PwC’s Academy Executive Programme in Mergers & Acquisitions

PwC’s Academy is pleased to announce the next edition of its Executive Programme in Mergers & Acquisitions. Designed for senior executives, business owners, investors and advisers, the programme provides a practical overview of the full M&A lifecycle, covering strategic, tax, legal, accounting and financial considerations involved in acquisitions, disposals and corporate restructurings. 

The programme consists of three live-online modules:

• Module 1 – Deals: 17 September 2026 (10:00 – 13:15)
• Module 2 – Tax & Legal: 24 September 2026 (10:00 – 13:15)
• Module 3 – Accounting and Finance: 1 October 2026 (10:00 – 13:15)

Participants will gain a broader understanding of transaction structuring, due diligence, valuation, tax and legal considerations, and the financial implications of deal decisions. The modules can be attended individually or as a complete programme. 

For more information, please visit the programme webpage or contact PwC’s Academy at bg_pwcacademy@pwc.com.

More information: https://www.pwc.bg/en/pwc-academy/portfolio/accounting-and-finance/m-a-expert-manager.html

Shell Bulgaria has launched “The Accessible Stop”, an initiative aimed at creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for people with disabilities at the company’s service stations. It brings together specific improvements to the physical environment, easier access to information about available accessibility features, and steps towards better customer service and communication.

Accessibility Starts with the Environment

For many people, stopping for fuel, coffee or a short break is a routine part of a journey. For people with mobility, hearing or other disabilities, however, such a stop can involve a number of challenges – from accessing and moving around the site to communicating with employees. With “The Accessible Stop”, Shell is focusing specifically on these practical barriers and on opportunities to gradually overcome them.

As part of the initiative, Shell provides clear information about the accessibility of its service stations. Using dedicated filters on the online station locator, customers can check in advance what accessibility features are available at a particular location and plan their journey according to their individual needs.

The criteria include the availability of an accessible parking space, an accessible entrance, conditions allowing customers to move around freely and pay independently in the shop, as well as a dedicated accessible toilet. This allows customers to choose a suitable location before setting off and have more information about the conditions available on site.

“At Shell, we believe that good customer service starts with understanding the different needs of our customers. With “The Accessible Stop”, we want to take another step towards creating an environment in which more people can use our services comfortably, independently and with confidence. This is a process that we will continue to develop – by listening to customer feedback and looking for practical ways to improve both the environment and the way we serve people,” commented Nikolay Bogdanov, Commercial Director at Shell Bulgaria.

Better Accessibility Also Means Better Communication

“The Accessible Stop” is not limited to the physical environment. Some Shell employees are receiving basic sign language training, helping them communicate more easily and directly with deaf customers in everyday situations.

Trained employees can be identified by a special badge on their uniform. This makes it easier for customers to identify an employee who has basic sign language communication skills.

“Diversity and inclusion are part of Shell’s DNA as a company, and “The Accessible Stop” is a tangible example of how we turn these values into real action,” commented Kamelia Slaveykova, Chair of the Board of Directors of Shell Bulgaria.

The initiative is part of Shell’s commitment to gradually improving the accessibility of its sites and the quality of customer service for people with different needs. The company will continue to build on the steps already taken over time, with customer feedback playing an important role in this process.

On the dedicated “The Accessible Stop” webpage, customers can learn more about the initiative, check the accessibility of Shell service stations, and share their feedback and suggestions.

Jonny Haseldine, Head of Business Environment Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

“While it is welcome for the pubs and hotels we represent, this review of valuations should be wider, and cover every sector.  

“The full reform of business rates, promised by the government at the last election, is urgently needed. This continued piecemeal approach to reform is the wrong approach. 

“Our research consistently shows hospitality is the sector most worried about business rates, with 53% of firms citing it as a concern in Q2.  

“However, firms in every sector are struggling with a complex and outdated business rates system.  

“Businesses need a system that gives them confidence to invest, grow and create jobs in every local community.” 

Source: British Chambers of Commerce

The Director of Corporate Communications, Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria speaks to ESGnews about the company’s sustainable practices, achievements over the years and ambitions for the future.

In an interview with ESGnews, Jacqueline Tsocheva, Director of Corporate Communications, Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria, shares how sustainability is becoming an integral part of business development. On the occasion of the anniversaries of the production centres in Kostinbrod and Bankya, she talks about the modernisation of production, investments in local communities and the goals that outline the company’s development.

Ms Tsocheva, this year Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria celebrates the 30th and 20th anniversaries of its production centres in Kostinbrod and Bankya. How has the company’s approach to sustainable production transformed over these decades – and which of the journeys makes you most satisfied today?

