A recent HMRC-issued report found that 16.7% of all R&D tax claims were wrong or fraudulent, resulting in an estimated £1.3bn of error and fraud. While there is some concern within the industry on how this data has been compiled – and a growing belief that some genuine claims are being challenged and denied – the fact remains that HMRC is determined to crack down on false claims.. Despite moves to simplify the application process announced at the recent Autumn Statement, the application process for R&D tax credits remains complex. Changes to the scheme, including the introduction of an “Additional Information…
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Jeannette Linfoot, founder of Jeannette Linfoot Associates, shares valuable insights with SMEToday’s readers on the crucial role of accountability in business. Going beyond the conventional approach of task delegation and deadlines, accountability in business revolves around enforcing a shared commitment. This involves outlining the company’s mission, values, and goals to establish a unified expectation, ensuring individuals are held responsible for their contributions. A vital component to business success, accountability involves taking responsibility for your actions and being willing to answer for their good and bad outcomes – something many businesses still struggle with. According to author and transformational leader,…
With the year coming to a close, many businesses are planning for the future and mapping out their pathway to success. To encourage Oxfordshire organisations to dream big and unlock their business superpowers, OxLEP Business has launched a new campaign. The ‘OxLEP Business Super League’ aims to raise awareness of the superhero support that OxLEP can offer local organisations – of all sizes and sectors – to set them on the journey to business success. This support starts with the Business Support Tool – the secret weapon in becoming a business superhero. By completing the 6-minute supercharged tool, SMEs can…
The 50plus predominately employs mature workers to provide a broad range of property maintenance services. Some 70% of the company’s domestic customer base is estimated to be aged over 65 years. The 50plus Managing Director Roger Runswick looks at the pros, and some cons, of deploying an older workforce. Roger was 50 when he started the company and is now in his 70s – so he counts himself firmly within this category. “We are proud to be supporting the mature workforce. This is an age group that brings with it a wealth of experience and wisdom. But sadly, is often…
Small businesses across the UK continue to struggle. After two years of interrupted trade as a result of the pandemic and cost of living crisis, small business confidence in the future is decreasing. According to recent statistics from VistaPrint, the need for consumers to drive small business growth by supporting initiatives like Small Business Saturday are more crucial than ever. Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that aims to support small businesses across the UK by encouraging consumers to shop locally at independent stores. This is in contrast to Black Friday, which is famously linked to larger brands,…
The holiday season is officially here, and it’s a huge chance for your business to shine. But let’s face it competing with big players like Amazon can feel daunting. They’re everywhere, and they’ve got the kind of reach that small businesses can only dream of. So, what can you do to stand out during these busy months? Pietro Saccomani, founder and CEO of MobiLoud provides some straightforward strategies to help your business grab attention and make the most of this holiday season. Using Your Strengths As An SME To Level The Playing Field: Having a niched business comes with many…
The keynote speech at next year’s inaugural Connect Live! event will be given by self-proclaimed ‘one-hit wonder’ Clive Jackson, lead singer with Doctor And The Medics. The Rev Dr Clive Thomas Jackson will share some of his story and his life as a musician, most famous for the 1986 international Number 1 ‘Spirit in the Sky’ and still touring and recording today. He will share the realities of having a number one hit in that decade and how, when the band hit rock bottom in the 90s, he survived and made a living by working as a joiner, blacksmith, set…
I’ve long felt that mental health is something which business directors, owners and boards should take more seriously. In my 15 years in business, three times I’ve had to deal with people (two were clients) who have had issues with mental health, addiction and suicidal thoughts. It was not something I expected and I was not prepared for it in any way. Then when a crisis like this comes along, you suddenly can find you are at the centre of a storm and you have no idea how to navigate it, who to call, what to do and you wonder…
Innovative tech company, Filestream, is celebrating award success for the third year in a row as it bagged another win at the prestigious Document Manager Awards. The Berkshire-based firm won the Low Code/No Code award for its product, Filestream 5, the latest iteration of its document-management software system. It’s the third time Filestream have seen success at the awards, having been named as runner-up last year for the same award and taking home the win in 2021. The Filestream team celebrated their win at a black-tie event at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London earlier this month. Paul Day, Filestream’s…
In a rapidly evolving marketing industry, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to reach their target audience and drive engagement. Podcast advertising has emerged as the hidden gem of marketing strategies, offering a unique and highly effective way to connect with consumers. The popularity of podcasts as a marketing platform is on the rise, significantly influencing consumer behaviour and preferences. Arthur Novarina, Regional VP EMEA at Kochava, shares valuable insights into the popularity of this emerging marketing platform. In recent years, the popularity of podcasts has soared to unprecedented heights. With millions of episodes available on a vast array of topics, podcasts…