A self-storage site in Loughborough is proving popular with residents, students and local businesses, reaching 65% occupancy less than a year after opening. Here Self Storage, based at Regent Retail Park off Broad Street, is seeing strong take-up across its mix of unit sizes, with hundreds already in use and more set to be occupied in the coming weeks. The response highlights growing demand for secure, flexible storage in the town. The site, part of a national network operated by Engage Management Services, offers secure units for everything from household belongings to tools and stock. Customers benefit from 24/7 access,…
Author: sme-admin
Tool theft is a plight on tradespeople throughout the UK, with 4 in 10 having experienced the crime. However, significant changes could be on the horizon, with the second reading of the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill having taken place on the 4th July. A common issue raised is the sentencing of the thieves that are responsible, with many in the construction sector feeling that the punishment isn’t severe enough for the crime, due to the significant impact tool theft has on tradespeople’s livelihoods. However, the Bill looks to impose harsher penalties for the theft of tools used in trades.…
In 2012, Raj Vattikuti, Executive Chairman, founded Altimetrik and embarked on a mission to reshape the digital landscape with a pioneering vision: to create a world where digital businesses flourish through a blend of technology, data, and, most importantly, people. At the core of Altimetrik’s ethos is the profound belief that a true digital business is inherently people-centred, where innovative individuals are the principal agents of change. “Leaders today, especially in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services, are confronted with a dual challenge: to integrate cutting-edge technology while cultivating a culture that prioritises talent development and collaborative effort.…
Shawbrook’s latest research finds that 29% of SMEs utilised an asset-based loan with nearly a quarter (23%) saying they plan to use one in the future. Oliver Wilson, Head of Asset Based Lending (ABL) at Shawbrook shares his thoughts around it, and some common misconceptions, to help businesses figure out if ABL is a solution for them: Over the last year, I have been up and down the country talking to advisors, investors and prospective borrowers and in that time, have encountered a number of myths about Asset Based Lending that are still in circulation. ABL is a fantastic solution…
Advancements in AI, space technology, and robotics have accelerated the emergence of vehicles capable of operating with greater levels of autonomy Uber has announced it will trial autonomous vehicles (AVs) with no human safety driver, coined ‘robotaxis’, in London next spring. The news comes after the UK government’s introduction of the world-leading AV Act, which became law as of May 2024, opening the door to autonomous vehicles operating on public roads as early as 2026. According to The Department for Transport, the AV industry could create up to 38,000 jobs and add £42bn to the UK economy by 2035. From the perspective of civil…
An initiative designed to help propel growth for start-ups and protect their ideas has been launched by law firm Myers & Co and intellectual property specialist Pure Ideas. They have teamed up to create Initiate, which is a tailored legal and IP support package for businesses incorporated within the last 18 months which employ between one and five people. Start-ups are being offered a range of legal services from Staffordshire-based Myers & Co, including company formations, terms and conditions, commercial contracts, shareholder and partnership agreements and property lease reviews. Pure Ideas’ specialists are providing IP audits, advice on trade marks,…
Housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes South Wales is continuing its mission to building stronger communities by donating £4,500 to local charities — making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Over the last three months, Barratt has donated £1,500 each to Cure EB, Bowel Cancer UK and 21 Plus through its Community Fund — an initiative designed to support community groups and charitable organisations in the areas close to its developments. Richard Lawson, Sales Director at Barratt David Wilson Homes South Wales, said: “At Barratt, we are proud to support the communities where we build — not just through our homes…
Yaron Rosenblum, Co-Founder of Canvas Offices, explores the growing importance of alternative workspaces. Traditional office layouts are out, now being replaced with tailored alternatives, also known as flexible office spaces, that cater to a variety of workspace options, shared facilities and amenities. These spaces truly support the diverse ways real-world employees work in the modern business world. From quiet zones and collaborative areas to standing desks and wellness rooms, incorporating what were previously considered ‘out-of-the-box’ office alternatives is now becoming the norm. This is no longer a trend but a strategic necessity for any business wanting to positively support its…
Prospective pension reforms could see small firms raise prices, cut jobs or slash profits, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned. New research published recently looks at how the current rules relating to auto-enrolment are already piling cost and complexity onto small employers. It also exposes how possible changes expected in the second phase of the Government’s Pensions Review – due later this year – could heap much further pressure on small firms already dealing with soaring wage bills and mounting National Insurance contributions (NICs). Most employers already say that decoding pension rules is a headache (53%), and a…
It’s no secret that trust is the foundation for successful AI adoption. By addressing skepticism, prioritising data quality and ensuring algorithms are explainable and auditable, AI can become a powerful force-multiplier in manufacturing operations. Manufacturers are increasingly looking to AI to boost efficiency, streamline operations and automate routine tasks, with 75% planning to step up their AI spending in 2025. However, much of this attention is focused on Generative AI – something that we believe is poorly suited to factory settings. Part of this misalignment stems from a lack of understanding of AI’s practical applications in industry. With only 7% of…