The Agile Manifesto is a short document outlining four values and twelve principles of agile software development. Over 20 years since the Manifesto was first published, many businesses have ‘gone agile’, but we’ve strayed from the founding principles, says Craig Cook, chief engineer at Agile consultancy Catapult. The Agile Manifesto is an acknowledgement of two things. First, software is often wrong and secondly, even if you get it “right”, the software is never done. The best way to get it closer to “right” is to deliver it in small increments and get regular feedback. You may have given customers exactly…
Author: sme-admin
According to new research from Dext(1), the leading bookkeeping automation platform provider, the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) surveyed (2) could be losing a staggering average of £742 every month from incorrect invoicing stemming from poor tracking of rechargeable expenses. With the UK home to over 5.5mn SMBs, the figures indicate up to a £1.1bn (3) monthly shortfall in the economy, signalling the need for a massive overhaul of outdated expense management practices. The newly-released data, which compiled survey responses from over 500 UK SMB leaders as well as 100 accountants and bookkeepers, revealed inadequate client invoicing and expense management…
HR experts predict 2025’s biggest work trends, including ‘corporate catfishing’ and ‘burnout-blocking’ Molly Johnson-Jones, LinkedIn Top Voice & CEO of flexible careers specialists, Flexa, issues a warning about the trend for ‘corporate catfishing’: “Many employers want the talent attraction benefits of flexible work, but not all can or want to accommodate different ways of working in reality. This can make for false claims and misleading job adverts. The Employment Rights Bill will only increase cases of ‘corporate catfishing’. Since new flexible working rights will give all employees the default right to request and access flexible work, all employers will technically be ‘open to…
Joy Johnson, Head of Client Services and Operations for the UK and US at Intelliworx, the IT consultants, discusses how going virtual is helping UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) significantly reduce costs, enhance their cybersecurity and boost productivity. The UK’s smaller businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to cut costs, enhance security and improve employee productivity, with many starting to adopt virtual desktops to achieve this. A virtual desktop, like Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), resembles and feels like a physical workstation, but unlike physical machines, it operates in a virtual environment. By leveraging cloud-based infrastructure, such as virtual desktops, organisations are eliminating…
iStock, a leading e-commerce platform providing premium content to SMBs, SMEs, creatives, and students everywhere, has released its 2025 Marketing Trends Report, packed with practical strategies to help businesses thrive in today’s trust-driven marketplace. The report comes at a critical time when consumer trust in social media—a key tool for small businesses—is declining. According to iStock’s VisualGPS research platform, 80% of British consumers don’t trust social media content, citing concerns over misinformation. However, trust in businesses remains high, with 63% of Brits favouring businesses over celebrities or influencers, or even politicians, and 51% preferring brands whose values align with their…
Warran Brindle is the Founder, company director, and creative director at Good Thing. He is also a female founder advocate and brand builder. Here he provides his advice, predictions, and actionable tips to build a brand that truly connects in 2025 and beyond As we begin a new year, we must acknowledge that the world is shifting toward a deeper desire for meaning, authenticity, and community. That’s why, in 2025, the businesses that will thrive will not just sell products—they will create connections. To build a brand that resonates, here are the essential, 6 ways to stand out and make…
Ruth Kennedy, CEO of TalkTalk Business, offers insightful predictions on the key technological advancements shaping the future. From the expansion of digital infrastructure and its impact on SMEs to the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology, Kennedy highlights the critical areas that will define business success in the coming years. A shift towards digital infrastructure “In today’s digital economy, businesses simply cannot reach their full potential without dependable, high-speed internet access. “2024’s Autumn Budget focused on bolstering digital infrastructure, essential for keeping the UK competitive in the rapidly evolving global digital landscape. In 2025, prioritising investments in…
As we begin a new year, business leaders may be considering how they can build and expand their companies. In order to do this, many will choose to look beyond the UK. Taking the plunge in selling internationally can often seem more daunting than it needs to be. For those thinking ahead, and looking to take the leap to begin their exporting journey, International Trade Advisors from the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) have provided their tips on how to get started and hit the ground running in 2025. Estelle Dingley, International Trade Advisor, DBT Southern England Region and Simon…
The financial landscape for UK SMEs in 2025 is increasingly challenging, with rising insolvencies, Brexit aftermath, and economic uncertainties putting pressure on business owners. For directors, building financial resilience is now more important than ever. Proactive decision-making and expert advice can make the difference between survival and growth. Jonathan Cooper, Founder & Director of The Director’s Helpline and The Director’s Choice, offers insights based on his extensive experience supporting over 600 SME directors monthly, helping them navigate financial difficulties and plan for a sustainable future. A closer look at the business landscape Recent data reveals that insolvencies have reached some…
As the cost of living continues to rise in the UK, many people may consider side hustles to boost their income over the course of 2025. Recent research highlights the increasing financial strain, which is driving 45% of UK individuals to use additional income streams to cover day-to-day living costs. Additionally, it’s worth noting that more than three-quarters of people in the UK believe working a 9-5 job while running a money-making enterprise is the new normal. That said, which is the best side hustle to start? And what do you need to be aware of when starting a side business? The money.co.uk…