A brand-new digital-first solution for ISO 9001 certification has launched, making the process more seamless, accessible and affordable for small UK businesses. Designed exclusively for single-site businesses and start-ups with 25 employees or fewer, CertSmart provides UKAS accredited ISO 9001 certification in five simple steps, streamlining the process and reducing the time, cost and administrative burden for small businesses. . CertSmart customers work with Lloyd’s Register’s best-in-class auditors and can complete a remote audit in as little as four weeks from the start of the process. ISO 9001 is a long standing, globally recognised quality management system standard and is…
Author: sme-admin
IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) has said that the government’s “narrow” self-isolation exemptions list leaves many freelancers – even those who are double-vaccinated – being forced to self-isolate and lose income in the coming weeks. IPSE has said that although it is understandable the government’s list is based on the critical importance of certain industries, it fails to take into account working situations, thus leaving many freelancers who cannot work from home standing to lose significant income. This comes after new data revealed that a record 618,903 people were told to isolate by the NHS Covid-19…
In 2010 consumers began to see the emergence of Insurtech’s who promised a seamless service wherever and whenever they need it. More than a decade on, we can see the traditional insurance industry being fiercely disrupted by these early stage businesses. Across Europe, we are watching new unicorns making a lot of noise in this space, with some wondering if it’s just that; noise? To what extent are Insurtech’s becoming a threat to legacy businesses? What makes them different to traditional insurance, and so gaining the trust of consumers? Insurance is a purchase most of us will make at some…
A Newport-based architectural practice has received £16,000 in research and development (R&D) tax credits, thanks to the innovation demonstrated in its sustainable projects. RA Architects, based in Newport, Wales, formed in 2012 as a design-led architectural practice passionate about improving the quality of life for people within spaces. They provide services to commercial and domestic clients across the UK, delivering efficient creative buildings whilst helping people overcome planning constraints and introducing new sustainable energy-saving designs. Innovation was evident in many of its projects, including the use of custom-built steel framing and sustainable products such as permeable tarmac, underfloor heating, energy exploration, sewerage…
Collaboration will mean SMEs can secure finance and energy products at competitive rates from multiple providers via a single marketplace Business Finance marketplace Funding Options has teamed up with Love Energy Savings, the UK’s leading energy comparison experts for gas and electricity, to offer unbiased and fair comparisons on over 150 business tariffs from over 17 providers. The strategic partnership will help business owners save time and money sourcing the best energy offers from the same platform they use to find growth finance. UK SMEs currently spend over £7 billion a year on gas, but if they switched suppliers they…
For England, the 19th of July was dubbed as, ‘Freedom Day.’ We have been gifted with the easing of social gathering restrictions, social distancing rules have in large, been lifted and face coverings are no longer a mandatory requirement. However, what is disconcerting is that on Freedom Day the soaring covid infection rates have triggered ‘pingdemic’ chaos. In the first week of July, more than half a million (530,126) alerts were issued by the NHS Covid-19 track and trace app, requesting people to self-isolate for ten days, following contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19. This figure is…
‘Freedom day’ has come and gone and a heatwave is well and truly upon us. Many employees will be considering venturing back into their offices this week, and indeed, what to wear. However, with many of us having worked from home for well over a year now, often dare I say it, in joggers, I have started to wonder, does dress code even matter in the workplace these days? Do we really need to go back to the office suited and booted, or can we get away with our joggers and a hoodie for ever more? What is the middle…
GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE: GDDY), the company that empowers everyday entrepreneurs, is joining forces with Olympic sailing champion Hannah Mills MBE, to inspire UK micro-businesses to become more sustainable. Through its partnership with Team GB for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, GoDaddy has teamed up with Mills, who is going for gold again this Summer, to support her Big Plastic Pledge initiative. The campaign looks to eradicate single-use plastics in sport through simple and easy-to-deploy solutions for competitors, spectators, sports clubs and governing bodies. GoDaddy is helping to take the Pledge to the next level by developing, redesigning and hosting new…
Embello, a leading printing and merchandise company in the Midlands, has been busy providing branded football kit to Premier League player Marc Albrighton as he launches his academy for young players at Tamworth Football Club. The Leicester City player who has enjoyed a prestigious career with Leicester City for seven years and previously with Aston Villa, has already set up his own Centre of Development. His aim is to encourage and support children into the sport of football from a young age across the Midlands. He’s now launching an academy at Tamworth Football Club and hopes to encourage up to…
One of the UK’s leading independent fostering agency, Banya, is looking forward to their young foster children, carers and workers engaging with the Be Inspired event to empower young people who have experienced care, which takes place on Friday 30th July. Be Inspired is an entertaining virtual event originally set up by tv journalist Ashley John-Baptiste who was brought up in foster care himself. Its aim is to inspire, empower and equip young people who have experienced the care system, who want to take hold of their future, learn about different career opportunities, spark aspiration and drive ambition. This year’s theme…