Philippines Tax Relief: The House Ways and Means Committee approved measures to raise the personal income tax exemption cap to ₱350,000 and exempt microenterprises from the 2% minimum corporate income tax, aiming to boost take-home pay and ease burdens on small firms. UK Business Costs: The British Chambers of Commerce warned of a “cost of business crisis,” saying government policy has lifted average firm expenses by 70% over a decade, with a 2024 national insurance hike flagged as a key driver. New Zealand Leadership Shake-up: PM Christopher Luxon called an urgent in-person National caucus meeting after fresh speculation about his leadership, as controversies around business remarks and electoral-system talk continue to dog his campaign. SMB AI Push: Labour leader Chris Hipkins unveiled expanded AI and startup support for small businesses, including a $2m AI small business fund and more founder funding. AI for SMBs: Mianro Systems launched “AI Business in a Box,” pitching an all-in-one platform to help small firms manage leads, follow-up, marketing and reputation without juggling multiple tools. Fisheries CEO Search: Nauru Agreement’s tuna body opened applications for a new CEO to lead the PNA Office, focusing on sustainable tuna management and commercial performance. Food Testing Access: India’s NABL launched accreditation for mobile food testing labs to bring quality-assured testing closer to communities. Public Safety & Identity: The BBB warned parents that back-to-school photo details can fuel identity theft, urging safer sharing online. Hospitality Spending Lift: UK consumer spending rose in July, with Barclays citing World Cup-driven boosts to pubs, bars and leisure.