2024 could be the year of recovery after UK venture capital turned a corner in H2 2023 according to new analysis from HSBC Innovation Banking and Dealroom. After a sharp global pullback in venture capital from the second half of 2022, venture capital is now back above pre-pandemic levels in the UK and is distinctly growing again as of the second half of 2023 (nearly $22B in 2023). Growth was driven by early-stage investing which has remained active, filling the startup pipeline and breakout stage (series B and C) investment which is at 110% of pre-pandemic level. Late-stage investment has…
Author: sme-admin
Peter Meyer grew up among wild animals on a game reserve created by his father, where he lived adventures like no other – from learning to swim in rivers and riding elephants, to walking among the wild and facing dangerous encounters. Now an accomplished model, actor, founder of The Meyer Studios and author of international best-selling book ‘The Boy From the Wild’, here Peter shares the top lessons all business leaders can learn from his unconventional upbringing, which paved his way to becoming a celebrated writer and respected entrepreneur. Expect the unexpected When exploring the wild with friends, we always had…
The highly anticipated Thames Valley Business & Community Awards is set to return to Reading for its 7th anniversary on Thursday, 25th January 2024, hosted at Hilton, Reading. Organised by Great British Expos, this distinguished event has been a cornerstone in recognising and celebrating the achievements of businesses and communities across the region. Launched by Great British Expos in 2017, the awards have grown significantly over the years, with 96 regional businesses earning the prestigious title of ‘winner’. Recently, the event organisers, Great British Expos, have received enquiries regarding confusion between the Thames Valley Business & Community Awards and The…
Research carried out by cybersecurity experts ramsac indicates that human error is responsible for at least 90% of cybersecurity breaches, meaning businesses must do more to protect themselves against cybercrime. Unfortunately, around 20% of businesses still don’t have any form of cybersecurity training in place for their staff and rely only on readily available security features, such as anti-virus software, to hinder criminals. As businesses continue to be victimised by more sophisticated attacks, such as phishing scams and malware, it’s clear greater measures are needed. So, it’s worth asking yourself, is your business vulnerable to a cyber-attack? The answer is more likely yes. What steps do…
Disability doesn’t limit potential; it often opens doors to a world of unique advantages that empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Cool Crutches and Walking Sticks, an innovative mobility aid company, has revealed a list of over 20 benefits that disabled individuals can take advantage of, some of which may come as a surprise. “As someone who personally navigates life with a disability, I understand the daily trials and triumphs that come with it. My own experiences have driven me to not only provide mobility solutions but also to highlight the often surprising benefits that can significantly alleviate the financial strains…
#5amclub has over 312.5 million views on TikTok, which shares the belief that early risers hold the key to success. However, according to Capital on Tap, two-fifths (39%) of small business owners find the daily routines they see online unrealistic. In light of the new year, Capital on Tap, the small business credit card company, has conducted a study asking 250 UK small business owners to reveal the daily habits that have led to success and at what time of day they like to complete these activities to create the ‘ultimate’ daily routine for business owners – which doesn’t include waking up at 5…
UK SMEs with a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programme in place see substantial increases in their recruitment success, employee wellbeing and retention – over 50% in fact. So why is it seen by some as a ‘nice to have’ and not a business imperative? We look at how My Inclusion Hub is helping SMEs manage DEI and attract the best talent. A business is only as good as its people and we all know how challenging hiring the right people can be, particularly when you’re recruiting into an SME or micro business where the ‘right fit’ matters so much.…
Award winning Olympian Javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread MBE is the keynote speaker at the glittering black tie ceremony – The Great British Thames Valley Business and Community Awards at the Hilton Hotel Drake Way Reading on the 25th of January 2024. Fatima, who was awarded the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of The Year Helen Rollason Award for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity is the host at the annual black-tie event and will be talking about her story of resilience where she went from being abandoned as a baby, spending her youth in a children’s home to becoming an…
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…
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…