Thirty years of production in Kostinbrod and twenty years in Bankya are proof of our long-term commitment to Bulgaria. Over these decades, sustainability has gone from being an important priority to an integral part of the way we change and develop.
Today, both plants operate with 100% renewable electricity. That is why the greatest satisfaction for me is that for our team, sustainability is not a promise, but real results. This is what gives us the confidence to continue investing and developing our business with an eye on the coming decades.

Together with Fantastico, you launched the joint initiative “A Drop of Life for the Forest”. Why did you decide to turn the restoration of burned forests into a cause that unites companies, partners and consumers?

Because we believe that there are causes that are much bigger than one company. After the severe fires in recent years, it became clear how difficult and long it is to restore a forest – sometimes it takes between 30 and 50 years. After the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation supported the fight against forest fires in Bulgaria last year with a donation of over 100,000 euros to the National Association of Volunteers in our country, it is now time for the next step.

I sincerely thank our partners from Fantastico, the Southwestern State Enterprise, the National Association of Volunteers and our consumers for continuing to walk this difficult path together. Until October 16, 2026, for every package of Bankya or Rosa water purchased by consumers in Fantastico supermarkets, Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria and Fantastico will donate 0.10 euros for the planting of nearly 12,000 trees in one of the most severely affected forest areas in our country by the fires. And even more importantly, we have also planned subsequent care for the young saplings.

For me, this initiative also has a personal meaning. The mountain is a place for which I feel great respect and affection. Climbing the peaks of the Bulgarian mountains showed me how fragile nature is and how easily we can lose it. I believe that when businesses, institutions, NGOs and people act together, we can not only contribute to the restoration of affected forest areas, but also build a more responsible attitude towards them.

You can read the full interview with Jacqueline Tsocheva here.

General Sir Richard Barrons spoke to Capital about the strategic choices confronting the UK, NATO and Europe as defence and deterrence become defining issues for European security once again.

General Sir Richard Barrons will speak at the Regional Defence & Security Summit and is visiting Bulgaria thanks to the collaboration of the British Embassy in Sofia and the British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce.

Read the full interview in Capital here: https://lnkd.in/dZ2pXj5j

Following the latest ESG regulatory updates, PwC’s Academy announces two new training programmes this Autumn. Both trainings will be led by Radka Nedvědová, one of PwC’s top ESG experts in CEE.

Revised ESRS and changes in ESG reporting regulation
16 September 2026 (2 p.m. – 6 p.m.) | hybrid in English

Designed for professionals already involved in ESG reporting who need to stay up to date with the latest developments in ESG legislation and reporting requirements.

This half-day course provides a practical overview of revised ESRS standards, voluntary sustainability reporting for SMEs and recent EU Taxonomy developments.  

CSRD reporting – New ESRS Standards

 20 – 21 October 2026 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) | hybrid in English

Designed for organisations preparing for ESG reporting or transitioning to the revised ESRS framework. This two-day course provides a practical introduction to CSRD reporting requirements, ESRS standards and the key steps needed for successful implementation.

You can learn more about the programme and contact PwC’s Academy team at the link here: https://www.pwc.bg/en/pwc-academy/portfolio/ESG.html 

Andy Burnham, the UK’s new Prime Minister, has promised to revive the nation’s economic fortunes through ‘good growth in every postcode’. He is a big supporter of devolution and giving more power and responsibility to regions to decide what happens in their areas. 

But he follows a succession of PMs who have pledged similar initiatives.  

At the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), devolution isn’t just another political buzzword or passing fad; it is the place-based structure on which the entire network was established, in 1860.  

That’s when a group of business leaders from 16 Chambers first came together and recognised that, while their individual organisations were successful, they could achieve far more collectively.    

They were able to provide a strong voice to improve economic conditions by fighting for what worked in their communities up and down the country. 

The arrival of Andy Burnham has solidified devolution as a future policy driver across all areas of the UK, especially in England. But to ensure it delivers growth in every postcode, there are seven core principles which must be adopted. 

1. Devolution for growth and prosperity, not for its own sake 

The transfer of power from Whitehall to nations and regions must be clearly tied to delivering economic growth and prosperity – not political expediency. Devolution must be a mechanism to drive inclusive economic growth. 

2. Business at the heart of local decision making 

Local businesses must be active partners in shaping devolved strategies. If regions are to prosper, then businesses must have a strong voice in decisions. Organisations which represent business communities, like Chambers of Commerce, must be formally included in governance structures. 

For example, Local Growth Plans and Mayoral Councils, should have a seat for businesses to reflect their views on policy and investment decisions. This is already happening in some areas across the Chamber network, including Greater Manchester, Birmingham and the North East. But there must be a consistent approach across the UK. 

3. SME procurement in local government 

Local government procurement frameworks should prioritise SMEs in their areas when it comes to accessing public sector contract supply chains. The BCC’s SME Procurement Tracker, in partnership with Tussell, shows that only 21% of direct public sector spend was with SMEs, in 2025. Soundings from the new government on this has been encouraging, but it now needs to deliver it.  

