Although the energy sector has already begun making waves in diversity and inclusion (D&I), there is still a way to go. FDM Group, whose mission is to bring people and technology together, has offered businesses within the industry five strategies to help them close the gender pay gap in energy. As investments pour into renewable energy projects and technologies, a surge in employment is being witnessed across various sectors – from manufacturing and construction to research and development. But according to the OEUK Diversity & Inclusion Survey Report, the energy sector as a whole is in agreement that more needs to be…
Author: sme-admin
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. The full report covers factors to consider when choosing a brand name, how brand colours play a role, whether your name should be personal to you and more. Factors to consider when choosing a business name SUAZ asked three experts for their thoughts on the top factors…
As we approach the festive season, it’s time to start thinking about organising the perfect office Christmas party. Office Christmas parties deliver numerous benefits, such as making employees feel valued, improving staff retention, boosting motivation, and strengthening workplace friendships. In fact, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) considers Christmas parties the most popular Christmas perk. The team at Blackhawk Network Extras understands the importance of creating memorable and enjoyable events and has put together a festive collection of office Christmas party ideas that will help to make the season jolly. So, let’s dive into some fantastic ideas to…
By Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa, CEO, Career Ready For many young people, it is still the case that their career prospects will be determined not by their potential but by their background. As several recent reports have demonstrated, as a nation we are making little progress in terms of social mobility. This matters for our younger generations; it also matters for the economy. If young people continue to face unfair and unnecessary barriers into education and employment, employers will continue to miss out on a vibrant and diverse talent pool. At a time when many companies are grappling with skills shortages and…
UK Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are looking forward to a promising 2024, as they expect to hit an average of 15% year-on-year revenue growth, bringing overall SME turnover from £2trillion (tn) in 2023 to £2.3tn next year1. New research outlined in the Ambition Index from Three Business – the B2B arm of the Mobile network Three – has revealed SMEs are still looking ahead to a promising 2024 with a renewed sense of optimism and ambition, following the post-pandemic years. Contrary to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) gloomy outlook, that Britain’s economy will be the slowest growing among G7…
In the Firm (The Forum for In-house Recruiters) Awards this year, eSift were delighted to be awarded the Best Supplier Partnership award for their work with Pilgrim’s Food Masters, adding to the award they had previously achieved for their Recruitment on Demand service. These awards demonstrate that companies should always appreciate the power of a boutique business to lead the way and provide a flexible and agile service to its partners. In 2021 Kerry Foods sold its meat and ready meals division to Pilgrim’s, and part of the process involved setting up a Recruitment function to manage the new division.…
When Pam Hilling started her sweet treats business during the UK’s second Covid-19 lockdown, she never for a moment thought she would grow her business into the thriving enterprise it is today. Yet Epic Brownies, which is based in Maidenhead, has seen huge growth since its humble beginnings in Pam’s home kitchen in 2020. Now available across mainland UK and beyond, Epic Brownies has already snapped up several Great Taste Awards, as well as being the chosen producer of special Coronation brownies for retail giant John Lewis as part of the celebrations for King Charles III. Pam’s story, like many…
City living and office life in the UK are becoming increasingly dog-friendly, with many companies opening their doors to furry companions. But what are the best dog breeds for navigating the bustling streets of the city and thriving in dog-friendly offices? To answer this question, Barkridges, a company that specialises in unique, innovative and durable dog harnesses, have compiled a list of the top 10 dog breeds for city life and dog-friendly offices in the UK, drawing insights from reputable sources such as The Kennel Club, RSPCA and PDSA, ranked based on their size, energy needs and trainability. Toy Cockapoos…
In today’s turbulent economic landscape, many SME business owners find themselves concerned by the impact of rising interest rates. With inflation at a 40-year high, it’s not surprising that 65% of SME proprietors feel it’s become a more daunting task to sustain their ventures given the rising cost of living. Recent data from the Federation of Small Businesses highlight that while business confidence seems to be on an upward trajectory, growth has been hampered. Factors such as tepid demand, escalating energy and rent expenses, coupled with mounting third-party overheads, are proving to be quite the challenge. Echoing this, Millbrook Business…
As nations and AI experts convene for the first global AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, the world’s attention is firmly fixed on the critical issue of AI and its implications for the future. The summit, initiated by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is a significant step towards fostering a shared understanding of AI risks and creating a safer AI landscape for all. It brings together leading AI nations, organizations, and experts in an effort to shape the global future of AI. Cecilia Harvey, a prominent executive leader and the founder of Tech Women Today, has emphasized the importance of…