The recent Autumn Statement offered a glimmer of hope for SMEs with measures like the full expensing scheme being made permanent. But with SMEs making up 99% of the economy, they are widely acknowledged as the engines of UK growth and Simply Asset Finance is calling for policy changes that not only encourage investment but cultivate an environment that aligns with innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth for SMEs in the year ahead. Simply Asset Finance’s research has revealed the persistent concern of business productivity and the need to address factors like access to skilled labour, technology advancements and streamlined processes.…
Author: sme-admin
I am a small business owner, and it took a degree of ego to leave corporate life behind and pursue my dream in 1996. It’s likely the same for many SME leaders, who have put trust in themselves and their ambitions to make the leap. In my experience, smaller organisations have a number of advantages in achieving business breakthroughs and leveraging employee engagement. But, like all potential strengths, ego overuse or use in inappropriate circumstances can become a weakness. It could see you ploughing ahead with plans and projects that don’t reflect your reality and prevent you from achieving your…
Sexual harassment at work is a topic that has been talked about a lot in recent years since the #MeToo movement sparked by the now convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein. In this article, authored by Dr Anna Loutfi, equality, employment and human rights barrister with The Barrister Group, we shine a light on the toxic behaviour faced by so many. #MeToo, and other high-profile scandals that have unfolded since, may have pushed the dial when it comes to raising awareness, but how much has really changed? Recent research by The Barrister Group found that almost a third of UK workers…
UK business spending on products related to their office space increased 36% in September, following summer months, says findings from Pleo, Europe’s leading spend management platform, in a just-launched first-edition of its European Quarterly Spending Report. The new insight gives the clearest indication yet that businesses and workers are getting back to pre-COVID normality concerning office attendance and are committed to a long-term change, moving away from the working-from-home culture that many businesses have struggled to overcome. The report collated spending data from over 30,000 companies across 16 European markets – including the UK, France, Germany and Spain – giving invaluable insight into…
SimpliFi is a new online portal designed to help small businesses across the region access information on funding that they need to launch and grow. It contains free guides to help with securing capital, pitching for investment, writing business strategy and more. SimpliFi will be launched at an online event on Thursday 30th November, and you can register here. Businesses of any stage and size across Greater Manchester can access information to help in finding finance they need with the launch of SimpliFi from The Growth Company. SimpliFi has been created to help business owners understand the finance options available…
UK businesses have been warned to look out for ten red flags when engaging with a digital marketing consultancy, such as guaranteed results, lack of transparency, a focus on vanity metrics and more. Despite current economic challenges, the first half of 2023 has showcased a surge in entrepreneurship, with 101 new businesses springing to life every hour across the United Kingdom, according to a recent study. This surge in business creation, combined with the Government’s recent commitment of £1 billion to support said new businesses, bodes well for the UK’s economic growth in the coming years. With this rise in…
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has disclosed the details of his Autumn Statement, delineating the government’s fiscal policies and expenditures for the upcoming year. An additional £500 million has been allocated to support the advancement of the next generation of supercomputers in the UK, building upon successful initiatives such as the one in Bristol. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined 110 measures aimed at fostering economic growth and addressing regional disparities in a cautiously optimistic Autumn Statement. He emphasized that these proposals would stimulate investment, reduce debt, but underscored that there is more work to be done. Among the measures is a focus on…
Rob Cottrill, technology director at ANS, discusses how SMEs can start adopting AI to maximise results and explores why it’s so important to embrace smart technology responsibly. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was once a luxury exclusive to corporate giants. But thanks to the introduction of accessible programmes like Open AI’s ChatGPT, AI is now within reach for businesses of all sizes. However, although AI offers remarkable advantages, without rules and being used responsibly, it’s not without risks. Defining responsible AI adoption While most small businesses are keen to embrace AI, the rush to do so can lead to gaps in safe…
In this article, authored by Sam Pardy from The HR Department, we explore the unique advantages small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) possess when it comes to recruitment. It sheds light on how SMEs can leverage their distinct qualities to attract top talent and compete effectively with larger corporations. Responsibility, opportunity, community Job interviews are a two-way process. While you are certainly interviewing candidates, they will also be sussing out whether they would like to work for you. It’s all about finding the right fit for both employer and prospective employee. When they may also be being interviewed by bigger companies,…
UKEF and K-Sure have secured support worth £367 million for South Korean manufacturer SeAH Steel Holding’s construction of a wind tech factory near Redcar, in the Tees Valley. In a groundbreaking collaboration, UK Export Finance (UKEF) and South Korea’s export credit agency, Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-Sure), have played a pivotal role in securing financing from Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC UK for the construction of the world’s largest wind monopile manufacturing facility by SeAH Wind UK. UKEF and K-Sure have secured support worth £367 million for South Korean manufacturer SeAH Steel Holding’s construction of a wind tech factory near…