed AI into day-to-day operations to enhance decision-making, streamline workfl ows and accelerate growth. This approach ensures that AI investments translate into clear, tangible business outcomes. Mydlar Consulting also builds


bespoke technical solutions that integrate generative AI into products, platforms and internal processes. These customised builds create meaningful, real-world impact — boosting productivity, elevating customer experience and strengthening competitive positioning.


In addition to its AI-focused work,


the fi rm provides operational health checks to improve organisational effi ciency. These assessments identify process gaps, streamline operations and unlock trapped cash, enabling businesses to become leaner, faster and more resilient. Beyond technology, Mydlar


Consulting prepares clients for fundraising, refi nes commercial positioning and connects businesses with qualifi ed investor leads. Each client is supported by a full ecosystem of trusted partners — from IP lawyers to R&D tax specialists and cyber security experts. Commercial, practical and


impact-driven, Mydlar Consulting empowers fi ntechs to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven market.


For further information


Kristina Mydlar, Founder and CEO, Mydlar Consulting Limited T: 07958 633385 E: kristina@mydlarconsulting.com Visit: mydlarconsulting.com


KRISTINA MYDLAR Feeling the strain?


The start of a new year is often a time when business owners refl ect on the pressures of the past 12 months


Rising costs, tightening cash fl ow and late payments have created fi nancial strain that threatens to test even the most resilient companies. Parker Andrews’ insolvency


practitioners are individually licensed and regulated by the ICAEW, providing clear, confi dential guidance to directors during fi nancially challenging periods. The fi rm helps businesses understand their current position and consider practical options, including restructuring, negotiating with creditors or, where appropriate, entering a formal insolvency process. The company’s approach is based


on honest conversations, clear explanations and early intervention, giving directors more room to make measured decisions. To encourage that fi rst step, Parker Andrews off ers a free 60-second business health check — a simple online tool that provides an instant indication of a company’s fi nancial position and potential next steps. Financial pressures aren’t


uncommon and seeking advice early can help directors regain clarity. When a business bends, it doesn’t have to break.


Finance, Legal & Accounting • 9 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE


Even the strongest businesses can bend under pressure. Parker Andrews provides expert guidance to help directors stabilise their position, protect jobs and plan for recovery through practical, regulated solutions


Free 60-second business health check


Take the quick online assessment today. T: 0800 612 7593 Visit: parkerandrews.co.uk/health-check


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Unlocking innovation


Dr Rehman Rafi q from Streets Innovation looks at European grant funding options for growing businesses


European grant funding off ers ambitious companies a powerful, non-dilutive alternative to private investment, enabling innovation without giving up equity. These programmes can provide the resources, credibility and momentum needed to bring breakthrough ideas to market. Partnering with Streets


Innovation could triple your chances of success. The company’s experts guide you from proposal to funding, helping align your innovation goals with the right opportunities. At the heart of Europe’s


innovation landscape is Horizon Europe, the EU’s €95.5bn research and innovation programme (2021- 2027). Within it, the European Innovation Council (EIC) supports high-risk, high-impact technologies through: • EIC Pathfi nder — up to €4m for early stage research (open call closes 12 May 2026)


• EIC Transition — up to €2.5m to advance lab results towards market readiness (deadline 16 Sept 2026)


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE New year, new policy?


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• EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges — two-stage funding up to €2.5m (Stage one: 26 Feb 2026; Stage two: 18 Jun 2027)


• EIC Accelerator — up to €414m in 2026 across six cut-off s for deep- tech companies at TRL 6+ Additional opportunities include


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Find out more


For further information or a conversation to explore how Streets Innovation can help your business, please email innovation@streets.uk


cover still fi ts your life and that you’re not paying more than necessary for yesterday’s policy. It also verifi es that your plan includes what matters most, without unnecessary costs. Think of it like servicing your


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