The pace of technological evolution in 2023 was incredibly fast, leading many to wonder if 2024 will slow down. The adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) dominated various sectors this year, and significantly altered how we use technology. With the new year just around the corner, experts are predicting the changes and trends we can expect to see more of, and how businesses can harness these new tools and features to their advantage. Here are just a few of the tech trends that are likely to appear in 2024. Ethical AI Practices As AI spreads into more domains, businesses must…
Author: sme-admin
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has issued a super-complaint to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to highlight the harsh lending practices of banks that excessively demand personal guarantees for business loans. Personal guarantees can be a “straitjacket” on business growth, forcing entrepreneurs to put their homes or other assets on the line when taking out finance. This can be particularly paralysing when they are applied to small loans – leaving many business owners more likely to abandon their business or growth plans or push them into being over-cautious in their decision-making, deterred from making bold choices. FSB is therefore…
The founder of leading holiday camp provider, Academic Camp, has written a free magazine aimed at parents who are looking for opportunities to improve the educational and pastoral experiences of their children outside of their own school and home environments. The magazine, Reach for Your Future, has been written by Academic Camp founder Helen Lami in response to an increasing demand from parents to widen the experiences of their children and to look outside of their own school provision or the family holiday to provide these. This came alongside a need to show in greater detail what high-quality school holiday camps can look…
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…
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…