Neurodiversity, encompassing conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Aspergers, Dyslexia, and Tourettes, affects a significant portion of the population, with estimates suggesting up to 15% of the population is neurodivergent. In the realm of employment, understanding the unique needs and experiences of neurodivergent employees is vital. While some conditions may qualify as disabilities under the Equality Act 2010, not all individuals classify themselves as such. UK office workers reveal their opinions in latest research by instantprint. Diagnosis Within Reach? Only For Men The survey revealed that over 90% of respondents identified as being diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition. From high-spectrum autism to…
Author: sme-admin
Generation Z refers to those born between 1997 and 2012. This generation is fast changing the expectations of employment, with many requesting the latest technology, flexible working arrangements, higher salaries and more company perks. So, it’s important for businesses and HR teams to create effective strategies to attract, engage and retain the top Gen Z talent. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has never known a world without the internet, smartphones, and social media. They are the first true digital natives, growing up in a hyperconnected world where technology is an integral part of their daily lives. Gen Z’s drive and…
Draft legislation shedding light on the proposed single scheme for R&D tax relief has been published & Jenny Tragner, Director and Head of Policy at ForrestBrown, the UK’s leading R&D tax relief consultancy, shares her insights on the key aspects of the new scheme. “The draft legislation revealed more details of the proposed single scheme for R&D tax relief, giving greater clarity on key topics such as the treatment of subcontracted activity. However, important elements such as the rate of relief and timing of the proposed merger remain subject to further consideration and we should expect more announcements on these…
3.3 million (60%) small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have experienced supply chain delays in the last year, losing an average of £625,000 in income each as a result, according to new research from Aldermore’s SME Growth Index. Growth opportunities hit by supply delays One in four SMEs who have experienced supply chain delays in the last year have seen a financial impact on their business (27%). The delays have led to increased costs (40%), delays to existing projects (36%) and difficulties in securing new deals (23%). Industries that are reliant on materials were particularly vulnerable to these challenges, with SMEs…
Waves washing over your feet, breathing in the cool mountain air, enjoying a cocktail on a warm continental evening… Whilst annual leave is a well-deserved break, it can be difficult to deal with holiday handovers before any time off can begin. This is applicable to team members who are planning holidays; and those that are left behind and have to keep the show running. A good holiday handover means you can benefit from your downtime without worrying about business. It will also take away much of the anxiety from the people you ask to step into your shoes. Make it…
The frequency of cyber-attacks have been on an upwards trajectory for several years now, but 2022 saw new threats emerge and impact organisations on a regular basis. According to the latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey from the UK government, 69% of large organisations and 32% of smaller firms experienced a cyber-attack in 2022 and with recent highly publicised attacks at the likes of the BBC, British Airways and Boots, it’s clear that cyber-attacks are a gargantuan threat to businesses of all shapes and sizes. The rate and frequency of these attacks is concerning but even more alarming is the vast…
In times of turbulence and uncertainty, the significance of a head-turning pitch becomes even more pronounced. Now, more than ever, entrepreneurs must harness the power of a pitch-perfect presentation in order to set their funding mechanisms in motion. During periods of economic instability and shifting market landscapes, naturally investors are more cautious. A well-crafted pitch is highly necessary, not only to capture their attention but to allow the investors to envision its potential success. A typical venture capitalist or angel investor may see hundreds of start-up pitch decks every year, usually spending 10-15 minutes reading each one, depending on how…
Every year, SMEs lose a staggering £19 billion due to a lack of productivity, with some business owners reporting 60 hours lost to admin tasks per week. A recent review of SMEs carried out by Microsoft Dynamics 365 experts, Pragmatiq, has found that adopting the right software can offer small businesses the opportunity to regain valuable time spent on laborious admin tasks. Pragmatiq identified one study that showed businesses could regain up to 240 working hours every year that were otherwise previously spent on administrative tasks. Implementing the right software has the potential to unleash copious benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises; efficiency improvements, data…
The latest UK business insurance statistics by money.co.uk business found that 44% of SMEs in the UK have no commercial insurance – up from 40% in 2021. This amounts to over 2.4 million SMEs in the UK. As a result, the experts at money.co.uk business have put together information on the following: The most common reasons why business owners don’t take out insurance Why business owners need insurance How much it costs to insure businesses Finding the right business insurance. The most common reasons as to why business owners don’t take out business insurance: Reason for not having insurance Percentage The business is too small 47%…
Small businesses face an uphill battle in capturing the hearts of younger customers, as a mere 22% of Gen Z believe their customer service rivals that of larger competitors. This is particularly concerning for smaller fashion brands, considering that 75% of spending by Gen Z is on fashion. The Small Business Customer Service in 2023 research, from FM Outsource, looked into what customers want from small businesses and what they’re actually offering. Despite reservations from Gen Z, the research revealed that older generations are more confident in the capabilities of small businesses. An impressive 60% of consumers, aged 55-64, believe they can offer…