Funding Circle launches market-leading Cashback Business Credit Card, rewarding SMEs on everyday transactions Funding Circle, the UK’s leading SME lending platform, has launched its latest product, the Funding Circle Cashback Business Credit Card to support small businesses with everyday business transactions, as its next step in backing more SMEs with the finance they need. The Cashback card offers market-leading benefits with 2% cashback on all business spending for the first six months – earning up to £2,000 – and 1% unlimited cashback after that. The product allows customers to repay in full or through part-payments, and earn cashback on every…

What is TISE and TISE Private Markets? TheCEO of the International Stock Exchange (TISE) and operator of TISE Private Markets, Cees Vermaas explains. The International Stock Exchange (TISE) is an established operator of public markets, and we are best known as a leading European bond market but last year we diversified with the launch of a private markets offering, TISE Private Markets. We spent two years speaking to private companies and other interested parties to develop and refine our proposition in private markets. Private companies told us that they wanted a system that is simple and convenient but not like…

The information age has brought many small and medium businesses (SMBs) closer to their customers than ever before, with email, social media and SMS allowing for immediate, low-cost communication. But this access has come alongside constantly evolving consumer expectations. SMBs may not have the resources of their larger competitors, but consumers still expect any contact to be relevant, informative and – most of all – pleasant. Antony Paul, Global Product Head at Quadient, explains how, with year-on-year complaints around nuisance calls increasing by 31%, businesses need to make sure they don’t cross the line from helpful communications into pestering. Worse,…

Astroscale Ltd. (“Astroscale UK”), the UK subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc. (“Astroscale”), the market leader in satellite servicing and long-term orbital sustainability across all orbits, has been awarded a GBP £1.95 million  contract by the UK Space Agency to continue development of its Cleaning Outer Space Mission through Innovative Capture (COSMIC) spacecraft. COSMIC is Astroscale’s solution for a UK national active debris removal (ADR) mission to remove two inactive British satellites from space. This next mission phase will focus on maturing and de-risking key technologies identified in the previous UK ADR phases, such as the robotic capture system and debris…

Havas Media Network Launches 2024 Havas Boost Programme to support entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds in the North-West of England. £150k of funding, advertising and resource support is up for grabs for one budding entrepreneur from less advantaged backgrounds outside of London thanks to an entrepreneurship programme Havas Boost launched by Havas Media Network UK. Ten applicants will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas in a Dragon’s Den-style event during Global Entrepreneurship Week (18-25 November). Applicants must come from less advantaged backgrounds and own a business (2-3 years) demonstrating a purpose beyond profit. Following the Dragon’s Den-style pitch in…

His journey to Paris 2024 was marked by a series of achievements, including maintaining the World No. 1 ranking for a significant part of 2023. Chris’s rigorous training and participation in prestigious events such as the European and World Championships, as well as the Grand Prix judo tournament in Georgia, secured his place at the Paralympics. Chris’ aim was to achieve a rare feat in judo history – medalling in two Paralympic Games across different weight categories. Despite the challenges posed by the new weight category, Chris remained dedicated in his pursuit of excellence. “When I stepped onto the mat…

The top five most common types of payment scams are phishing scams, chargeback fraud, return fraud, merchant fraud, and wire transfer fraud. When it comes to online shopping, it’s not just customers who can fall victim to scams. Many scams target businesses and sellers, making it essential for anyone selling goods online to understand how to avoid these pitfalls and what steps to take if their business is affected. In fact, according to Business Wire, there was a 71% increase in payment fraud attempts on US businesses in 2023 – a statistic that highlights how important it is for online…

Few of us have much in common with Elon Musk. If you own or run a business of any size, however, there’s at least one link: crypto. Though it might seem counterintuitive, crypto isn’t just for big business. The only real difference between a multinational and an SME is how they use it. Increasingly, SMEs are beginning to integrate digital assets into their operations as they understand it does not only bring incremental, operational improvements, but can revolutionise their business, while opening up access to new markets and fresh customers. You don’t have to be Tesla for crypto to change…

