Just Released: Business World September 2025

September 2025

Russell Bedford International has released the September 2025 edition of its biannual magazine, BUSINESS WORLD. 

Business World delivers the latest views and analysis written by specialists from within the Russell Bedford network, together with guest authors from various other organisations from around the world.

Articles in the latest edition include:

Doing business in Spain: Insights and opportunities

Spain’s economy continues to grow steadily in 2025, driven by tourism, exports, EU recovery funds, and its strong base of domestic and foreign enterprises, making it an attractive hub for international business. Key opportunities lie in renewable energy and digital transformation, while SMEs remain the backbone of the economy, fostering innovation and resilience across sectors.

Author: The team at Russell Bedford in Spain.

Strategic networking for business professionals

Effective networking requires a strategic, value-driven approach that prioritises meaningful, trust-based relationships over superficial connections. By focusing on higher-level networks, asking the right questions, and leading with generosity, professionals can build powerful connections that drive long-term career and business growth.

Author: Michael Quigley, Founder of Kataholos, London, United Kingdom.

Unlocking data’s potential with actuarial expertise

Many mid-market businesses struggle to turn vast amounts of data into actionable insights, but actuarial expertise provides the strategic link between analytics, financial performance, and risk management. By combining advanced data analysis with a risk-informed and financially focused perspective, actuaries help organisations make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, and build long-term resilience.

Author: Nick Scott, Partner at Russell Bedford member firm HMW Group, Brisbane City, Australia.

Mind the gap: Bridging the leadership divide for women in audit and accounting

Women make up nearly half of qualified accountants globally, yet their representation in leadership roles remains disproportionately low due to systemic barriers such as inflexible career paths, lack of mentors, and traditional company structures. Closing this leadership gap requires intentional strategies like inclusive HR policies, flexible work models, and transparent promotion processes, which not only empower women but also strengthen innovation, decision-making, and long-term success in the profession.

Author: Bojana Medulovic, Partner, and Mirjana Jovanovic, Project Manager, at Russell Bedford DIJ, Belgrade, Serbia.

Mitigating risks for SMEs

SMEs, which make up 90% of global businesses and over half of employment, face heightened vulnerability to financial crises, supply chain disruptions, and cash flow challenges due to limited resources and access to finance. To thrive in uncertain times, they must prioritise proactive risk mitigation - focusing on liquidity, clear governance, supply chain diversification, and intellectual property protection - often with the support of professional advisers.

Author: Mark Aquilina, Founder and Senior Managing Partner of Russell Bedford member firm NOUV, Zebbug, Malta.

The evolving profile of the accounting professional

A new generation of young professionals is reshaping accounting by leveraging technology, data analytics, and customer-centric approaches, bringing energy, adaptability, and fresh perspectives that challenge outdated practices. Investing in and empowering this talent not only strengthens the profession but also offers all businesses a model for driving innovation, efficiency, and long-term resilience.

Author: Chris Bor, Senior Consultant at Russell Bedford member firm Stolp+KAB, Den Haag, Netherlands.

To read the latest edition of Business World in full, visit the Business World page of the Russell Bedford website HERE.