Helen Steel is the Managing Director at Streamlion Consulting. The Berkshire-based business helps SMEs apply for start-up financing and grant applications, while providing scale-up advice and a pathway to success. Helen discusses the need for companies to be disruptive in their industries, or face being disrupted themselves. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the mantra is clear: disrupt or be disrupted. From the rise of digital banking revolutionaries like Monzo and Revolut to the fall of high street giants like Woolworths and BHS, the UK market has witnessed firsthand the power of disruption and the risks of stagnation. But what…
Author: Greg Robinson
Starting out as a freelance photographer is a great way to monetise a passion, bringing both hobby and career together to form a job that brings joy. However, freelance photography isn’t without its risks. Many will consider the possibility of equipment theft or damage, but there are many less obvious risks. From legal issues to loss of photos, freelance photographers can face numerous obstacles that require careful consideration and proactive measures. Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of freelancers, shares some of the risks that freelance photographers could come up against and provides some tips on how…
Why you should stop saying ‘committed suicide’ as new research reveals two-thirds are still using harmful phrase New research by social enterprise MHFA England, among 2,000 UK employees, ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, found most employees are still using inappropriate and outdated language to discuss suicide at work. Two-thirds (66%) of employees are using harmful terms such as ‘committed suicide’. This phrase stems from a time when suicide was illegal. Its use can signal blame, contributing to stigma. Only 10% of employees would know that the best way to save the life of someone thinking of suicide…
Jessica Redman, CEO of Didgeheads, examines how businesses can integrate Artificial intelligence into their strategy without falling foul of Google or breaching the search engine’s guidelines. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being applied in business; automating processes, analysing data and increasing reporting efficiencies. With the swelling accessibility of AI, many organisations are tempted to apply AI to their SEO strategy to create search-optimised posts in a swift and seemingly efficient way. Evolution of SEO Historically, there were many ways to ‘hack’ the algorithm and boost SEO; organisations were able to keyword stuff websites, write excessively long posts that by sheer…
Mike Puglia, General Manager, Security Products, Kaseya makes the case for why SME’s should consider cyber insurance as an additional key tool in the battle against increasing cyber attacks. UK SMEs have had plenty on their plate in 2024. While Brexit and COVID-19 are no longer the headline issues, businesses face several ongoing challenges: attracting and retaining talent, keeping pace with rapid technological changes, and adapting to a new government landscape. If the past decade has shown SMEs anything, it’s that event in quieter periods, change is inevitable. Today, staying ahead of the curve is crucial, and those who don’t will quickly…
When you work in an office you will always encounter different personalities that you have to work with, who may or may not always be on the same page as yourself as to what is appropriate conduct in the office. With Gen Z entering the workforce in recent years, they have come to label office habits they don’t approve of as ‘office icks’. Whilst these office icks may be not endorsed by colleagues, are any of them sackable offences? UK and Ireland workspace provider Click Offices wanted to find out, so spoke to a focus group of office workers to find out…
UK specialist rail depot maintenance firm MTMS has been recognised for going beyond the call of duty to support the country’s armed forces by being awarded the highest accolade in a national employers’ scheme. The company, based in Moira, Leicestershire, is one of nearly 200 companies have been given the gold award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme this year. The announcement, made yesterday, is the culmination of a years-long initiative at MTMS to support former and serving personnel, as well as supporting local army, sea and air cadets. It specifically targets former service personnel when recruiting and…
SMEToday’s features editor Fiona Scott recently had the opportunity to interview former Bath and England Rugby Union player, Dave Attwood. What Value Can The Sport Of Rugby Really Bring To The World Of Business? This was just one of the questions I asked former rugby union player Dave Attwood. I recently met the 37-year-old for the first time and, as I’m not a rugby fan, I had no real clue who he was or what he’d achieved to date in his career. I’m no longer ignorant. Dave is a committed father, partner, sports fan and now businessman and is about…
As we enter a new political chapter for the UK, Clive Hudson, CEO of Programify, stands at the forefront of software development, innovation, and design and is advocating for robust governmental support for innovators and entrepreneurs. The process of innovation is frequently misunderstood and certainly under-supported when it comes to Government backing and financial subsidies. Innovation is rarely linear, measurable or something that can be planned. In fact, it is usually quite the opposite. The route to and process of innovation relies on flexibility, trial and error, and prototyping; an ongoing cyclical pattern until a product or solution is born.…
As a seasoned UK lawyer, I can assure you there are certain legal tasks that SMEs should handle themselves rather than delegating to their external legal advisers. This will not only save you money but also spare your lawyer from rolling their eyes (again). Here Ross Meadows, Partner at Oury Clark highlights nine legal matters you should tackle on your own: Company Name and Trademark Searches Before you dive into registering a company or trademark, you can conduct preliminary searches using online databases to ensure your company and brand name isn’t already in use. This helps you narrow down options and…