More than four in ten (41%) key decision makers at UK SMEs say they are considering an exit from their business in the next 5-10 years, with nearly two in ten (17%) saying they will certainly exit in that time frame. Specialist lender Shawbrook recently surveyed SME leaders on a range of issues including exiting their companies. When quizzed on their preferred method of exit, a private sale (27%) and an acquisition (27%) emerged as the most popular choices. More than a fifth (21%) of key decision makers would look to merge, with nearly a fifth saying they would prefer…
Author: sme-admin
DeepL has announced today the addition of Traditional Chinese to its platform. The addition of Traditional Chinese brings DeepL’s total number of languages to 33, further expanding access to AI-powered, accurate translation specifically tailored for businesses and enterprises alike. Traditional Chinese is the primary form of written communication for over 33 million people worldwide, representing a major milestone for DeepL in supercharging communication globally. Traditional Chinese plays a significant business role on a global scale—serving as the primary form of written communication in key business markets such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. “We understand the importance of these regions…
By: Nathan Carroll, Product Lead, M247 Whichever party won the 2024 general election was going to face a multitude of challenges. While it may not have received as much attention in the media as border control or the future of the NHS in the run up to the ballot, the need for digital to be seen as pivotal for the UK’s future economic wellbeing was something that all parties had to address. As the country’s first line of defence against increasingly sophisticated hacking attacks, cybersecurity must be a principal component of a nationwide recognition programme – which also includes relevant…
A couple have shared their experience of navigating menopause in a book thought to be the only one in the UK which shares their joint experience of this important period in a woman’s life. Kate Usher, who owns and runs Menopause in Business to help organisations become more menopause-inclusive, has worked with her husband Neil to share their joint experience of menopause. Kate was one of 25 per cent of women who suffer extreme and debilitating symptoms caused by this period of life. “A Couple’s Guide to Menopause – navigating the change together” was published on Friday August 2 by…
Last month’s global IT outage, which affected 8.5 million Windows PCs, once again highlights the vulnerabilities in the computer systems of some of our largest companies and organisations. The failure, triggered by an update of CrowdStrike cybersecurity software, disrupted services and sectors including airlines, online transactions, cash machines, card payments for retailers like Morrisons and many high street banks. Even NHS GP and cancer-treatment appointments were cancelled. The CrowdStrike crisis is not an isolated incident. Major tech outages have recently impacted customers and operations at McDonald’s, Greggs, Deliveroo, Tesco and Barclays. A new Roq survey (attached) has found that a…
ShipEngine, a leading shipping API, today announces that it has partnered with innovative location technology what3words, enabling seamless deliveries and strengthening the online customer experience. From today, what3words has been added to ShipEngine’s robust API, making it available to retailers, platforms and 3PLs across the UK. what3words provides a simple way to communicate precise location. Every 3 metre square in the world has been given a unique address made of 3 random words: a what3words address. For example, the what3words address for what3words’ London headquarters is ///filled.count.soap. what3words makes it simple for customers to pinpoint a precise delivery location and for delivery drivers…
FinTech Scotland proudly announces the launch of the 7th Annual FinTech Scotland Festival, running from September 25th to October 4th, 2024. This year’s festival promises to bring together the dynamic and collaborative Scottish fintech community, showcasing its remarkable growth, innovation, and energy. Attendees will engage in critical discussions on topics shaping the global fintech landscape. Building on the success of previous years, Scotland will welcome over 2,000 fintech professionals and enthusiasts from Scotland, the UK, and around the world. The programme kicks off with the Fintech Summit at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on September 25th, organised by leading tech publisher…
Business owners are being told of ways to keep remote workers engaged, among rising concerns phones are limiting productivity. Business specialists at TelephoneSystems.Cloud are advising managers and business owners to limit distractions among employees. This comes after it is revealed employees spend an average of two hours per day on their phones for non-work activity. Research also found 80% of employees admit to using their smartphones for personal activities at work. Balancing employees’ work and phone use is essential to managing a productive workload, according to the business specialists. A few daily phone check-ins can slowly turn into remote workers avoiding their work commitments and…
To start your own business you need several important things – an idea, a lot of determination and the funds available to get the ball rolling. But how much does it cost to start a business? From company formation prices and legal requirements, to payroll and insurance, recognising the costs of starting a business can make sure your idea is viable. Start Up A-Z, the only free company formations agent in the UK, has created a guide for new entrepreneurs to help them understand what costs they should be aware of when starting a business. What are the typical UK business…
A perfect storm is brewing in the cybersecurity sector where an increase in cyber threats is compounded by a major skills shortage and lack of women representation. Cyberattacks can shut down infrastructure, close businesses, drain bank accounts, and more. Protecting systems and data from sophisticated hackers has never been so important, and the value of the global cybersecurity market is predicted to reach an eye-popping £340 billion in 2030. Despite the industry’s apparent wealth, a worrying dearth of cybersecurity professionals, especially women, currently exists. A mere 24% of the global cybersecurity workforce are women. From recruitment challenges to the gender pay gap, cybersecurity services…