Author: Greg Robinson

A Made-Smarter backed campervan manufacturer has secured a ‘transformational’ partnership with Mercedes-Benz after investing in new technology. Crozier Campers, based in Lancashire, is now part of the automotive brand’s Bodybuilder programme. It means the Poulton-le-Fylde company can order pre-registered Sprinter vans directly from the factory in Germany to convert and sell. Mercedes-Benz agreed to the collaboration following Crozier’s £40k investment in leading edge design software and CNC machinery which was supported by a £20,000 grant from Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme. Conor Crozier, Founder and Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to have established a formal partnership with Mercedes-Benz.…

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What brought you to Salesforce? I’ve spent over two decades working in the software industry, and Salesforce has been internationally recognised as the best-in-class Customer Relationship Management (CRM) provider for over half of that time. That’s an astounding achievement. Through the various roles I’ve performed at Salesforce I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to and help fuel the customer-obsessed culture that sets us apart from our competitors. That’s what brought me to Salesforce, and what keeps me here. Tell me about your role as Head of EMEA ESMB for Salesforce – what does your day to day look like? I…

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Former world class wheelchair tennis players Louise Hunt Skelley PLY, and Samanta Bullock have collaborated to create a new venture EnableRise. EnableRise is a groundbreaking business dedicated to promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and positive change for forward-looking companies and organisations who want to embrace people of all abilities. As pioneers in disability advocacy, Louise and Samanta bring a wealth of experience and passion to EnableRise. Their mission is to create a more inclusive and equitable society through impactful public talks, workshops and consultancy services. Louise Hunt Skelley, who lives in Swindon, enjoyed an impressive career in wheelchair tennis, representing Great Britain…

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With the digital age making a broader range of services readily available to customers, B2B sales are more competitive than ever. The digital era has transformed the way businesses work and this is especially true for the role of salesperson, where we have seen a huge shift in how businesses connect with their customers. So what makes a good salesperson in 2024? And what skills should they have to generate successful leads and boost their results? To gain an understanding of what the biggest skills gaps are in B2B marketing and sales, the experts at Sopro have delved into Marketing…

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Keele University is proud to offer apprenticeships across different sectors and specialisms. We provide a personalised approach, consulting with employers at all stages and have an evolving programme portfolio. Since 2018, Keele University has supported over 650 apprentices from more than 150 organisations. We focus on ensuring the learning on our apprenticeship programmes can be applied into the workplace, placing employer requirements at the heart of what we do. We have a strong track record of working with SMEs, through a range OF European Social Fund projects and through collaborations across our Keele University Science Park. Our Gateway offers a…

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60 festivals are taking part in a pioneering project to establish a green events code of practice across England. Creative climate non-profit Julie’s Bicycle, host of festival industry project Vision: 2025, is collaborating with ten local authorities and more than 60 festivals to test how a Green Events Code of Practice (GECoP) can be adopted nationally. Vision: 2025 Chair and Shamabla Festival Director Chris Johnson states: “I’m very proud that our industry is making the environment a key priority to deliver more sustainable festivals in the future. I’m surprised that we’ve heard so little about environmental issues during this election…

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Ahead of the upcoming general election, over half (52%) of SME owners do not feel informed on the different political parties’ policies and their potential impact on small businesses, according to new data by online accounting provider FreeAgent. The survey delves into small business owners’ thoughts on the UK’s economic performance as well as perceptions around the upcoming election and its potential impact on  small businesses in the UK. It reveals that many entrepreneurs are pessimistic about the changes to come and how they might affect the UK’s economic output, with 2 in 5 respondents (39%) believing there will be…

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For any startup, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), brand storytelling is not just a marketing tactic but a foundational strategy. It is essential for creating a deep connection between the brand and its customers. Through compelling narratives, businesses can convey their values, mission, and the passion behind their products or services. This connection fosters loyalty and differentiates the brand in a crowded market. Moreover, storytelling allows startups to humanise their brand. In an era where consumers are bombarded with advertisements and impersonal automated messages, a well-crafted story can make a brand feel more approachable and trustworthy. Daniel Li is…

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Whether you own a traditional brick-and-mortar business, or you have an idea for a new business venture, now is the time to consider launching an eCommerce presence. According to the 2024 WorldPay Global Payments Report, there is no better time to be selling online than now. In 2023, 14.4% of all purchases made around the world occurred through eCommerce. Even more importantly, that number is forecasted to grow by 8% throughout Europe in the years ahead. So, if you haven’t set up an eCommerce presence for your business, what’s stopping you? For many, it’s the fear of entering unknown territory…

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Gloucestershire-based charity the Hollie Gazzard Trust is proud to announce the UK’s first Active Bystander Conference at Hartpury University in July.  In 2014, Hollie Gazzard’s life was tragically taken by her ex-boyfriend at her workplace in Gloucester. In response, her family founded the Hollie Gazzard Trust to honour her memory and prevent future tragedies. This year, they commemorate the 10th anniversary of her passing. Since that time, the Hollie Gazzard Trust has achieved remarkable milestones to help ensure others do not endure similar experiences. They launched the groundbreaking Hollie Guard app in 2015, recognised for its innovative safety features like…

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