EV Benefits for SMEs: Octopus Electric Vehicles is launching its UK-style salary sacrifice EV leasing scheme in Germany, letting employees lease new EVs via their employer and claiming around 40% savings versus conventional leasing, with insurance, servicing, maintenance and roadside help bundled. AI and Work Models: A new take on the “second wave” of AI argues the real stress test for business models is coming beyond payroll, as companies shift from basic automation to deeper operational change. SME Tech Buying Shift: Context reports SMEs are moving toward specialist channels and paying more for higher-value hardware, with SME average selling prices notably above traditional retail—an early sign that “consumer-style” retail offers miss business needs. Cloud Risk for German Firms: Proton’s survey of UK, France and Germany finds strong concern about a potential US “kill switch” for cloud services, with many firms saying they’d switch providers—but few have tested plans in place. Green Hydrogen via Bio-Formic Acid: Bavarian SME OxFA is advancing a biomass-to-hydrogen route using a LIKAT-developed catalyst to extract hydrogen from bio-based formic acid at mild temperatures, aiming to scale climate-friendly production. Banking Watch: Commerzbank posted a near-doubling Q2 net profit and plans a €1.2bn share buyback, as UniCredit’s takeover pressure continues.