Global fintech platform Airwallex today announced findings from a survey conducted on UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), revealing that more than three-quarters of SMEs in the UK have plans for geographical expansion next year, with more than two-thirds believing that digital adoption will be important to enable accelerated growth opportunities. The poll of 500 business decision makers considered the reality facing UK SMEs as they look to invest in, and grow, their operations in 2022. UK SMEs push ahead with international expansion Widespread UK SME global expansion is planned for 2022, with 77% of those polled having said they plan to expand their…
Author: sme-admin
Over the last 10 years we’ve gone from being a £500 startup with myself and my wife trading from our spare bedroom at home, to a business worth hundreds of millions, employing nearly a hundred people globally and having one of the bestselling chocolate bars in the UK. Founder and CEO of Grenade, Alan Barratt, provides some top tips on how to build a stand out, disruptive brand. 1.Use impactful messaging to connect with customers We have a very limited amount of customer attention nowadays because consumers are getting bombarded from all angles. We’re seeing tens of thousands of adverts a day.…
More than 80 exhibitors and over 1,000 delegates are expected to gather at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Swindon to make contacts and do business as the South West Business Expo returns following the pandemic lockdowns. After an 18 months gap, the South West Business Expo run by The Great British Expos is back on November 11th.It is taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon and offers networking and a spotlight for businesses to promote their brand. Attendance is completely free with attendees just needing to pre-register their attendance.There will be more than 80 exhibitors as well as guest…
Stress is normal and, to some extent, a very necessary part of life. In fact, often a small amount of stress can drive us to get things done, as long as it is harnessed in the right way. Katy James, EAP Clinical Lead at Vita Health Group explains how to use mindfulness to combat stress. However, what happens when we’re no longer able to harness stress to our advantage? What happens when that feeling of stress becomes all-encompassing; when we simply can’t think about anything else; what happens when that stress feels out of control? That’s the time…
AWS launches Startup Loft Accelerator, a 10-week, virtual, equity-free acceleration program for early-stage startups in EMEA. Participants will have tailored personal training with access to experienced advisors, subject matter experts, investors, and some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, who have built their businesses on AWS. They can also join a large community of entrepreneurs to share knowledge, experience and advice. They will be eligible to join the AWS Activate program, which includes up to $25K in Activate credits to spend on AWS services, a one-year free AWS Business Support subscription for up to $5K, access to the pre-built infrastructure…
Lyreco, the European leader and third largest distributor of workplace products and services in the world, is offering a helping hand to microbusinesses in the UK and Ireland thanks to a new initiative dubbed the Lyreco Goodness Microbusiness Support Programme. The initiative aims to back ambitious microbusinesses that align with Lyreco’s CSR and environmental credentials and those that provide products and services in a similar field; namely PPE, hygiene, catering supplies, office furniture, IT and workplace technology and general office supplies. A total of ten successful applicants will be offered a bespoke page on Lyreco’s web-shop, marketing and communication support,…
Almost half of Brits’ finances have been significantly impacted by the pandemic – with those aged 50-64 affected the most, according to new research by leading health service company, Cigna Europe. Over 1,000 Brits took part in the Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey, which reveals that 29% of Brits are unable to maintain their current standard of living, 24% are unable to pay their mortgage or housing – whilst almost 4 in 10 (39%) have no financial security if they are unable to work due to illness. The research also highlights only 22% of people have sufficient money for retirement, with those aged…
The tech sector has been among the few winners of the pandemic. According to Tech Nation, a new startup launched every half an hour in the UK between January and December of 2020, double the rate of the previous year. The entrepreneurial spirit and talent of British business owners, combined with record levels of funding has made the UK a competitive tech hotspot. So much so that the government has set up a fund to supercharge fast-growing tech firms to further foster tech innovation in the UK. Behind almost all tech startups, and one of the primary assets of businesses…
Business Development – Scaling v Growth One of the most important decisions a business owner has to make is choosing whether the company will focus on growth, or on scaling. While it’s generally best to focus on one approach for a reasonable stretch of time before switching gears, there are many ways that companies go about this struggle. Brands typically either grow their customer base by marketing and attracting new clients, or they scale by focusing on optimizing their current offerings and generating profit from loyal consumers. Which strategy you choose might depend on several factors, including the stage the…
Entrepreneur Kelly Swingler will be a keynote speaker this month at The Richmond Human Resources Forum in London sharing the story of her burnout experience which led her to create the world’s first Wellbeing for HR Programme. The former HR director believes the sector needs to get better at creating their own support packages and prioritising their wellbeing too. Kelly, whose talk is entitled: ‘What does wellbeing look like for HR people themselves?’ is an executive coach for professional women and founder of The Chrysalis Crew – an award-winning people and change consultancy. She is also the author of the ‘What’s Your…