In just one month, the Government’s furlough scheme will end after 18 months of allowing employers to keep staff on the payroll, without them coming to work. While it was certainly a financial lifeline for many SMEs, it hasn’t been without its challenges. New data from CapitalBox found loans hit a five-year high, despite the availability of Government funds, as SMEs were forced to borrow more to keep their business afloat. Loans taken out by UK small businesses to cover workforce costs spiked from 1% in March 2020 to 14% in April 2020, as the furlough scheme failed to cover the complete…
Author: sme-admin
In many ways the pandemic has brought out the best in people. However, it has also highlighted the outmoded leadership styles that many have, and that will continue to cause havoc as we emerge from the crisis. A report by The Global Alliance in Management Education found that where hard skills were once prized, now softer, more humane competencies have gained greater value. As they recognise, good leadership includes the ability to flex and respond to changing needs; “The leadership style that comes naturally to you or is typical for your organisation may not always be fit for purpose. If…
JON White, the antiques dealer who runs Old Bank Antiques in Royal Wootton Bassett, is appealing for help in tracing the legitimate owner of a valuable picture brought into his Wiltshire centre. The picture was brought in by a woman from Wiltshire, who does not wish to be named, as she wanted to sell it, alongside other items from her late father’s estate. Her father bought the picture in good faith from a flea market in London some years ago. “The signed picture looked special and I felt it was worth doing some research on it,” Jon said. “Clearly we…
Qualified nutritional therapist and naturopath Caroline Peyton of Peyton Principles, who has run clinics in Wiltshire and The Cotswolds for more than a decade, advises on how to ease the symptoms of Hayfever. The number of hay fever sufferers is at an all time high in the UK with around 25% of the population suffer with mild to moderate symptoms during the summer. And if you’re one of them you may have noticed you are suffering more. Symptoms are worse for many people possibly due to a reduced immune tolerance as a result of prolonged lockdowns. Here are some easy…
Nominations for the IPSE Freelancer Awards are now open. The awards are to recognise not only the best and brightest freelancers from across the UK, but also the organisations and individuals who have done most to support the freelance community. As the Awards did not take place last year, freelancers can submit work and achievements from over the last two years. The deadline for submissions is 6th August 2021. Freelancers from across the UK can put themselves forward for national recognition in one or more of eight categories: Outstanding Freelancer – to recognise outstanding freelancers in all age groups. Young Freelancer – to…
Since we posted an article in May about the newest Google Algorithm Update, we have been alerted to a new tool which businesses might find worth a try. The free Experte Bulk Page Speed Test automatically determines the speed and Core Web Vitals for your site, helps you figure out what pages are slowing your site down, and can also be used to compare pages with competitors. This Page Speed Test uses the same data as Google PageSpeed Insights – which is a tool mentioned in the aforementioned article. The results are 100% comparable and reliable. However, unlike PageSpeed Insights,…
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…
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…