New data from digital transformation consultancy Daemon reveals that while discounts are still a primary motivator for shoppers, willingness to share certain information and the changing retail landscape is reshaping consumer loyalty. Across generations, discounts are a common theme. 61% of GenZ, 67% of Millennials, and 65% of Baby Boomers say special discounts are the top reason that would keep them shopping with a retailer. Despite this, there are varying degrees of willingness to share personal information in exchange for these benefits. Over half – 58% – would provide their email address to receive a 25% discount on their next…
Author: sme-admin
The annual Scottish Widows women and retirement report was recently released. The report highlights some shocking stats, including how only 56% of women are on track to receive retirement income from a private pension, compared to 68% of men – and fewer (49%) women are on track for retirement income from long term savings than men (61%). In light of this Paul Leandro, Partner at independent consultancy, Barnett Waddingham, shares five things employers can consider to close the gender pensions gap and four things policy makers should do. Paul commented, “The pension system that we use is outdated. Despite being…
The UK accountancy sector is facing an urgent talent crisis, with accountants blaming outdated and negative perceptions for the weak talent pipeline, according to recent findings from accounting software provider FreeAgent. The latest research from FreeAgent surveyed 337 accountants and bookkeeping professionals to highlight the health of the industry’s talent pipeline and the future skills needed for the profession. Perceived barriers to accountancy enrollment With a sharp decline in the number of students choosing to pursue accountancy qualifications, among the most significant obstacles are negative stereotypes about the profession, cited by 57.1% of respondents, high education costs (47.1%), and the lengthy…
ThreatQuotient™, a leading threat intelligence platform innovator, last week released the Evolution of Cybersecurity Automation Adoption 2024. Based on survey results from 750 senior cybersecurity professionals at companies in the U.K., U.S. and Australia from a range of industries, this in-depth research report examines the progress senior cybersecurity professionals are making towards adopting automation, its key use cases and the challenges they face. The fourth edition of this annual survey highlights how automation is maturing and how, in a world of continuous change, organisations are adopting cybersecurity automation for resilience, scale and collaboration. The report examines approaches to integration, whether…
Research suggests that up to 50% of people are introverts, and yet so much conventional leadership wisdom focuses on developing people’s ‘extrovert’ qualities in order to succeed at work. But what if introversion isn’t something to “fix”, and being quiet could actually make you a better leader? In a world where extroverted leaders often dominate the conversation, new book Quiet Leader offers a refreshing perspective. It empowers introverted individuals to embrace their unique leadership strengths such as humility, good listening, being reflective and staying calm. Quiet Leader helps introverts in business understand the value they add and how to overcome the…
Bibby Financial Services’ Mike Day and Age UK Leeds once again spread festive cheer this year This December, the annual charity event “Ron’s Christmas Lunch” returns to Leeds, bringing festive celebrations and community to over 130 elderly Yorkshire locals. Since its inception in 2018, Ron’s Christmas Lunch has provided a much-needed opportunity for connection and celebration, offering free Christmas lunches, entertainment, and companionship to some of Yorkshire’s most isolated residents. This year’s event is taking place on the 3rd December at the Marriott Hotel in Leeds. The event, organised in partnership with Age UK Leeds, was founded by Mike Day,…
With Black Friday just around the corner, thousands of deals and discounts will be up for grabs on November 29th. Whether you’re a savvy shopper hunting for bargains or getting a head start on holiday gift shopping, there will be plenty of irresistible offers to take advantage of. However, it’s crucial to stay vigilant, as online scams tend to increase in the lead-up to major sales events. Cybercriminals often take advantage of the larger audiences drawn to websites by discounted prices and special offers, making it more important than ever to protect yourself from potential threats. Marco Farnararo, CEO and…
Ben Allwright – Technology Leadership Council Member and Chief Executive Officer of Ogi examines how reliable, high-speed internet is reshaping lives, boosting rural communities, and fueling global competitiveness for businesses. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you ‘the internet’…” These are the words many of us might imagine were said when Tim Berners-Lee introduced his groundbreaking idea of a “web of information” back in 1989. This moment planted the seeds of transformation that have grown into the most powerful tool of the 21st century. But as we know, there wasn’t an immediate “Eureka” moment. Instead, it was the decision to…
The average workplace will have a mixture of personality types, from introverts and extroverts to those who are more task-oriented than people-oriented. Online DISC Profile recognises four main personality types that people identify with: dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness (DISC) which businesses need to familiarise themselves with. Adam Stamm, co-owner of Online DISC Profile, says: “Business managers who recognise their employees’ different personality types can offer better support. For example, a task with many detailed elements that are expected to take a long time to fine-tune is perfect for someone with the ‘C-Style’ or Conscientious Personality. Suppose that individual isn’t…
Businesses have been warned to look out for tell-tale signs their internet security has been compromised. With cyber security threats a very serious problem to businesses, online cloud experts from TelephoneSystems.Cloud have shared the signs that should be monitored to ensure that there has not been any breaches. When a business’s internet security is compromised, there are some unique signs beyond those that affect individuals. These can range from operational disruptions to financial anomalies. According to figures from The Cyber Security Breaches Survey, half of businesses (50%) experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. For…