News

How to fix the ‘Big Tech’ empathy problem

An insider’s revealing and in-depth examination of Big Tech’s failure to keep its foundational promises and the steps the industry can take to course-correct in order to make a positive impact on the world.

Still working from home? 10 ways to save money at home this winter

It has been a tough year for everyone and with household bills typically rising as we head into the winter months, financial pressures are set to be exacerbated further. With the cold weather here to stay, on going COVID-19 restrictions and home working, Brits could see their energy costs rise by up to £300 meaning there is no better time to look at ways you can save money this winter.

Digital marketing analytics platform among UK’s most innovative tech startups

A growing digital marketing analytics platform has been crowned as one of the winners of a prestigious award recognising the very best innovations that the tech industry has to offer.

HMRC analysis demonstrates value of R&D tax relief schemes

The R&D tax relief schemes and R&D expenditure credit (RDEC) have driven greater innovation in the UK, according to analysis by HMRC. A review of these schemes, as well as the Patent Box, highlighted that there were both positive direct and indirect impacts on business for those that utilised the schemes whilst also spurring on innovation.

Flow increases sales of depression headset by 247% during pandemic

As COVID-19 continues to impact mental health and access to treatment in the UK, medical device company Flow is reporting a 247% increase in sales of its at-home, brain stimulation headset treatment for depression with 30% of its users overcoming depression during the pandemic.

North West technology adoption pilot marks two-year milestone

Manufacturers supported by Made Smarter, the movement helping SMEs join the Industry 4.0 revolution, are forecasting the creation of more than 750 new jobs from £12.6m of technology investment.

SME fleet telematics specialist ranked 20th fastest-growing tech company

SME fleet telematics specialist, Vimcar, has been ranked the 20th fastest-growing technology company in Germany by global professional services network, Deloitte.

InMotion invests to help Jaguar Land Rover trace sustainable supply chain

InMotion, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital and mobility services arm, has invested in blockchain technology firm, Circulor.

Latest free data available on Close Brothers Asset Finance’s SME Data Hub

The data from Close Brothers Asset Finance’s latest research of 900 senior members of the SME business community is now available on its free-to-use SME Data Hub.

Recycleye raises £1.2m to turn trash into treasure

Recycleye, the intelligent waste management startup, has secured £1.2m in seed funding, led by venture capital investors MMC Ventures and Playfair Capital, with participation from leading funds Atypical Ventures, Creator Fund, and eolos.

AI-powered healthcare solution nominated for Covid-19 response award

Healthcare technology company, Vantage Health has announced that its AI-powered platform, Rego, has been shortlisted for ‘Local COVID-19 Response Partnership Award’ at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2021. The shortlisting recognises Vantage Health’s dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration with the NHS, through Rego’s role in managing hospital outpatient attendances during the pandemic.

3 in 5 bosses claim pandemic has positively impacted workforce productivity

Three in five bosses (60%) say that the pandemic has unexpectedly impacted the productivity of their workforce in a positive way, according to new research from Hitachi Capital Business Finance, with one in five saying their staff are now more independent since working from home (20%).

A/O PropTech is first VC to join World Economic Forum Global Innovators Community

A/O PropTech, Europe’s largest proptech VC, will be the first venture capital firm to join the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a member of its Global Innovators Community.

Programme for startups looking to make an impact on CO2e emissions

Carbon13 is the venture builder for the climate emergency, supporting startups geared at reducing CO2e emissions; by 2025, its mission is to help 1,000 entrepreneurs build 150 startups, each of which has the potential to reduce emissions by at least 10 million tonnes per annum.

Payment orchestration increases FirstGroup’s resilience in cashless travel

FirstGroup has selected BRIDGE’s payment orchestration platform to achieve greater resilience and control in managing e-payment transactions. BRIDGE technology has initially been deployed across the FirstGroup’s online ticketing for UK bus travel, with plans to encompass the company’s mobile app channel and rail ticketing systems.

Small businesses suffer most furlough stress

e-days, the absence intelligence company, says data from 86,000 recorded UK absences has revealed that stress levels have spiked twice in 2020 following the changes to the furlough schemes. These peaks were especially noticeable in organisations with fewer than 250 employees as the effects of the pandemic proved more challenging for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).

Email Marketing Module to Help Businesses Bounce Back from COVID-19

Cloud-based Customer Relationship Management [CRM] solution, BuddyCRM, has unveiled a sophisticated email marketing module, designed to help businesses drive increased revenue and bounce back from COVID-19.

London and Berlin pledge to strengthen trade and investment links post-Brexit

London and Berlin have pledged to strengthen business links between the two European capitals by announcing an extension of a partnership agreement signed by both city’s trade and investment agencies last year. The city-to-city agreement has been renewed to coincide with a virtual event marking the 20th anniversary of the twinning of the two cities, involving the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Governing Mayor of Berlin, Michael Müller.

Business growth agency goes global

A London-based business growth agency has expanded its services to six countries, following double-digit growth in 2020. SME GRO.TEAM now has a range of advisors on hand to provide support to the US, Canada, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand and Australia. It has tailored its website to the various local markets following both the successful delivery of several ad-hoc overseas projects, and a spike in online traffic and enquiries from across each country.

Tech startup partners with D&I expert in a bid to drive more diversity in tech sector

Tech startup, Isotropic Systems has announced its partnership with diversity and inclusion consultancy, Inspired Human. Perrine Farque, Founder of Inspired Human and diversity and inclusion expert has partnered with Isotropic to help the organisation drive further diversity in the tech sector. An ambitious programme has been agreed involving the CEO’s personal commitment to double female representation in the workforce within the next 12 months, kicking off the programme in Q4 2020 the company is making huge strides to close the gender gap in the tech sector.