Features
The COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns have placed a unique strain on many industries. As we begin to emerge into some form of normality, we may be surprised to find a radically different landscape of business strategy and consumer behaviour than previously.
It alarms me (and saddens me) that most women are suffering with general self-esteem issues. 79% of women admit to struggling in this area, according to our The WealthiHer Network 2020/21 report ‘The Changing Faces of Women’s Wealth’.
The pandemic has raised many questions about the future of work. As business begin to navigate their way out of lockdown, they are facing new obstacles operationally and new ways of working. With all of these changes afoot, it is clear that training will be more important than ever.
Everyone loves wine don’t they? Well most people do, yet there are two major issues that can cause consternation when it comes to choosing your wine.
For many businesses, the pandemic has been the biggest unwanted spanner in the works that will take some time to come back from. After working from home for over a year, we can see first-hand the impact that the situation has had, especially for women.
For some industries, secure messaging isn’t simply a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential. If you are in certain industries such as legal, finance, insurance or healthcare, you need to comply with strict regulation around the distribution of sensitive data.
The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically reshaped UK businesses across various sectors. Many organisations have been forced to make difficult decisions in the name of survival.
Riding Pals was an idea I had in June 2020. The main concept being, to make it easier to find people to mountain bike with. In June, I naively thought that the UK, and world, would be free from the COVID-19 restrictions within a few months.
For National Stress Awareness Month, Benenden Health’s Head Matron, Cheryl Lythgoe provides insight into how employers can effectively manage employee stress amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thursday 22nd April 2021 marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, a day that celebrates our planet and aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting it. Before the pandemic, events would take place all around the world on this day and in the lead-up for individuals and businesses to get involved in.
One of the most useful things any startup business owner can do is to attend as many relevant networking events as possible. Events allow industry movers and shakers to meet, mingle and explore new business connections, innovations and opportunities – which is of enormous value.
As CEO and Co-founder of the UK’s biggest free sharing app OLIO, it’s fair to say Tessa Clarke knows a thing or two about what it takes to start and grow a successful business. She has rounded up her biggest business do’s and don’ts for other ambitious entrepreneurs looking to build a successful new venture.
For many businesses, acquiring new customers during the pandemic will have become much harder as a result of having to manage remote sales teams, customers tightening their spend and future economic uncertainty.
Long COVID could have a big impact for employers for many months to come. It is a relatively new illness that is not yet fully understood and may keep employees from returning to work for indeterminate amounts of time.
If you own an up-and-coming startup, you need to find reliable, skilled workers – and freelancers usually fit the bill, especially because they come with flexible payment schedules. These employees can help your business navigate the initial stages to achieve success. That said, you should note that freelance workforces can be tough to manage.
The year 2020 stands out as what you would call the banner year for remote work. While a good number of people worked remotely before that, the outbreak of the pandemic forced a major shift to remote work. People and companies that hadn’t embraced remote working had it rough trying to adjust to the circumstances.
Networking. Some people love it, some people hate it. But everyone knows it’s essential if you’re setting up a new business. Or is it? Tell anyone that you’re setting up a business without any industry contacts, and they’ll raise their eyebrows at you. Wouldn’t it be better to get to know the industry first, they’ll ask? Shouldn’t you build up your network before diving in?
The last year has shone a spotlight on the long-term future of the UK’s business sector, its reliance on people and the need for business resilience. It was crucial to protect the financial security of consumers so that they could continue to conduct business with each other, and that was understandably Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak’s priority, with the unprecedented introduction of Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and furlough schemes.
Oil major, BP recently announced that 25,000 members of staff must Work From Home (WFH) two days per week post pandemic. As more firms transition to long-term remote working, evaluating and improving home office set ups will be critical to success. Here Kristian Torode, Director and Co-founder of business unified communications provider, Crystaline, looks at what companies should provide for their workers.
Virtual reality is no longer a novelty, but VR events are an innovation in the event industry and marketing. A virtual event is a potent tool for promoting your brand or for organising conferences and concerts. This is an entirely new project that allows you to hold an event while staying at home, despite emergencies, such as the 2020 quarantine or other events.
