Business finance marketplace Funding Options has joined forces with Wise to offer Wise Business, the business account for going global, in its marketplace to further expand its offering for SMEs as they recover from the pandemic. Wise, the global technology company building the best way to move and manage money across borders for millions built Wise Business to enable business owners to pay international invoices, vendors, and employees in 80 countries without subscription fees and without paying any hidden charges in international transfers, which are made at the mid-market rate (i.e. the rate you see on Google). For example, in…
Author: sme-admin
Chief Executive, Michael Brodie and Head of Customer Operations, Dan Britton from NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) have won two of only 50 awards given out to leaders across the globe. Announced on 14 December 2021, the Inspiring Leaders Awards recognise leaders for their humanity and courage as well as their ability to unleash potential and communicate well. Michael Brodie joined the NHS Business Services Authority as Chief Executive in September 2019, only a few months before the global pandemic began. Michael recognised that as a national delivery organisation which operates platforms and services at scale, NHSBSA had capabilities and experiences…
Two-year study of ambiguity at work highlights the personal and business benefits of good saving behaviours, yet only 35% of employees are showing positive signs across all five key indicators 65% of employees find their saving habits leave them feeling financially exposed in at least one area, while more than one in four (28%) feel their finances control their lives More than two in five employees (43%) do not feel financially on track for the future Soaring inflation and ultra-competitive jobs market will challenge employers to support employees’ financial preparedness to attract and retain staff Aviva has called on businesses to…
A cross-sector survey of companies with a combined total of more than 1.8 million employees has, for the first time, provided a clear view of company intent in 2022 and beyond. HR DataHub, who provides technology powered HR insights, surveyed 125 senior HR, D&I, reward and people professionals – including 12 FTSE100 – on topics related to their employee strategy. The Outlook 2022 report highlights five key themes emerging in the employee sphere: Unprecedented levels of reward and benefit will be offered to attract and retain talent in 2022; Companies have little intention to report externally on D&I; Disclosure rates are likely…
Ahead of the Bank of England’s interest rate decision tomorrow (16th December), Simon Broadley, Managing Director at Tenet Mortgage Solutions, suggests bigger issues for UK mortgages could be on the horizon: “Until the last couple of weeks, an interest rate rise felt almost inevitable. So much so, that many mortgage lenders have already priced in such a rise. This means that even if the Bank pulls the trigger, and regardless of what Omicron does to the MPC’s festive plans, mortgage rates on the whole should be effectively protected – for now.” “For many people though, this is their first experience…
The alarming spread of the coronavirus caused many offices across the UK to revisit how they operate, including a quickened transition to a more agile way of working. But as many return to a new normality, employers are left with the challenge of measuring and reviewing policies that help employees remain safe and engaged. Although, when it comes to employees denying the vaccine, employers may be faced with the tough decision to enforce stricter mandates for the greater safety and security of their business. Across the UK, businesses have been encrouaging their employees to receive a vaccine in protection against…
Based in Liverpool and established in 2012, Spice Kitchen is a family-owned artisanal spice company run by mother and son team Sanjay and Shashi Aggarwal. Sanjay and Shashi are on a mission to share their love of food, spice and cooking with the world. The business was initially set up as a retirement project for Shashi, who ran a successful family shop with her husband until 2007. After 5 years of her retirement, she missed having a purpose and giving back. Sanjay says: “On Christmas Day in 2012, we were chatting over the dinner table, and Shashi said she…
Being an entrepreneur becomes a way of life, a way of thinking and learning put into practice. Small businesses make a massive contribution to the UK economy. According to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, the UK had 5.5 million small businesses at the beginning of 2021 – making up a whopping 99.2% of all UK businesses. – an estimated £2.3 trillion. SMEs account for three-fifths of the employment – that’s 61% – and around half of the turnover in the UK private sector, an estimated £2.3 trillion. It is clear to see that entrepreneurs are vital to the…
For millions of us the world over, Christmas is not the relaxing time it once was. The demands of home and work can have a huge impact on our festive build up; whether it be dashing through crowds to pick up the most wanted gift of the year, packing the freezer ready for Christmas dinner, completing end of year reviews, or squashing a month’s worth of work into just a couple of weeks. Whatever it is, there’s no doubt that this time of year can be incredibly stressful for everyone. A study by the Institute of Leadership & Management found…
The government’s decision to scrap the eastern leg of HS2 certainly came as a shock to many, but in hindsight I believe we should have expected it all along. However, that doesn’t mean the impact of their decision hasn’t been widely felt. What’s frustrating is that once again, northern regions are being left behind with businesses, employees and the general public feeling as though their being left to fight for themselves. What happened to the promises of ‘levelling up’? Is it time we face the fact they were just empty promises formulated as part of a PR stunt to obtain…