Rachel Matwiejczyk Booth, the sales and marketing director of digital news and marketing hub Total Swindon has been named Networker of the Year in the South West Business & Community Awards. Rachael, who lives in Swindon with her family, is well known in Swindon, Bath and Bristol for her positive approach to collaboration, support and success across the South West and she was given her award at a sell-out gala event in Swindon at the Doubletree Hilton (December 8). The awards are organised by the Great British Expos. “I feel humbled and honoured to be recognised in this way. It…
Author: sme-admin
Chief Technology Officer of Scrive, explains the preventative measures banks should be implementing to protect their customers In the first half of 2021, criminals stole a total of £753.9 million through fraud, which represents a 30% increase compared to H1 2020. While advanced security systems managed to prevent a further £736 million from being taken[1], it does raise questions about what other preventative measures banks should be putting in place to further protect their customers. When blockchain technology is spoken about, most people tend to associate it with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, we are increasingly seeing Blockchain…
SME Business confidence has improved for the first time in over 12 months, a new survey from specialist finance provider Capify has found. Released today, the Q3 Business Confidence Survey revealed that SMEs were more bullish than in the previous quarter, despite the looming recession. The Survey which canvassed the insights of 318 SME business owners on areas of business performance, outlook, and investment intentions, uses the data to produce an overall confidence score between -10 (very unconfident) and +20 (very confident). The confidence score now sits at 5.64, a 7-point increase on the Q2 2022 score of -2.70. John…
Joe Miller, General Manager at Pocketalk Americas and Europe shares some of his predictions for 2023. With a new year comes a refreshed outlook. So, as we welcome in 2023, it’s a good time for SMEs to prepare for the challenges that the next year may present and identify opportunities that can be utilised. Here are three trends I believe SMEs should watch out for in 2023. A global talent pool We will see a continued skills shortage across most industries in the UK with many businesses looking at talent overseas. The UK has shown more willingness to utilise international workers…
For many, this year will be the first in-person office Christmas party since 2019. It’s the first opportunity to bring everyone together and finish the year on a high, but for employers, there’s potential for a hangover that lasts far beyond the next morning. Bringing together a large group of colleagues outside the usual work environment and adding alcohol into the mix can be a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately, some employees will also see it as an opportunity to air frustrations they have sat on all year. Corinne Curtis, Head of HR – Third Sector at WorkNest, provides SMEToday’s readers with some…
Will Ennett, Head of Sustainability at Talk Talk Business, discusses the steps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can take to start their journey towards net zero with SMEToday As the effects of climate change take hold it’s important for every business to play their part in reducing overall carbon footprint. SME’s have a unique opportunity to start pushing back against climate change, reduce environmental impact, and even save money in the long run. It’s essential they have the support to do so. It is noted that SMEs often have a lower carbon footprint than larger businesses, but collectively this accounts…
According to the Rose Review Report on female entrepreneurship 2022, more women than ever are starting new companies, with 145,200 all-female-led new firms created last year, up from 56,200 in 2018 – a 37 percent year-on-year increase. These new all-female-led businesses made up 20 percent of the total in 2021, up from 16 percent in 2018, and the growth of all-female-led companies is now overtaking male-led ones. Many of these businesses are based here in the UK, exporting their world-class products to exciting new markets – like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC is equivalent to the UK’s 7th largest…
A smooth-running supply chain starts in an efficient warehouse. From inventory distribution to sorting, warehouses play a strategic role. That is why it is essential to avoid bottlenecks and ensure the warehouse is running efficiently. Jean-Baptiste Clouard, CEO at Flowlity, an innovative AI-based supply chain planning and optimisation solution, shares how to effectively use AI to optimise warehouse processes, as well as highlighting the benefits of implementing these processes for businesses. Forecasting Every year, billions of pounds are lost as a result of shortages or overstocks at the manufacturing and distribution stage. Maintaining an optimal stock level is essential to…
Some people love parties and find it easy being a social butterfly and working the room. Others dread the party season and will do anything to avoid being asked to a party. The office Christmas party is likely to divide opinions but it’s one that’s tricky to avoid. There are however some simple do’s and don’ts that can help people get into the Christmas spirit, but not too much so that they embarrass themselves. Below are Activ People HR’s do’s and don’ts to help people get through the festive party season: Do: Mingle and speak to people outside of your usual networks –…
By day he is the technical director of Berkshire-based document management specialist company Filestream, but each December businessman Paul Day has a very special second job as Father Christmas. For the past 25 years, he has donned the most famous red suit in the world, listened to children’s wishes, delivered presents and brought joy and hope to many. “It started when my sister, Carol, asked me to visit her Rainbows group and dress up as Father Christmas. I think it was the shape of me,” said Paul. “I had a suit made especially for me as I wanted it to…