Stress is normal and, to some extent, a very necessary part of life. In fact, often a small amount of stress can drive us to get things done, as long as it is harnessed in the right way. Katy James, EAP Clinical Lead at Vita Health Group explains how to use mindfulness to combat stress. However, what happens when we’re no longer able to harness stress to our advantage? What happens when that feeling of stress becomes all-encompassing; when we simply can’t think about anything else; what happens when that stress feels out of control? That’s the time…
Author: sme-admin
AWS launches Startup Loft Accelerator, a 10-week, virtual, equity-free acceleration program for early-stage startups in EMEA. Participants will have tailored personal training with access to experienced advisors, subject matter experts, investors, and some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, who have built their businesses on AWS. They can also join a large community of entrepreneurs to share knowledge, experience and advice. They will be eligible to join the AWS Activate program, which includes up to $25K in Activate credits to spend on AWS services, a one-year free AWS Business Support subscription for up to $5K, access to the pre-built infrastructure…
Lyreco, the European leader and third largest distributor of workplace products and services in the world, is offering a helping hand to microbusinesses in the UK and Ireland thanks to a new initiative dubbed the Lyreco Goodness Microbusiness Support Programme. The initiative aims to back ambitious microbusinesses that align with Lyreco’s CSR and environmental credentials and those that provide products and services in a similar field; namely PPE, hygiene, catering supplies, office furniture, IT and workplace technology and general office supplies. A total of ten successful applicants will be offered a bespoke page on Lyreco’s web-shop, marketing and communication support,…
Almost half of Brits’ finances have been significantly impacted by the pandemic – with those aged 50-64 affected the most, according to new research by leading health service company, Cigna Europe. Over 1,000 Brits took part in the Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey, which reveals that 29% of Brits are unable to maintain their current standard of living, 24% are unable to pay their mortgage or housing – whilst almost 4 in 10 (39%) have no financial security if they are unable to work due to illness. The research also highlights only 22% of people have sufficient money for retirement, with those aged…
The tech sector has been among the few winners of the pandemic. According to Tech Nation, a new startup launched every half an hour in the UK between January and December of 2020, double the rate of the previous year. The entrepreneurial spirit and talent of British business owners, combined with record levels of funding has made the UK a competitive tech hotspot. So much so that the government has set up a fund to supercharge fast-growing tech firms to further foster tech innovation in the UK. Behind almost all tech startups, and one of the primary assets of businesses…
Business Development – Scaling v Growth One of the most important decisions a business owner has to make is choosing whether the company will focus on growth, or on scaling. While it’s generally best to focus on one approach for a reasonable stretch of time before switching gears, there are many ways that companies go about this struggle. Brands typically either grow their customer base by marketing and attracting new clients, or they scale by focusing on optimizing their current offerings and generating profit from loyal consumers. Which strategy you choose might depend on several factors, including the stage the…
Entrepreneur Kelly Swingler will be a keynote speaker this month at The Richmond Human Resources Forum in London sharing the story of her burnout experience which led her to create the world’s first Wellbeing for HR Programme. The former HR director believes the sector needs to get better at creating their own support packages and prioritising their wellbeing too. Kelly, whose talk is entitled: ‘What does wellbeing look like for HR people themselves?’ is an executive coach for professional women and founder of The Chrysalis Crew – an award-winning people and change consultancy. She is also the author of the ‘What’s Your…
Visit The Thames Valley Expo in Reading & connect with the local business community. Great British Expos are delighted to be bringing back one of their longest-running Exhibitions. The Thames Valley Expo (Reading) takes place on the 2nd November at Green Park Conference Center. This exhibition is the ultimate event for businesses within the region and provides the ideal meeting place to learn, collaborate, network and discuss the latest innovations helping encourage economic prosperity for Berkshire. Attending the Thames Valley Expo gives SMEs a huge advantage. Connect with 100’s of like minded business in the one place; make new connections,…
Paul Glynn is the Managing Director of Sandler Training UK (Southern Counties). Award winning Sandler Training is one of the leading sales training and leadership development companies in the world, assisting large multi-national companies, as well as small- to mid-sized businesses, with their vision of growth through increased sales and profitability. Next week Paul will be sharing his expertise at The Thames Valley Expo Reading as one of the Keynote Speakers but before that he speaks to SME Today about his work experience, challenges and inspirations. You are an established and successful entrepreneur – please tell us about your background…
Over the last few months, many SMEs will have been working to their new hybrid working policies now social restrictions have eased. But getting people to actually come in when they’re supposed to is a new challenge on the wider business agenda. When employees have proven they’ve worked productively from home for 18 months, some of those hesitant to return will wonder why they’re being forced back into the office. But a huge mistake that businesses can make is coming down too heavy-handed and policing with an iron fist who isn’t at their ‘desk’. This could damage trust and make…