Our construction industry is an integral cog within our economy and if figures continue to read so poorly, then we are running the risk of causing irreversible damage to the sector. Recent survey data conducted across UK construction industry professionals has lifted the lid on the dire state the industry is now in as a result of late payment culture. With an overwhelming majority (74%) of respondents confirming that their financial wellbeing had been affected as a result of late payments – it is clear to see why the health of the industry is slowly deteriorating. In a year in…
Author: sme-admin
Nutrition and food entrepreneur , CEO of leading free-from brand Creative Nature, Julianne Ponan MBE, has warned about the dangers of misleading labelling on plant-based and vegan food products. She has chosen Veganuary to raise the issue of misleading and ‘alibi’ labelling and the risks this poses for those living with serious allergies and intolerances. Julianne, who founded Creative Nature just over a decade ago, lives with severe and life-threatening food allergies and says that too many manufacturers are using “vegan” and “plant-based” to market their products, but then adding “may contain” warnings in the packaging’s small print to remove…
In the wake of the recent cyber-attack on Allen & Overy (A&O), a prominent magic circle law firm, the spotlight should not just be focused on the cyber-attack and whether a ransom demand was paid but just how imperative it is for proper robust cyber insurance policies to be in place for businesses in any sector. The ramifications for firms like A&O are not just financial but extend to the very core of their operational resilience. According to AAG IT, around 236.1 million ransomware attacks occurred globally in the first half of 2022. 1 in 2 American internet users had…
Economic headwinds have created a challenging environment for start-ups over the last year and whilst this is set to continue in 2024, start-ups must not allow generating intellectual property (IP) assets to be overlooked as a priority. As start-ups continue to streamline costs, cutting expenditure on IP rights could come at the expense of long-term success outlines Marks & Clerk, the leading global intellectual property firm. In an effort to help start-ups navigate these economic challenges, Marks & Clerk has published an e-book – The IP Driven Start-up – which can be used by founders as a guide on how to use…
The impending death of third-party cookies means an inevitable shift towards first-party data for brands and marketers. Sam Martin-Ross, UK managing director of digital marketing agency, Eskimoz, discusses why this is not necessarily bad news. A survey from Google reported that a staggering 92% of leading marketers believe using first-party data to gain an understanding of what their audiences want is a critical factor to growth. In fact, using this type of direct data to inform both individual campaigns and wider marketing strategies allows you to tailor your communications in a much more effective and personalised way, boosting engagement and…
In the ever-changing world of business where competition is fierce, having a clear vision is vital for achieving success. Coupled with effective leadership and good communication, these three elements form the foundation of a successful business strategy, providing direction, purpose, and a shared understanding of values for the organisation. However, according to a recent survey by employee engagement company Tinypulse, only 42% of employees know their company’s vision, mission, and values, citing a lack of communication from senior management as the main reason as to why the majority are in the dark. As we begin the new year, now is…
One of the first steps to creating a business is deciding on a brand name. It’s how you’ll be known to the world, how people will find you and could determine your success. UK formations company, SUAZ, have pulled together marketing and branding experts to share insights into how you should name your business. First of all, here are some initial questions to ask yourself when thinking about an ideal business name. Will the name limit your business? Avoid being too specific about your offering in your name, in case you later decide to expand or change your business’ focus. Does the…
The New Year is upon us but for some companies, 2024 will be challenging. The latest CBI economic forecast predicts the UK is set for another year of weak growth in 2024[i]. Following GDP growth of 0.6% in 2023, the CBI expects 0.8% growth in 2024, picking up to 1.6% in 2025. As well as the economic challenges, SMEs are navigating ongoing skills shortages and retention issues, as well as concerns around employee mental health and burnout, plus the impact of technology especially AI on their business[ii]. One consequence is that business leaders are behaving in a more risk-averse way…
Business leaders from Oxfordshire and beyond have shared their insights and advice on the latest industry challenges in the second series of hit business podcast, OxTalks. The second series of OxTalks, powered by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) and sponsored by leading national law firm, Mills & Reeve, delves into some of the biggest questions in business – including what makes a good leader and how to break through stereotypes of an entrepreneur. To support organisations in navigating current business challenges – whether a start-up, SME or multinational – host and experienced broadcaster, Howard Bentham, seeks out guests’ expert advice to find solutions to…
Let me, Fiona Scott, a feature writer, and media consultant, introduce you to Julianne Ponan, MBE. Back in the summer of 2017, during my annual break in a French caravan site, I received an unexpected call from a young woman. We had met briefly at a business show, but the connection wasn’t immediate. She got my number through a mutual contact and wanted advice about her upcoming Dragons’ Den appearance. The young woman was Julianne. Little did I know, that call marked the start of an ongoing collaboration. Julianne, honoured with an MBE in 2022 for her contributions to exports…