Show me the COVID business practice that you randomly saw one day that is now an unconscious standard practice in your life (here’s hoping the TikTok reference lands). With 20 percent of executives surveyed in the UK saying that at least one-tenth of their employees could work remotely two or more days a week going forward, it’s clear that the flexible style of working adapted during the pandemic is here to stay. But with hope on the horizon as lockdowns ease and vaccines roll out, what other pandemic lessons will entrepreneurs be taking with them into their new flexible work…
Author: sme-admin
Iconic England Rugby Player, Jonny Wilkinson, now utilises his experience in high-performance sport to aid success in the corporate world as a keynote/ motivational speaker. He talks to SME Today about his career, the challenges and his motivation. What specific physical and mental skills are necessary to thrive as a rugby player? “To thrive as a rugby player, it’s the same as any other job or profession. It simply requires you to be fully present, clear, aware and ready. “I guess it comes down to what ‘ready’ means. It means owning the space you stand in, but also having a…
After the 2008 financial crisis, academics found that family businesses had consistently lower insolvency rates than other companies – early evidence would suggest that they have again fared well during the Covid-19 crisis. However, the pandemic has put stress on everyone, and whilst the businesses themselves may be resilient, legal disputes in between owners of them are on the increase. Whilst disputes arise between the owners of all types of businesses, those involving family companies can be particularly fractious. The added dimension of the family relationship can add to the usual pressures felt between co-owners, multi-generational aspects may come into…
Amazon will expand its support to small businesses, together with Amazon Web Services, re/Start graduate employers and creative industry partners by funding more than 200 new apprenticeships through levy transfers. Earlier this year, Amazon announced 1,000 new apprenticeship roles in 2021 within the company, including 100 degree-level apprenticeships which pay up to £30,000 a year, and more than 500 apprenticeships for Amazon employees. Amazon today announces the creation of an Amazon Apprenticeship Fund to help small businesses across England take on apprentices through the levy transfer scheme. The £2.5 million investment will help create more than 200 new apprenticeships in…
The Northern Affinity, a business community powering growth and development across the North has seen significant growth as business owners look to collaborate more in a post lockdown world. The firm has witnessed an influx of northern businesses looking to expand their networks, work together and share advice. Alongside 58 small business owners, a selection of corporate flagship firms have become partners of the community. In May, Metro Bank officially became a Northern Affinity partner. As part of this, Metro Bank is providing access to its branches and facilities for The Northern Affinity meetings, including at its soon-to-open Bradford branch. Other larger partners include…
The pandemic has forced many businesses to turn to digital marketing, more so than ever, in order to maintain their customer base. With so much ‘noise’ out there, it means that if you want your business to stand out from everyone else’s, you need to pay attention to your customers’ online behaviour and interests in order to adapt. Market Research The pandemic has already had an enormous impact on consumer behaviour and marketing strategies, and some of these changes may be permanent. This is why including renewed market research in your marketing strategy for 2021 is a very wise move.…
Five human skills SMEs should nurture in their team right now to improve capability and engagement. We’ve all heard of the term ‘soft skills’ or ‘power skills’ as they’ve also been coined. They are the essential being and thinking (or social and emotional) behaviours we should all be developing in our teams to improve future capability alongside the ‘hard’, doing, technical skills too. Soft skills, such as patience, adaptability, curiosity and being able to build relationships and collaborate, are all integral to fostering healthy, respectful and productive working environments; places where we all want – and choose – to work.…
Kelly Swingler, an executive coach to CEOs and senior people leaders who want to lead from their core and change the world of work, was offered a ‘no-brainer’ opportunity. She was asked by Matt Manners and Ruth Dance, co-founders for Inspiring Workplaces, if she would like to join them as a co-founder herself, work with Inspire: Cities and also be a judge for the Inspiring Workplaces Awards this year. “I have known Matt for several years and our relationship is built totally on trust,” said Kelly. “The entire Inspiring Workplaces ethos is all about creating a local and global community…
Vitality, in partnership with the RSA, is launching a new study that warns of the crippling impact of successive lockdowns on the future physical and mental health of employees, and calls for UK businesses to urgently incorporate health and wellbeing into the Company Risk Register. The report’s key findings and recommendations include: Worsening physical health – homeworking has reinforced sedentary lifestyles leading to an ‘ergonomic timebomb’ risking increased back and shoulder injuries and pain. This has been coupled with a reduction in physical activity of 28%[1]. Increased anxiety: 50% of homeworkers are anxious about a return to the office. As…
Many start-ups won’t imagine they can make use of video as a tool for great Customer Experience (CX) but with preferences for video chat increasing, even early stage businesses can make use of video as a communications channel to support customers. The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect and completely changed how consumers interact with brands. Since March 2020, purchasing journeys in nearly every industry have moved online with many businesses changing the way they connect with their customers. In a recent report released by Webhelp, it shows consumer preferences for video calling in a customer service setting…