Now that just about everything happens online, cyber security has taken on a new significance. Unfortunately, hackers and other nefarious actors have leapt at the opportunity of the pandemic, and cybercrime is on the rise. According to government statistics, 39% of UK businesses have experienced a cyber security breach in the past year. Perhaps most alarmingly, a recent study found that malware attacks increased by 358% globally in 2020. Small businesses can often feel immune to cybercrime. The reality is that in our increasingly digital world every business is vulnerable to it, no matter what their size. Despite the risk, 80% of…
Author: sme-admin
Lee Underwood, Channel Manager UK&I at Snom Technology GmbH talks to SMEToday about the impending ISDN switch off and what business can do to ensure seamless migration. In the age of hybrid and remote working, having the technology in place to ensure you never miss a call from a potential business enquiry is crucial. To achieve this, millions of SMEs still rely on an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) telephone line, which allows multiple callers to phone into the same local number and avoid an engaged tone. They are vital to reception areas, customer service lines, doctors’ surgeries – really,…
New data reveals that almost one in five (17%) of small business owners expect their revenues to grow by 10% in the first six months after lockdown guidelines are completely relaxed. The data released by Xero, the global small business platform, in its Future of Small Business Report found that 39% say they will focus on growing relationships with their customers over the next three years, while a quarter (27%) plan to build consumer trust. Digital adoption is also a key area small businesses plan to tap into to drive growth according to the findings. 40% of retail revenue is…
China accounts for nearly 15% of the global trade, and if you are an importer it is highly probable that you are already trading with China or are planning to do so in the future. However, navigating cross-border trade with China through the coronavirus pandemic has proved challenging. Prices have surged due to factors like the rapid price increases for raw materials and freight costs have skyrocketed to historical highs, coupled with adverse exchange rates due to a strengthening Renminbi (“RMB”). Whilst these factors are largely outside the control of SMEs in the UK and Europe, there are some useful…
Lockdown start-up ‘Total Words’ has launched a digital library of books and learning resources to encourage children to read more. The specialist books, written by an educational psychologist and designed to be read at school or home, are about real-life topics, from blue whales to tsunamis. Co-founder Kiri Mellalieu says: “We’re on a mission to create a nation of confident readers who are as passionate about books and learning as we are. Britain is in the grips of a literacy crisis thanks to lockdown – government figures reveal that an estimated 200,000 pupils will start secondary school this autumn without…
As the pandemic struck, four savvy Liverpool entrepreneurs knew they needed to adapt fast to survive. By taking a risk to transition from live arts to digital arts overnight, they created their own rhythm to success. The Liverpool Arts Bar was opened by best friends Alex Medlicott, Ben Cosgrove, Tom Wilson and Jordan Bucknall on Hope Street in Liverpool in June 2019. The business was quickly established as a fresh, creative space designed to support and champion the local artistic scene, showcasing diverse talent from the worlds of music, poetry, theatre, comedy and film. When the UK went into lockdown…
Xero, the global small business platform, today (14th July) announced Analytics Plus, part of a new suite of planning and forecasting tools, powered by artificial intelligence and designed to help businesses and advisors plan for the future with confidence. Available from today, Xero Analytics Plus combines cash flow forecasting featuring advanced predictions and insightful business reporting tools, directly available in Xero. The tools are the culmination of rigorous testing and development with the broader Xero community during a challenging period for small businesses, and build on the company’s commitment to be the most insightful and trusted platform for small businesses.…
An event to mark the ongoing success of James and James eCommerce Fulfilment in Northampton, include the sharing of expertise and ideas from key business advisers, is available to view on YouTube. On Thursday, July 8, James and James hosted Adversity Into Opportunity: Scale Up Your Business in a Post-Covid World, to mark the presentation by the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson, of the firm’s Queen’s Award for International Trade. Guests were able to tour the firm’s new Brackmills headquarters and fulfilment centre, comprising 600,000 square feet of operational space, into which James and James moved at the end…
Virgin Media O2 has revealed new research finding that 1 in 5 (19%) workers are considering a ‘nomadic working’ trip this summer, making the most of remote working by setting up their office from holiday accommodation or with friends and family. Londoners are especially keen on the idea of nomadic working, with close to 2 in 5 (38%) of those living in the capital saying they’re likely to trade in their home office or workplace for an alternative location in the UK this summer. Virgin Media O2 Business has identified ‘The Nomads’ as an emerging group of employees coming out…
Yell has released new research into how small businesses are managing their online presence in light of the pandemic, and how, as we come out of lockdown in the UK, getting your website right has never been more important. The research identified an effective online presence as a key driver for sales and enquiries for SMEs. 80% of businesses stated that their website and social media presence were the most important aspects for generating leads and sales, closely followed by digital marketing and branding (both 79%). 34% of businesses stated that they thought their website was unimportant before the pandemic,…