According to the latest government statistics, more than a quarter (26%) of businesses in England and Wales were the victim of some form of crime in the last year. It’s almost impossible to completely eliminate the threat of crime against your business. However, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of being a victim of crime. The team at money.co.uk business insurance have revealed the most common crimes committed against businesses and how to protect yourself, including the necessary business insurance coverage. The most common crime committed against businesses is theft With crime against businesses being so…

Podcasting has become a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes, offering a unique way to reach audiences and build brand loyalty. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, podcasting provides an affordable marketing option that can deliver significant returns. In this blog, Kath Lord-Green, aka Your Fairy Podmother® of Voice It Podcast Agency, will help you start a podcast on a budget, covering essential equipment, software, and tips to get the most out of your efforts without breaking the bank. Why Start a Podcast? Podcasts allow you to connect directly with your audience in a personal and…

Well-known coach and personal empowerment specialist, Taz Thornton, known as the Pink Powerhouse, will deliver the keynote speech at the at the Business Success Network Conference 2024.  Taz Thornton, a 3x TEDx speaker celebrated for her dynamic presence and transformative coaching, will be sharing her insights on ‘How Vulnerability Can Be the Superpower to Explode Your Visibility’. With a career spanning years of empowering individuals and businesses, Taz has earned multiple accolades, including the prestigious UK’s Best Female Coach title in 2020, the One to Watch Speaker Trainer Award in 2019, and being a finalist for the UK’s Most Inspirational…

Tapping into the power of multilingual paid marketing can help you break new markets, attract new audiences and engage with people in their native languages – but there’s more to it than simply translating your existing ads into a different language. Below, UK director of Eskimoz, Sam Martin-Ross,  explores some of the best practices for ensuring your multilingual paid campaigns don’t get lost in translation. Multilingual keyword research Keywords are really the backbone of your paid campaigns, so getting this right is essential. It’s tempting to think that you might be able to simply duplicate your successful English-language campaign across…

A freshly launched, online platform is set to showcase Oxfordshire’s globally significant innovation ecosystem and highlight why it is a ‘location of choice’ for some of the world’s best talent and emerging transformative technologies. Oxford Calling aims to connect Oxfordshire with similar innovation ecosystems around the world, promoting the county as a major global hub that positively rivals the likes of Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv and Boston. Created and hosted by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), Oxford Calling will highlight the work, achievements and major ambitions currently being developed and delivered in Oxfordshire, connecting the region with other stand-out,…

Helen Steel is the Managing Director at Streamlion Consulting. The Berkshire-based business helps SMEs apply for start-up financing and grant applications, while providing scale-up advice and a pathway to success. Helen discusses the need for companies to be disruptive in their industries, or face being disrupted themselves. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the mantra is clear: disrupt or be disrupted. From the rise of digital banking revolutionaries like Monzo and Revolut to the fall of high street giants like Woolworths and BHS, the UK market has witnessed firsthand the power of disruption and the risks of stagnation. But what…

Starting out as a freelance photographer is a great way to monetise a passion, bringing both hobby and career together to form a job that brings joy. However, freelance photography isn’t without its risks.  Many will consider the possibility of equipment theft or damage, but there are many less obvious risks. From legal issues to loss of photos, freelance photographers can face numerous obstacles that require careful consideration and proactive measures. Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of freelancers, shares some of the risks that freelance photographers could come up against and provides some tips on how…

Why you should stop saying ‘committed suicide’ as new research reveals two-thirds are still using harmful phrase New research by social enterprise MHFA England, among 2,000 UK employees, ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, found most employees are still using inappropriate and outdated language to discuss suicide at work. Two-thirds (66%) of employees are using harmful terms such as ‘committed suicide’. This phrase stems from a time when suicide was illegal. Its use can signal blame, contributing to stigma. Only 10% of employees would know that the best way to save the life of someone thinking of suicide…