Start-ups and SMEs can only succeed if supported by learned voices within the food and drink arena. For all their outer confidence and ‘take on the world’ bravado, no-one under-estimates the multi-layered ‘plate spinning’ complexity a new entrant faces carving out a distinct niche and standing one’s ground in the face of fast response brand rivals and an ever-changing landscape. Against this backdrop it’s important to share a small yet pertinent tale of collaboration between a ‘young pup’ start-up and a ‘wise owl’ retailer, Holland & Barrett. It’s all too easy to think of retailers & brand owners sitting on…
Author: Greg Robinson
Sam Andrew reveals the psychological insights that help him hire wisely as a small business owner Neuropsychologist turned SME owner Sam Andrew shares the psychological red flags and green lights that can help small businesses hire with confidence Hiring choices make or break small businesses. SME owners know that recruitment isn’t simply about filling a vacancy. Each new hire has the potential to shake up everything from customer service to company culture and even the bottom line. The wrong decision can be costly, but the right one can be the start of something very special. That’s why bringing a psychological perspective to…
Lara Fox, Managing Director of Objective, shares her insights with SME Today on how automation has shifted from being the preserve of large corporations to becoming an essential growth tool for small and medium-sized businesses. Once seen as the domain of big companies with the budgets and resources to implement complex systems, automation is now both accessible and indispensable for SMEs looking to scale and compete. A recent PwC report highlights that by the end of 2025, almost half of business tasks will be automated. This staggering statistic presents both a challenge and an opportunity for SMEs. The challenge lies…
IW Capital, a leading investment house specialising in venture capital for dynamic UK SMEs, has invested £4m into Navigator. This fast-scaling digital advertising platform is redefining how brands reach millions of travelling consumers in a privacy-first world. Global policymakers and consumers have woken up to the multi-decade abuse of personal data through third-party cookies by advertisers where personal information is covertly shared, analysed and monetised untraceably. Regulations are tightening and according to CookieYes, the cookie consent management platform, Europeans are the least likely to accept them at around 50%. For advertisers, this has meant rising customer acquisition costs and declining campaign performance.…
National Loo of the Year Awards, announce internationally renowned magician, Marc Spelmann, also known as Magician X, as their 2026 entertainment. The Loo of the Year Awards, now in their 38th year, honour the very best in ‘away from home’ washroom provision. Each year, the best of the best are celebrated in their day-long event, and they have announced the return of Marc Spelmann for attendee’s entertainment. Marc Spelmann, from North London, became a professional magician in 1997. Having perfected his craft throughout his career, he decided to go on Britain’s Got Talent in 2018 which led him to massive…
On 31st August 2025, the historic Keble College, O’Reilly Theatre, University of Oxford, UK, was the stage for 14th World Leaders Summit, a distinguished platform that brought together international leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, innovators & policymakers. Organised by Global Empire Events Limited UK, under the leadership of Adv. Udaiveer Singh Bindra & his team, the summit welcomed 240 delegates from 30 nationalities. With inspiring keynotes, TEDx-style talks, cultural performances, and a global awards ceremony, the Oxford summit reaffirmed its place among the most impactful international conferences of the year. Themes & Highlights The summit focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development…
ClearCourse, a provider of industry-specific software and embedded payment solutions for SMEs and targeted enterprises, today announces the appointment of Simon Black, current Non-Executive Director, as Chair of the Board. Simon will support the management team in leading ClearCourse’s next phase of growth, building on the company’s proven vertical software expertise and strength in integrating payment solutions for SMEs. With a clear mission to help small UK businesses grow and compete with enterprise-level technology, Simon brings deep understanding of the software and payments landscape. Christina Hamilton, CEO of ClearCourse, said: “It is fantastic that Simon has stepped into the role of Chair…
AUGUST saw the publication of a new training framework for fire risk assessors to try to avoid another Grenfell Tower tragedy in which 72 people lost their lives, according to health and safety expert Andrew Wilkinson. This means that landlords and owners of commercial properties and blocks of flats must ensure they employ a competent and highly qualified fire risk assessor. This professional must now show considerable competency including demonstrable technical knowledge, practical experience, and ethical conduct especially for those working in sensitive or high-stakes environments. These professionals will be expected to have qualified at foundation, intermediate and then advanced levels…
South-west based IT specialists, Westspring IT, have pledged to raise £50,000 to support the South West charity Gympanzees. Gympanzees provide support and leisure experience for young people and children with disabilities who often cannot access sport or activities easily. The charity is raising funds to build a bespoke facility to support disabled youth to have their own space. Jason Small, Co-founder of Westspring IT, said: “We believe Gympanzees’ mission aligns perfectly with our values, and we are thrilled to support them in their incredible work building a one-of-a-kind centre in the UK.” WestSpring’s first event Gympanzees is a Somerset-based charity which…
New data from London & Partners, the growth agency for London, shows that 46.18% of start-up founders are unfamiliar with their tax and compliance obligations. This lack of awareness in the early stages can expose businesses to avoidable risks, unnecessary costs, and even stalled growth. Research conducted through the Grow London Local platform between January 2024 and September 2025, based on 968 responses from founders mainly across London, found that almost half (46.18%) of first-year businesses are unfamiliar with tax and compliance obligations; leaving many at risk of HMRC fines just as they start out. Navigating HMRC can be complex,…