Cybercriminals have identified SMEs as potentially vulnerable because of new working practices, small IT teams and a lack of solutions knowledge. Rob Batters, Director of Managed and Technical Services, Northdoor plc provides SMEToday’s reading with some insight on this issue. The threat from cybercriminals is increasing all the time in terms of regularity and sophistication. However, it is no longer just enterprise level or public sector organisations under attack, but SMEs too. Without better protection, SMEs could face a barrage of attacks which has the potential to cause real damage to infrastructure, finances, and reputation. UK SMEs suffering more cyber-attacks than…
Author: sme-admin
Author: Miranda Khadr, CEO and Founder of Provide Finance I have spent many years advising small business owners on the types of finance options that are available to them. Some are start-ups looking for a lump sum to get their ideas off the ground. Others are further along in their journey, looking to secure extra funds to invest in machinery, stock and office furniture as they enter a new growth phase. It’s always so exciting to be able to play such an important part in helping businesses to launch and grow. Recently though, I’ve been hearing from clients who need to find money just to…
Author: Andrew Trotman, CEO and Founder of award-winning social media marketing agency KOMI Group 2022 saw many new social media trends with companies both soaring and failing at trying to harness them. As we move into a new year, social media will continue to be an even more widely used communication channel for businesses to engage with customers and prospects, and marketers should take notice and consider ways to better their social media habits in 2023. This year is going to be a very different social media space and we’ve compiled some top social media resolutions for businesses to consider…
Samuel Barber is the founder and inspiration behind Ochien, the UK’s first ocean conservation pet products brand producing high-quality, sustainable pet products made from over 95% recycled ocean plastics. Samuel, a sustainability consultant and entrepreneur with a background in scaling sustainable start-ups and advising businesses from a variety of sectors on sustainable solutions launched Ochien in 2022. Working alongside a range of innovative recycling and environmental organisations across Europe, all of the Ochien product range is produced in Cornwall. As the company grows it aims to become the leading sustainable pet products brand in Europe. SMEToday had the opportunity to…
’Permacrisis’ was declared the word of 2022 by Collins Dictionary, defining last year as one marred by ‘an extended period of instability and insecurity, especially one resulting from a series of catastrophic events’. And as we begin a new year, you may well be concerned about what 2023 has in store for SMEs. Working as part-time General Counsel for a number of businesses, the team of senior lawyers at The Legal Director regularly scan the horizon for the hot topics and key issues for the SMEs they support. Kirstie Penk, Director at The Legal Director gives her summary of some…
Allergy campaigner and award-winning businesswoman Julianne Ponan, founder of top 14 allergen free brand Creative Nature, has been awarded an MBE for services to business, exports and to people with allergies in the New Year’s Honours List. Julianne, who lives with her husband Matthew in Walton-on-Thames, has had to keep the honour secret for several weeks. “I am honoured and humbled to be recognised with the award of an MBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours list – made exceptionally special as it is the first year of the awards under the reign of our new King. “When the news came…
Gold medallist Chris Hunt Skelley MBE PLY is looking for sponsors to help cover the costs of training and vital equipment ahead of his bid to become the first double Paralympic champion in 25 years. Chris is attempting to retain the judo title he won at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, but this time in a new weight category, as his previous weight category was removed this year following changes in IBSA classifications. He is seeking support from businesses keen to be part of his attempt at creating history in Paris 2024. “Training camps for judo tend to be held around the world.…
As an SME, you may consider engaging your own in-house lawyer as unnecessary given your size or an extravagance you can ill afford. I am here to dispel those misconceptions. Banging the drum for General Counsel, I’ll show you why they’re the perfect solution for addressing your business’s legal needs and let you know about some of the increasingly popular options for smaller businesses to access in-house support in a way that suits them. Limitations of external law firms Private practice law firms serve their purpose. If you need help with specialist legal issues or if you’re in dispute and…
Rachel Matwiejczyk Booth, the sales and marketing director of digital news and marketing hub Total Swindon has been named Networker of the Year in the South West Business & Community Awards. Rachael, who lives in Swindon with her family, is well known in Swindon, Bath and Bristol for her positive approach to collaboration, support and success across the South West and she was given her award at a sell-out gala event in Swindon at the Doubletree Hilton (December 8). The awards are organised by the Great British Expos. “I feel humbled and honoured to be recognised in this way. It…
Chief Technology Officer of Scrive, explains the preventative measures banks should be implementing to protect their customers In the first half of 2021, criminals stole a total of £753.9 million through fraud, which represents a 30% increase compared to H1 2020. While advanced security systems managed to prevent a further £736 million from being taken[1], it does raise questions about what other preventative measures banks should be putting in place to further protect their customers. When blockchain technology is spoken about, most people tend to associate it with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, we are increasingly seeing Blockchain…