By Dr. Bipin Patel, CEO, electronRx Environmental, Social and Governance targets exist in almost every business. It has become essential for companies to prove that they have targets, a mission, and a deliverable strategy to reach them. Everyone has heard the phrases “journey to Net Zero” or “becoming Carbon Neutral”, but the most significant rise has been around engagement with social value. It can be argued, quite rightly, that this is driven by societal change. Consumers are paying significantly more attention to whom they purchase from and will research the company’s ethics on factors such as the environment and understanding…
Author: sme-admin
Responding to Office for National Statistics figures showing that GDP fell by 0.5% in July 2023 compared with the previous month, Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “This fall in GDP will come as little surprise for small businesses, who have endured uncertain trading conditions over a summer marked by poor weather and still-high levels of inflation. “It is disheartening to see a fall in the three main sectors of services, construction, and production, with the fall in services especially eye-catching due to the dominance of the service sector in the UK economy. “The steady increase in interest rates has…
A business based in Cam has launched an appeal to help continue donations to children and young adults with special educational needs in Ukraine. Samboards, which creates specialist sensory products for people with complex disabilities, has been donating their products to refugees in collaboration with Aid for Ukraine Gloucestershire. So far, the Cam company has donated a range of products, such as its sensory libraries and SATPIN boards, to two orphanages and a rehabilitation centre. Different from fidget spinners, the products have been designed with different textures which, when felt by the user, trigger the feel-good hormone dopamine while also…
Alex Melone, Co-Founder and Chief Production Officer at CodeCrew, an Email Marketing firm dedicated to delivering data-driven results, delves into the pivotal role of strategy as the true differentiator in e-commerce success. With an average ROI of $40 (£32) per $1 (£1) spent, email marketing is one of the most lucrative tactics for e-commerce out there. But getting that 4000% ROI is not as easy as it looks. The difference between failure and success? A strong, data-driven email marketing strategy. Getting the Basics Right Most struggling e-commerce businesses complain about a high unsubscribe rate and a low click-through rate. Usually,…
In an era defined by digital dominance, where every business interaction is just a click away, the fate of the traditional business card seemed sealed. And when we plunged into the depths of a pandemic, the final blow appeared to have been dealt to this seemingly archaic tool. However, against all odds, the business card has not only endured but is experiencing a surprising resurgence, emerging as a cost-effective branding powerhouse for small businesses and the self-employed. In fact, Google search data shows interest is on the up, searches for “business card printing” have increased by 49% in the past…
When I first met Jordan Franklin, a very youthful 37 year old, he was quiet, he observed and then he acted – like a whirlwind. This was how he came across to me when I visited the premises of one of the South West businesses where he has invested his own cash. For full transparency I met him with the team at Greendown Shepherd Huts, based at Zeal Green Business Park, Keynsham near Bristol when doing some consultancy work for them. The Greendown team handcraft luxury shepherd huts and are working hard on building their brand and profile across the…
Collaborations are evolving from an inaugural round table event – hosted by the University of Bath in partnership with Action Net Zero and Transform ESG to create employer-led initiatives to drive behaviour change and innovation in the pursuit of achieving Net Zero targets. The event was hosted by the Vice Chancellor Professor Ian White and attended by the Metro Mayor for the West of England Combined Authority, Dan Norris, large regional organisations such as Wessex Water, Bupo Happold, Edwards and BMT, as well as academics and influencers from across the region. The main goal of the “big green conversation” was…
Professional speaker and best-selling author Stefan Thomas entertained as the keynote speaker at the launch of a new Cotswold Networking Group in Cheltenham last week. Stefan, who lives in Oxfordshire, is the author of the best-selling book Business Networking for Dummies and he is a professional speaker having spoken for companies including BT, Lloyds Bank and Utility Warehouse, to name a few. He talked about the ‘real’ way to network, build a business and gain sales at the event which attracted an audience of 120 to the Nook On Five. “It was humbling to be asked to be the keynote…
Freelancers have been urged to look out for eight red flags when starting their own business and working with new clients. Insurance experts from Toolbox by Admiral have researched and revealed eight warning signs that might help identify a difficult client in order to save freelancers their precious time, money, and energy. Freelancing has become an increasingly popular career choice or side hustle for professionals in the UK. Opportunities range across a variety of sectors, but whilst it offers flexibility and independence, it is not without its challenges. As a freelance consultant in the UK, it’s essential to be vigilant and proactive…
Chizubel Egwudo business’ founder and CEO of The Risk of You, is widely regarded as ‘The Risk Champ’, He boasts a proven track record in helping some of the top global companies – including Deutsche Bank, Lloyds Banking and VISA – build risk capability and grow their financial base. In this article he discusses the need for business owners to develop a proactive risk mindset in order to achieve success, and how the misconception of risk is preventing business owners from taking them. According to a report by Deloitte, companies that view risk management as among the most important factors…