The HBP Group

29/05/2026

Your business sleeps.

Cyber attackers don’t.

28/05/2026

For manufacturers across England, one of the most overlooked funding opportunities right now could remove up to 50% of the cost of digital transformation projects.

The Made Smarter match funding grant is designed to help manufacturers invest in technology projects that improve efficiency, productivity and long term growth.

We recently worked with Made Smarter advisors, including Les Selby at HEY Business Growth Hub, to understand how the programme works in practice, what qualifies and where manufacturers often get caught out.

Here are some key things businesses should know:
✔️ Match funding available up to 50% of project costs
✔️ Typically £10k to £20k available depending on project type
✔️ ERP systems, cybersecurity, automation and data projects can qualify
✔️ Eligibility is based on actual manufacturing activity, not just your SIC code
✔️ Funding is reimbursement based, so businesses need to pay upfront before claiming

This is worth reviewing this before delaying a digital project due to budget constraints.

We’ve broken down how the funding works, who qualifies and what manufacturers should consider here:

Discover how Made Smarter match funding helps UK manufacturers invest in digital technology, automation, and innovation with grants of up to 50%.

27/05/2026

Want to see the latest scams in action and how to respond?

We’ve broken them down here 👇
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0vr4kw0

26/05/2026

New Cyber Essentials changes came into place in April and for many businesses, the biggest risk is not the controls themselves - it’s the scope.

Cyber Essentials 3.3 hasn’t introduced entirely new security principles, but it has removed a lot of the grey areas around what organisations are expected to secure.

Two changes stand out:
🔐 Multi-Factor Authentication now needs to be enforced across all cloud services
💻 Any device that can connect to the internet is now considered in scope

Many businesses protect email and admin accounts well, but gaps can appear elsewhere.

If your business logs into a platform, stores company data there, or uses a device that connects to the internet, it now needs to be considered as part of your Cyber Essentials assessment.

Platforms commonly overlooked include:
• HR systems
• Payroll software
• CRM platforms
• Marketing tools
• Business social media accounts
• Legacy devices still sitting somewhere in the environment

We've broken down the changes, common pitfalls and what to review before renewal here:

Cyber Essentials 3.3 takes effect from April 2026. Learn the key scope changes, including MFA for all cloud services and internet-connected devices.

25/05/2026

Enjoy solving problems and helping customers get the most from their systems?

We’re hiring an MS Dynamics 365 Business Central Service Desk Analyst to join The HBP Group.

You’ll support customers using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, helping resolve issues, improve processes, and provide guidance that makes day-to-day operations easier and more efficient.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining technical problem solving with customer support, training, and continuous improvement.

📍 Scunthorpe / Peterborough / Remote
💰 £40k to £45k

Apply in the first comment.

22/05/2026

Looking to lead software delivery and make a real operational impact?

We’re hiring a Software Professional Services Manager to join The HBP Group.

You’ll lead ERP delivery across our software portfolio, supporting consultants and specialists while improving processes, delivery standards, and customer experience.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys building high-performing teams, bringing structure to delivery, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced professional services environment.

📍 Scunthorpe
💰 £45k to £50k

Apply in the first comment.

21/05/2026

Still budgeting in spreadsheets?

That’s costing your business more visibility than you think.

20/05/2026

Microsoft has confirmed pricing and licensing changes across Microsoft 365 from July 2026, and for many businesses this is bigger than a standard annual price increase.

Some key changes include:
• Microsoft 365 Business Basic increasing by around 16 to 17%
• Business Standard increasing by around 12%
• Microsoft 365 E3 increasing by around 8%
• Business Premium currently expected to remain unchanged
• Mailbox storage increasing from 50GB to 100GB per user across Business Basic, Standard and Premium

The mailbox increase is a useful upgrade, especially for businesses dealing with high email volumes. Fewer storage limitations, less pressure on users to archive mail, and better access to historical records.

But the bigger conversation is around licensing strategy: as the pricing gap between Business Standard and Business Premium continues to narrow, more businesses may want to review whether they're paying separately for tools that Microsoft already includes.

Business Premium includes:
✅ Microsoft Intune device management
✅ Advanced threat protection
✅ Conditional Access controls
✅ Endpoint security and compliance features

For some organisations this could be less about paying more and more about reducing overlap across multiple products.

It is worth reviewing before your next renewal, rather than automatically rolling licences forward.

We’ve broken down the changes and what businesses should consider here:

Microsoft 365 will see price increases and expanded mailbox storage in July 2026. Businesses should reassess their licensing and budgets before renewal.

19/05/2026

Looking for a role where you can improve systems instead of constantly firefighting?

We’re hiring an RMM & Automation Lead to help shape the future of proactive IT support at The HBP Group.

You’ll work with automation, monitoring, patching, and performance improvements across customer environments, helping reduce noise, prevent issues, and improve service delivery through smarter systems and processes.

This role combines hands-on technical work with leadership, giving you the opportunity to influence how automation and monitoring evolve across the business.

📍 Peterborough / Scunthorpe
💰 £45k to £50k

Apply in the first comment.

18/05/2026

Friday we celebrated the halfway mark of the year at our annual mid-year party at our Scunthorpe office 🥳

It’s a great opportunity to reflect on everything we’ve achieved so far this financial year and everything we’ve accomplished together.

More importantly, it’s a chance for colleagues from across the business to get together, enjoy good food and drink, play a few games and spend time together outside of the day-to-day.

Here’s to another great six months ahead 🥂