Debanking is emerging as a genuine worry for many growing businesses – so banks need to step up In the last year, a new word has crept into the UK business and political lexicon: de-banking. Although it has quietly been an increasingly worrisome issue, de-banking only really came to prominence in the UK in 2023 in the wake of a mini-scandal that involved a well known politician. In addition to costing the chief executive of one of the UK’s leading bank their job, it also brought to attention how some banks are withdrawing or refusing banking services Wrong kind of…
Author: sme-admin
By Andy Baillie, VP, UK and Ireland at Master Data Management (MDM) specialists, Semarchy The introduction of GDPR in May 2018 has ensured better protection and use of data. However, six years on, compliance remains a significant hurdle for many companies, exacerbated by the complex, yet exciting, integration of AI. The consequences of non-compliance are severe, as demonstrated by massive fines imposed on tech giants like Google, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta (formerly Facebook) for breaches of data protection laws. However, large tech corporations aren’t the only ones at risk; any business could face penalties for non-compliance with data privacy…
As we all know, every business is part of a constantly evolving technological landscape that can be difficult to navigate. Decision-makers face a myriad of choices to stay competitive and innovative. One of the most important things an engineering team does is challenge their clients’ assumptions. Experts at Codiance – the people-centric enterprise system builders – ask critical questions and guide their partners towards strategic and impactful decisions and solutions. As part of this, they have five fundamental questions that help ensure their customers make the best decisions for their organisations. Adam Arkley, Director of Technology, at Codiance discusses why it’s important to be asking these questions and how others can benefit from asking them: “At Codiance, we challenge assumptions to drive innovation and growth.…
Drawing from years of experience working with B2B brands across the UK and Europe, Robert Hughes, founder and managing director of Reech, highlights why a powerful brand can be a game-changer for B2B companies. Many overlook the importance of branding in B2B – but that’s a mistake worth avoiding. After years of working with B2B brands, I’ve seen firsthand how a powerful brand can make or break a B2B company. So, let’s dive into why your brand matters more than you might think. Stand out or get left behind In today’s cutthroat B2B landscape, blending in is a death sentence. A…
There is still a huge amount of stigma, prejudice and discrimination against individuals who come out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and other genders in the workplace. For most individuals, it is an incredibly uncomfortable and emotional experience, and for some, it can be traumatic. Employees that feel supported and happy at work are much more likely to be productive, perform well, and want to progress their career with your organisation. Whilst unhappy employees and those who don’t feel supported or cared for in the workplace are much more likely to be absent from work, suffer from mental health problems,…
Employee wellness programmes are a central component of your benefits package when trying to attract talent, but how many employees actually use them? Studies suggest that very few do. Research by RAND1 reveals that only 20-40% of employees with access to employee wellness programmes actually take advantage of what they offer. So what steps can HR teams implement to change this? David Rice, an HR expert at People Managing People, shares some actionable steps HR teams can take to fix their wellness programmes. “A lot of companies introduce wellness programmes and associated technologies with the best intentions, but they often miss the…
The Japanese concept of kokorozashi is more important than logic for developing and leading a successful business, according to Toru Takahasi, CEO of GLOBIS Europe, hub of Graduate School of Management, GLOBIS University. The international business school has been developing the next generation of leaders for over 30 years, supporting learners to find their own kokorozashi. But what is kokorozashi exactly? Why is it so important to successful leadership? And how can you find your own kokorozashi to propel your life and business forwards? What is kokorozashi? Kokorozashi is a Japanese concept that means ‘will’ or ‘ambition’ – it’s the driving force behind…
BBC Director General Tim Davie has been on the receiving end of some tough questions regarding the way he handled the Huw Edwards investigation. Among the points raised by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy were questions on why Mr Edwards was not sacked once the BBC became aware of his arrest and why he received a pay raise during this time. Now, a recent tribunal ruling has highlighted the risks of dismissing employees suspected of criminal activity. Care assistant Jacqueline Difolco brought a claim of unfair dismissal against her employer, Care UK, who fired her after she was charged with murder in October…
Having a strong team that works well together and understands how to get the best out of each other is often one of the biggest reasons behind a company’s success. After all, working with people you genuinely like makes any job much more enjoyable and rewarding. Nevertheless, constantly being in an office can be draining and every team deserves a break or reward for all their hard work. Corporate retreats and similar types of getaways from the fast-paced environment of an office offer employees the perfect opportunity to unwind and de-stress. Whether your team is in need of a luxury…
Over one third of homeowners plan to move house over the next 12 months following increased confidence in the UK property market, according to new research from leading self storage provider, Ready Steady Store. The research, which surveyed members of the public on their perceptions of the UK property sector following the General Election outcome, also revealed a further 22% of homeowners are currently undecided on a house move. Despite this, 39% of consumers believe the UK property market will actually improve under the new Labour Government, with 35% reporting increased confidence in the market, and 31% ‘somewhat confident’ new…