4. Long-term investment and funding certainty 

The introduction of Integrated Settlements and long-term investment funds is a positive step. There is a need for predictable, multi-year funding that is aligned with local growth priorities. This includes infrastructure, digital connectivity, and workforce development through Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs).  

5. Growth funding for business growth activities 

Too many councils use funds intended for economic development to plug holes in their services budgets. Greater devolution of spending will only deliver if money granted for local growth is spent on that purpose. There must be transparency on devolved spending, so businesses, residents and other taxpayers know how resources are being used. This would help ensure additional pressures are not placed on underfunded Local Authorities.  

6. National coherence with local autonomy 

Local autonomy is the driving force in devolution but there must still be national consistency in areas such as regulation, trade, immigration and major infrastructure development. 

Devolution must not fragment the UK’s internal market or create new barriers for business. A balance is required. Lessons should be learnt from the implementation of devolution across the four nations of the UK – including a review of where further work is needed. 

7. The right conditions in the right areas 

True and workable devolution means setting the right conditions in the right areas, across every postcode, for businesses to start, grow and thrive.  

We are actively involved in supporting export-led growth through the Chamber Network; working with local government as a genuine partner to ensure the local business environment enables private sector investment; and shapingshaping local skills delivery through Local Skills Improvement Plans so that it supports genuine productivity growth. 

The Chamber Network stands ready to work with local Government to turbocharge growth in all postcodes.  

Source: British Chambers of Commerce

The terminal weighs just 1.1 kg, uses half the power of its predecessor, delivers over 375 Mbps, and keeps the connection fail-safe when integrated with other technologies

Neterra, a Starlink authorized reseller, is taking orders for Starlink V5, the latest satellite internet terminal from SpaceX’s low Earth orbit constellation.

The device reaches download speeds of over 375 Mbps, weighs 1.1 kg, draws between 35 and 50 W, and withstands dust and rain to the IP67 standard. The kit includes a Router Mini with Wi-Fi 6 and two Ethernet ports, with coverage of around 204 sq m.

The new model is 62% lighter and uses nearly half the power of its predecessor, the Standard 4 X. The V5 weighs as much as the smallest Starlink Mini but does far more. It is powerful, easy to install, comes with a separate Wi-Fi 6 router, and holds up better in wind.

For business customers, Neterra recommends running Starlink V5 alongside fibre internet and other technologies, such as 5G, to ensure continuity of service. Neterra combines the different connections in one managed device, so even if the main line drops, the business stays online thanks to instant switching to a working network.

“Starlink V5 is ideal for branches, small offices and retail sites, and as backup connectivity for any company,” said Neven Dilkov, founder and CEO of Neterra. “With our hybrid internet service with Starlink, enterprises keep working without interruption, and satellite becomes a normal part of the corporate network.”

Neterra takes orders for Starlink V5 and for every other Starlink terminal. The team helps with choosing a model and a plan, with installation, support, and getting the most out of the service.

For more information about orders and integrating Starlink into your business, visit the Neterra website or contact our sales team.

Plan your winter getaway in advance. Until 31 August 2026, book your stay at The Rila Hotel, Borovets and enjoy up to 25% Early Booking discount. Expect snowy days on the slopes, SPA relaxation, family activities and a special festive programme.

• Celebrate Christmas with live music by KristinSax, a DJ and a folk performance by FTA Samokov. 
• For New Year’s Eve, enjoy live performances by Esil Duran and Daniel Peev – Dundee, a Boryana Dance show, DJ, a folk programme and a spectacular laser show on Rila ski slope.

Book by 31 August and treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable winter in Borovets: https://www.rilaborovets.com/specialoffers

Reacting to the release of new government research on the costs involved with planned changes to zero hours contracts, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: 

“The increased cost to businesses of the proposed changes to zero hours contracts will be a further hammer blow for many firms struggling to keep their heads above water. 

“The government had previously claimed that the cost of the entire Employment Rights Act for business would be £1bn but this research clearly blows that out of the water. 

“Businesses have seen their costs due to government policy increase by 70 per cent in the last decade, and their ability to absorb more is extremely limited.  

“We are already facing a youth unemployment crisis – now is not the time to make it even more costly for employers to hire. 

“It’s also disappointing that this research has been released so late in the consultation process for zero hours.  

“This severely limits the opportunity for businesses to properly scrutinise the evidence and respond to the government’s proposals. 

“SMEs have repeatedly raised concerns on the potential impact of these changes on recruitment, flexibility and business confidence. 

“We need to see a full reset in the dialogue between government and business. This means an extension to the consultation and proper tripartite negotiation with unions on how to implement proposals in a fair and practical way.” 

More information on the proposed reforms to zero hours contracts can be found here, this includes links to the new research.

Source: British Chambers of Commerce