75% of business owners dip into own pocket due to cost-of-living crisis

Almost three quarters of entrepreneurs have admitted to dipping into their personal savings in the last month to save their business from going under, according to new research commissioned by the Parliament Street think tank.

GIFs & emojis in a pitch deck? The creative dos and don’ts to draw attention

Creating and presenting a pitch deck is always a daunting prospect. Especially when you’re new to the process. Just knowing what information to include can be a minefield, let alone how to present it. And while tech advancements have opened the way to multimedia presentations, the question remains whether the likes of GIFs, emojis, and animations are appropriate in a business setting. Can they be used to make your business stand out in the right way?

Tap to Pay – Here to Stay?

Apple propelled Tap to Pay to the forefront of payments and fintech news, with their new Tap to Pay feature effectively turning iPhones into payment terminals. In theory, this could be a gamechanger for small businesses in the UK, helping them avoid high fees and clunky tech. What’s more, it’s not just Apple who’s bringing out new solutions here. Plenty of new entrants to the market are making a play for the Android users who make up 45% of the market. Now, let’s look at whether this is a technology which will really take off.

Seattle, the emerald city

Famous for its coffee culture, grunge music scene, and chewing gum wall, Seattle boasts beauty, greenery and elegance. What’s more, when I picture the city, I think of ferry boats and the Space Needle, all thanks to medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy.

The future for small businesses

We are currently in a state of uncertainty in many different aspects, and for businesses it can be a very daunting time. After the past few years we have had, it is now about rebuilding the UK economy.

UK SMEs to invest £633m in growth in the next year

Research from Aldermore shows further signs of growing confidence and investment plans from SMEs in the UK.

Crypto Wallet for beginners

As the cryptocurrency market is becoming more and more popular, many people are trying their luck by trading various cryptocurrencies. You also need to be aware that there is a huge profit to be made in that market. But with that said, it also brings certain risks. In order to start your trading adventure, you will need a crypto wallet.

Tech Nation urges UK tech scaleups to apply to its growth programmes

Tech Nation has today opened applications for its seven prestigious growth stage and sector programmes: Upscale, Future Fifty, Libra, Applied AI, Fintech, Net Zero and, for the first time ever, Net Zero X.

Learn About What It Takes to Deliver Powerful Speeches at Work

Only a handful of people are naturally talented at public speaking, and even fewer genuinely love it. As a result, most people regard the practice of preparing and giving speeches as difficult, uncomfortable, or even boring. Regardless, some level of public speaking is required in several lines of work. You may be instructed to deliver a speech in a private meeting, provide a status report for the whole organisation, or speak at a summit or some other event. Whatever it may be, or however intimidating it may seem, there are measures that can be taken to make preparations and develop your skills.

Tide & Sage build end-to-end accounting & tax solution

Tide, a business financial platform and Sage, an accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology specialist for SMEs have announced the launch of a complete end-to-end accounting and tax solution for small businesses.

Q&A: Leiho – Smiley Socks for a Good Cause

Leiho has created smiley socks for a good cause. For homeless people, something as simple as putting on a clean pair of socks, underwear, eating a hot meal or drinking clean water can make a huge difference to your day. Leiho has created socks, and with every eco-conscious product you buy, you are helping the business support people in need by giving them essentials that improve their lives. We caught up with the two Founders Joey and Thuta to find out about their journey. 

20% of businesses held back by lack of awareness around growth funding

While growth optimism remains high among UK SMEs, a significant number of businesses are unaware of the steps required to support this growth, according to new research by independent asset manager, BOOST&Co.

Over 3,000 business leaders, innovators, and investors to unite in the fight against climate change at Reset Connect London

Over 3,000 business leaders, innovators and investors are set to unite in the fight against climate change at the UK’s largest sustainability ecosystem and green investment event, Reset Connect London.

6 essential employee engagement trends you must action

Creating a highly engaged workforce and a thriving workplace continues to be a major focus for all HR managers. And the reason is simple. Every business needs what employee engagement creates: happier and more productive employees.

A short history of cross-border commerce & how to navigate it

Cross-border commerce has created a new digital age of endless possibility. Brands and companies can expand into untapped markets, as well as grow their visibility with potential new consumers who aren’t dependent on localised commerce.

Could AI-Generated Inventions Soon be Patented in the UK?

With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence technology, how are AI-generated inventions recognised when it comes to patents? 

London dominates in R&D tax credits claim value

HMRC figures show London-based companies once again securing a major share of R&D (research and development) tax relief with over £2.3bn paid out in 2019-20. Other strong performing areas include the West Midlands, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, and Surrey where businesses collectively secured almost £1.3bn in tax relief for innovation-focused investment.

Virtual initiative returns to support fintech startups and scaleups in Europe

A European tech initiative has returned in 2022 to support tech startups and scaleups access the UK, Ireland and Europe to better connect with investors and potential partners.

How to choose the perfect name for your business

Whether this is your first business, a new enterprise, or a brand within your existing company, choosing the right name is a vital part of its success. There are many factors to consider and, as IP and business name experts, we’ll take you through the process to ensure you’re off to the best start.

Eight Trends Powering Digital Transformation in 2022

Back in 2018, one fifth (21%) of companies believed they had completed their digital transformation (DX) experience, according to Forrester research. Fast forward three years, we can say with some degree of certainty that what businesses thought was full digital transformation, was just the tip of the iceberg.