According to the World Economic Forum, misinformation and disinformation are the most pressing risks in 2025. But how can we constrain this practice? Vaidotas Sedys, Head of Risk Management at Oxylabs, outlines how web scraping can be utilised to limit misinformation online. Spreading online misinformation can be beneficial for various bad actors. Predatory states use it to destabilise foreign countries. Unscrupulous politicians utilise it to gain support and win elections. Finally, many people will share whatever attracts social media engagement without considering whether it is accurate or the damage false information can do. It is also very easy to create and spread fake news. The…
Author: sme-admin
A newly re-imagined event space is launching at Battersea Power Station in Spring 2025, from NEON, a global leader in immersive experiences and exhibitions. This new venue, the first-ever purpose-built entertainment and cultural exhibition space in Central London, located next to the iconic Battersea Power Station on Circus Road East, will bring NEON’s world-renowned immersive experiences to the heart of the city, with a soon-to-be-announced exhibition as the first of many to come. Construction of NEON at Battersea is well underway, with the 128 tonne, 3,200 square metre roof structure successfully lifted, using 48 chain hoists working in perfect harmony…
By Lars Rensing, CEO of Protokol, DPP Solution Provider The European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation entered into force in 2024, and over the course of the year, many SMEs became aware of the impact heading their way. The regulation – which aims to make ‘sustainable products the new norm in the EU’ – puts a real focus on product longevity, energy efficiency, ease of repair, and recycling, relying on access to data on product lifecycles across the supply chain to support this. Core to the regulation are Digital Product Passports (DPPs) which have been mandated for compliance. DPPs…
Public procurement is one of the largest areas of government spending in the UK, with approximately £300 billion of taxpayers’ money being used to purchase goods and services across sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, and more. In 2021/22, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) secured around £21 billion in direct government contracts, and this figure nearly doubled in 2022/23, reaching £39.7 billion. As part of broader reforms aimed at lowering barriers to SMEs obtaining public sector contracts, the UK government will introduce the Procurement Act (the Act) from 24th February 2025. Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of small businesses, explains what the new…
The Black Farmer Ltd, the multi-award-winning food brand, has secured a £1 million funding line and specialist FX services from independent SME funder, Bibby Financial Services (BFS). The additional capital supports the brand’s expansion into high street retail premises, and furthers the company’s overarching mission to offer premium quality, affordable British products. Founded by Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, The Black Farmer Ltd is the result of a life-long love of British Farming and a personal dream to own a farm in Devon. After becoming known to his neighbours as ‘The Black Farmer’, Emmanuel-Jones applied the sobriquet to his brand. He has…
Thinking Hat Media, in collaboration with A City Law Firm and Asiarath, has announced an exclusive three-day scale-up programme designed for ambitious founders eager to establish a presence in the UAE’s vibrant and dynamic business ecosystem. The programme, set to take place in Dubai from 19-21 February 2025, offers an unparalleled opportunity for entrepreneurs to fast-track their expansion into the MENA region. This immersive scale-up expedition is a gateway to the UAE’s thriving innovation hubs and entrepreneurial networks. Highlights of the programme include: Exclusive site visits to the Dubai Silicon Oasis and the DIFC Innovation Hub, providing insights into the region’s…
Jonathon Hand, founder of The Lease Negotiator, shares essential advice for business owners navigating the complexities of commercial leases. From hidden costs and restrictive clauses to unclear repair obligations and tricky break conditions, Jonathon highlights the key red flags to watch for and offers practical tips to protect your business. Before signing on the dotted line, this guide is a must-read for ensuring your lease works for, not against, your success. A commercial lease agreement is likely to be one of the most crucial documents you ever sign as a business owner, but rushing the process or signing on the…
Cuboid, a spin out of leading property giant FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), has announced the pilot launch of a new product, Business in a Box, offering startups and SMEs the opportunity to have their own self-contained business unit. The Business in a Box product is a 160 sq ft two-storey container, with an office space on top, fitted out with electricity, heating, power points, lighting, windows, flooring and insulation, ready for businesses to get up and running from the off. The product aims to offer companies a more cost-effective, flexible solution to standard office space. A recent study by Area found that after…
Over two third (69%) of UK decision-makers surveyed say sustainability is important for their business, while 61% consider the circular economy important. Nearly 9 in 10 (89%) consider waste management important in becoming a sustainable business. But, despite these good intentions, only 53% of UK businesses have their recycling collected. The main barrier to being more sustainable is ‘cost’ say over a third (36%) of SME business decision makers surveyed in recent research from sustainable waste management firm Biffa with a survey conducted by the YouGov analysis institute. At a time when SMEs and larger businesses may be looking to save money, improving recycling strategies amid other sustainable practices goes a long…
Rachel Woolford, the 2024 winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint initiative with Lord Sugar, in her home city of Leeds. The project will see Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio – right next door. Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of an expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will further enhance North Studio’s Pilates offering with an extra 120 classes a month. Former economic and business management student turned fitness entrepreneur Rachel,…